Gait Analysis, Podiatrist Melbourne, Orthotics Melbourne, Sports Podiatrist

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are painful lesions resulting from pressure and friction.

A callus is a thickening of the skin due to pressure. It is nature's way of protecting an area being traumatised.

Corns usually form over a bony area of the foot. Corns do not have roots and they do not grow. They form due to excess pressure but are more focal and painful than calluses. Generally speaking they form over the toes, between the toes or on the sole of the feet. A hard centre places pressure on the nerves which results in pain.

Causes of corns and calluses can be poorly fitted footwear, poor foot function and excess pronation, claw and hammer toes etc. Don't take the risk of infection using self treatment. Our podiatrists can remove corns and callouses safely and easily with little discomfort.

Warts

A wart (also commonly known as a plantar wart, papilloma and verruca) is a growth on the foot caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. They tend to have a cauliflower or blister appearance and are commonly seen on the feet, especially in children. They can be painful particularly if they are located on a weight-bearing area of the foot.

Warts can spontaneously disappear as the body builds up its own immune defences, however warts that remain can spread to other areas of the foot.

Treatment can range from simple home remedies to more extensive therapies like liquid nitrogen and acid treatments. Treatment is most successful if instigated early. Longer standing warts can be very resistant to treatment and require longer treatment periods.

Don't become complacent about warts on your feet. They often multiply and spread making them more difficult to treat. Our podiatrists can advise you on the best form of treatment.

Tinea (athletes foot)

Tinea or athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin. In the feet it commonly occurs between the toes and on the soles. The fungus thrives in a dark, moist, warm environment. Therefore feet that sweat excessively (perspiring feet) or enclosed for long periods in shoes with socks or nylon pantyhose provide the perfect environment for the fungus to spread.

Tinea of the feet can cause scaling, flaking, peeling and itching of the skin. Sometimes cracks and small blisters may appear leading to redness and inflammation. In bad cases tinea infections may lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Our podiatrists can advise you on the best form of treatment and prevention for tinea. Early treatment is essential to prevent spreading to other parts of the body and to other family members.