What is podiatric surgery?
Podiatric Surgery is the surgical treatment of the foot and its associated structures. It is carried out by a Podiatric Surgeon as an out-patient procedure and under local anaesthetic. A Podiatric Surgeon treats and manages bone, joint and soft tissue disorders.
Who can benefit from podiatric surgery?
Podiatric Surgery is suitable for most patients who need surgical correction of their feet. Conditions included bunions, hammer toes, chronic corns, bony lumps or neuromas.
Should my child see a podiatrist?
In order to better prepare your child for a fully active lifestyle, visits to the podiatrist at an early age can be beneficial. Often, a podiatrist can diagnose biomechanical imbalances in your child's foot structures that would otherwise cause painful problems in later life.
How does diabetes affect feet?
One of the first ways in which diabetes may affect your feet is through the loss of sensation within your feet, often starting at the toes. Diabetes can also affect blood supply to and within your feet, this can delay healing and increase your risks of infection.
Why go for regular check-ups?
If you have diabetes it is important that you have your feet checked at least once a year, so that you receive the appropriate level of care. The Podiatrist will be able to treat any corns, callous, ulcers or pressure sores which may have developed.
What does the Podiatrist look for?
If you are at increased risk of an ulcer, the Podiatrist will normally check both the blood supply to your feet and look for evidence of loss of sensation in your feet. The podiatrist will also be looking for any foot deformity or signs of excessive loading that may warrant either footwear advice or in some cases a prescriptive orthotic.
How can I keep my feet healthy?
Following a daily routine to keep your feet clean and free from infection will help prevent potential foot problems. Here are some tips:
- You should also make sure your footwear fits well and doesn't put pressure on or rub any part of your foot. A good way of ensuring this is to get your feet measured.
- Remember to cut you nails following the shape of the toe, and not too short. File them, if that is easier.
- To keep corns and hard skin under control use a foot file, emery board or pumice stone. Don't cut corns for yourself, or apply 'over the counter' lotions or acids unless prescribed by your Podiatrist. If you have previously been advised that you can use 'over the counter' lotions check each year that this is still okay.
- Any minor cuts or abrasions should be covered with a clean dry dressing, and blisters should be left to dry out on their own. If they burst, apply a clean dry dressing, but do not burst them yourself. Seek professional treatment if they do not heal quickly. Wounds (sometimes called ulcers) should be assessed and treated as a matter of urgency within 24 hours, especially if there is redness or swelling around the area.
What are the warning signs of foot problems?
If there are signs of redness in any part of the foot or leg, or if the foot feels warmer than usual, this might indicate infection of inflammation, which needs prompt professional attention. Awareness of pain and injury may be diminished, so inspect the inside of your shoes daily for objects like nails or torn linings, which might cut the skin. You should urgently consult your podiatrist or seek medical attention, if you see in your feet a break in the skin or a discharge, a change in colour (redder, bluer, paler, blacker over part or all of foot) or new swelling in your feet.
What happens when I have abnormal foot functioning?
When your foot flattens too much (overpronation), some bones are forced to support too much weight. Over time, you may develop one or more of the following conditions:
- Swelling or pain on the bottom of your foot or near the heel (heelspur)
- A bony bump (bunion) at your toe joint
Both of these conditions can create biomechanical imbalances in the foot which may lead to an overuse injury of other structures or compensatory injuries in your ankle, knee, hip or lower back.