As podiatrists in Sydney, we see a huge range of foot problems at our foot clinics in Alexandria and Sydenham. Here are some of the most common foot problems we see and how they can be treated.
Dry Skin & Cracked Heels
Almost everyone at some point in their lives will experience dry skin on their feet or cracked heels. As we get older our feet need more and more moisture to stay supple and smooth.
By simply cleaning, exfoliating and moisturising your feet (preferably daily), you can help prevent dry skin and cracked heels even as you age. Don’t forget to also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – something so simple can have a huge effect on your body especially your skin.
If your cracked heels require attention from a podiatrist, they could recommend some heel balm to use as well.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful and debilitating. It’s usually the result of inflammation (or tearing) of the plantar fascia, which is a ligament that runs underneath your foot from the heel bone to the toes.
Often treatment could include simple options like rest and applying an ice pack, if the pain is not too severe. For more serious cases, your podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics for longer-term foot problems.
Ingrown Toenails
As unsightly as they can be, it’s never a good idea to cover up your ingrown toenails and hope they will fix themselves.
If you have an ingrown toenail, visit your podiatrist as soon as you can. They can help to trim back the nail and treat any painful infection.
For severe cases of ingrown toenails, you may need a partial nail avulsion.
Fungal Nail Infections
If your feet spend long periods of time in warm, damp conditions (like your socks and shoes), you may end up with a fungal toenail infection.
Fungal infections can also be picked up in public spaces like swimming pools and communal showers, so it’s always good to wear thongs when walking around public wet areas if you can.
Here at The Foot Hub, our podiatrists in Sydney have some very effective fungal nail treatment options, including photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PACT ®) and Keryflex nail restoration.
Bunions
Bunions are a common foot problem across the world, and one that our Sydney podiatrists see fairly regularly.
They can often be managed through choosing the right kind of shoes to wear, doing specific stretches recommended by your podiatrist, ice baths and anti-inflammatories. Custom orthotics are also an option for some patients.
But sometimes more drastic action is needed in the form of bunion surgery.
Corns & Callouses
Formed from friction on your feet, corns and callouses are another annoyingly common foot problem.
Corns are the growths that appear on the top side of your feet. Callouses are the growths that appear on the underside of your foot. They’re the same thing, but because you are always standing on your feet, callouses grow into your skin instead of on top of them.
You might consider them a minor issue, but a good podiatrist can help you get rid of these annoying growths on your feet quickly and as painlessly as possible.
Diabetic Foot Problems
As a diabetic, you’re prone to experiencing a range of the most common foot problems. This is down to the fact that diabetes can cause nerve damage, result in poor blood circulation, and also make you more susceptible to infections.
Look after your feet by checking them daily for any changes, keeping them dry and clean, and always following your GP’s medical advice.
Get more of our podiatrists’ basic foot care tips for diabetics here.
Remember that all treatments should be personalised and recommended for you by your podiatrist.
If you’re experiencing any of these common foot problems, and they aren’t going away, make an appointment with our podiatrists in Sydney today.
