Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
General Footcare
Over time, and under certain circumstances, caring for your feet, nails and skin can become very difficult.
Nails grow thicker, skin becomes harder, and feet can become more difficult to reach. It is important to keep up your general footcare. We have patients come to us from across Albany, including from Lockyer, Orana, Lange, Milpara, McKail, and Middleton Beach as well as from Centennial Park to manage their footcare on a regular basis.
What is General Footcare?
General footcare is to help you with general nail, corn, and callus care services provided by Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry. Our podiatrists are highly trained and specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the feet and lower extremities.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
How can Advanced Podiatry help?
Nail Care
Podiatrists offer various nail care services to ensure the health and proper maintenance of toenails. This may include the trimming and shaping of your nails, especially in cases where the nails are thick, ingrown, or difficult to manage.
Treating ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, inflammation, and potential infection. Our podiatrists can safely remove or lift the ingrown portion of the nail to relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
Managing fungal infections
Podiatrists can diagnose and treat fungal infections of the nails (onychomycosis) using topical or oral medications, laser therapy, and other appropriate treatments.
Addressing nail abnormalities
Podiatrists can address nail issues such as brittle nails, discoloured nails, and nail deformities.
Corn and Callus Care
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure. They often occur on the feet, particularly on areas like the toes, ball of the foot, and heel.
Our podiatrists provide care for corns and calluses through debridement where we can carefully remove the thickened, dead skin layers of corns and calluses using specialised tools. Our podiatrists can help to assess the underlying causes of the corns and calluses such as improper footwear or biomechanical issues and provide recommendations to prevent their recurrence. This helps reduce pain and discomfort and prevents the development of more serious complications.
Overall, general nail, corn, and callus care by a podiatrist involves a combination of medical expertise, proper tools, and techniques to promote foot health, alleviate discomfort, and prevent complications. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help maintain the well-being of your feet and lower extremities and address any concerns or conditions that may arise.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Diabetic Management
What is Diabetic Management?
Diabetic Management for podiatrists involves playing a critical role in preventing and managing various complications that can arise from diabetes-related foot problems. Diabetic footcare is a specialised area of podiatry that focuses on the prevention, management, and treatment of foot problems in individuals with diabetes.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
How can Advanced Podiatry help?
Regular foot examinations
People with diabetes should have their feet examined by a podiatrist regularly, at least once a year or more frequently if there are any concerns. These examinations help identify any potential issues early on and take preventive measures.
Neuropathy assessment
Podiatrists will check for signs of neuropathy, which is the loss of sensation in the feet due to nerve damage. Loss of feeling can make it difficult for diabetic patients to detect injuries or infections, leading to complications.
Vascular assessment
Poor circulation can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Podiatrists will assess the blood flow in the feet to identify any circulation problems.
Education
Podiatrists educate diabetic patients about foot care, including proper hygiene, nail trimming techniques, and the importance of wearing appropriate footwear.
Wound care
If a foot ulcer or injury occurs, podiatrists will provide specialised wound care to promote healing and prevent infection. They may also teach patients how to care for their wounds at home.
Callus and corn management
Diabetes can lead to the development of calluses and corns, which, if left untreated, can lead to foot ulcers. Podiatrists can safely remove these and provide guidance on preventing their recurrence.
Preventive measures
Podiatrists will advise patients on preventive measures to protect their feet, such as avoiding walking barefoot, inspecting their feet daily for any issues, and seeking prompt medical attention for any foot problems.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Foot Complications
Diabetes can lead to a range of foot complications due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, making the feet vulnerable to injuries and infections.
Some of these complications our podiatrists can help prevent include:
Foot Ulcers
Neuropathy and reduced blood circulation can lead to the development of foot ulcers. These are open sores that can become infected and difficult to heal. Our podiatrists can provide guidance on preventing ulcers by educating patients about foot hygiene, skin moisturisation, and early detection of any abnormalities.
Infections
People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections due to compromised immune function and poor blood flow. Our podiatrists can identify signs of infection early and provide appropriate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading or becoming severe.
Amputations
Left untreated, diabetic foot ulcers and infections can progress to a point where amputation may be necessary. Podiatrists work to prevent amputations by managing wounds, infections, and providing strategies for wound healing.
Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a condition where the bones in the foot become weakened and susceptible to fractures due to nerve damage. Podiatrists can diagnose and manage Charcot foot to prevent deformities and fractures.
Gangrene
Reduced blood circulation can lead to tissue death (gangrene), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Podiatrists help identify and manage the underlying causes of gangrene and prevent its progression.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Poor blood circulation in the lower extremities, known as PAD, is common in diabetes. Podiatrists can assess circulation, provide recommendations to improve blood flow, and monitor the condition.
Deformities and Joint Issues
Neuropathy can cause muscle imbalances and deformities in the feet, leading to issues like hammertoes and bunions. Podiatrists can provide interventions to prevent and manage these deformities.
Ingrown Toenails
Diabetes can affect nail growth and increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Podiatrists can safely treat ingrown toenails and educate patients on proper nail care.
Calluses and Corns
Neuropathy can lead to abnormal pressure points on the feet, resulting in calluses and corns. Podiatrists can help manage these and provide strategies to reduce their recurrence.
Foot Pain
Diabetes-related foot problems can lead to chronic foot pain. Podiatrists can identify the causes of pain and develop treatment plans to alleviate discomfort.
Foot Care Education
One of the most crucial aspects of podiatrist-led diabetic foot care is patient education. Podiatrists teach patients how to inspect their feet daily, recognise warning signs, and take appropriate actions to prevent complications.
It′s essential for individuals with diabetes to take proactive steps in caring for their feet, and regular visits to our podiatrists are a vital component of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. By working closely with us, diabetic patients can reduce the risk of serious foot complications and maintain optimal foot health.