Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown nail is a common issue that most people will experience at some stage in their lifetime. The condition occurs when the edge of the nail irritates the surrounding soft tissue leading to pain and infection. Our Podiatrists offer a simple procedure under local anaesthetic that can eradicate this problem and prevent it from returning. If ingrown nails are annoying you please consult one of our podiatrists for further information.

Thick toenails, Corns & Calluses

Many of us are troubled by annoying corns, thick nails, calluses or cracked heels. These small but painful problems can dramatically affect our daily activities. Let our podiatrists provide relief as well as devise long term solutions.

Hammertoe, Claw Toes and Mallet toes

There are a number of toe deformities that lead to abnormal contracture and positioning of our toes. Hammertoes, Claw Toes and Mallet toes are some of the most common toe deformities that can cause difficulty with footwear, painful corns and other musculoskeletal issues. There are numerous conservative and surgical treatment options that can provide relief from these issues.

Bunions

Bunions (or hallux valgus) is a progressive structural deformity of the big toe joint where there is deviation of the big toe towards the lesser toes in conjunction to deviation of the first metatarsal. This malalignment leads to a primant bump on the side of the foot, difficulty with shoe wear, arthritic change within the joint and the development of hammertoes and other forefoot issues. Prior to considering surgery there are a number of modalities that can provide pain relief. In order to see what best suits your condition our podiatrists can provide accurate diagnoses and relevant treatment options that can help. If surgery is warranted, we work closely and are able to refer to a number of Victoria’s leading Podiatric Surgeons.

Hallux Rigidus

Arthritis of the big toe joint is commonly referred to as Hallux rigidus. The condition is characterised by pain, swelling and stiffness of the big toe joint. Hallux rigidus is often caused by trauma to the joint or from poor foot function over time. These cause damage to the cartilage which degrades over time resulting in a deformed joint that is unable to bend . Like bunions, there are a number of conservative treatment options prior to surgery that can help reduce pain within this joint. To see what treatment best suits, we suggest that our podiatrists accurately assess your foot to provide relevant options.

Plantar Plate Injury

The plantar plate is a deep fibrocartilaginous structure that originates from the metatarsal head and attaches to the proximal phalanx through the joint capsule within the forefoot. These important structures support each of our metatarsophalangeal joints and are important stabilisers during gait. Either from direct injury or long standing mechanical issues these plantar plates can become attenuated or damaged not only leading to pain but progression to further toe deformities such as hammertoes. There are various treatment options available depending on the amount of damage and deformity present.

Mortons Neuroma

Is a common cause of forefoot pain that occurs when the nerve supplying the intermetatarsal space is compressed, irritated or crushed as it passess under a deep ligament called the deep transverse metatarsal ligament. Symptoms range from focal pain, burning, tingling and radiation to the toes. Often there are other structural foot issues that are contributing to this condition. Our podiatrists can offer a number a conservative treatment options that can help alleviate this condition.

Intermetatarsal Bursitis

A bursa is a closed, fluid-filled sac that works as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. Within the forefoot foot there are a number of regions where these bursa can become irritated and inflamed leading to bursitis. With correct identification of the underlying cause of this irritation, relief from this condition can be achieved.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone. They’re caused by repetitive force, such as overuse from sport, occupational demands, systemic conditions and poor foot mechanics. Failure to accurately diagnose and treat this condition can lead to greater bone injury and damage. Our podiatrists are skilled in all aspects of fracture management and postoperative care and rehabilitation to ensure pain free and functional feet.

Sesamoiditis

The sesamoids are two small bones embedded within the flexor tendons of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. They play an important role in shock absorption and movement of the big toe. A number of conditions can impact them such as bunions, stress fractures, arthritis, congenital abnormality and avascular necrosis. Due to the complexity of these small structures, correct and timely diagnoses are essential to managing these problems.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that causes discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. They are often not painful however their thickened appearance is cosmetically unpleasing and they can spread to adjacent toes or to others. Out podiatrists can arrange diagnostic tests and implement conservative, pharmacological and surgical treatment of this condition.