Articles & Posts by Julius Marco

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By Shannyn Wing (née Hermann)

Welcome, dear readers, to another exciting edition of our podiatry blog. Today, we’re going to dive into a common foot ailment that many individuals face at some point in their lives: athlete’s foot. At times athlete’s foot can remain chronic and persistent, but fear not! With proper knowledge, we can easily prevent and treat this pesky condition. 

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the skin between the toes. It is the proliferation of dermatophyte fungi Trichophyton Rubrum, Trichophyton Interdigitale, or Epidermophyton Flocossum. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Predisposing factors include occlusive footwear, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), difficulty drying feet and in between toes, and barefoot on communal surfaces.   Read more

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Are you ready to take centre stage and embrace the beauty and rhythm of dance? Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a beginner finding your groove, dance is a captivating art form that brings joy, expression, and a sense of accomplishment. Foot health can make a world of difference to your freedom on the dance floor. So put on your dancing shoes, get ready to twirl, and let’s make your dance journey spectacular! Read more

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Living with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) can be challenging as these conditions can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. The important role a podiatrist can play in the holistic management of hip or knee OA is often overlooked. As a podiatrist, every day I see the benefits our advice and treatments provide patients suffering from OA. In this blog, we describe what OA is and how best a podiatrist can help.  Read more

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Occupational therapy plays a vital role in supporting the development and well-being of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By addressing sensory, motor, and cognitive challenges, occupational therapists empower autistic children to enhance their functional abilities and engage in their life whole heartedly. In this blog, we will explore the significant impact of occupational therapy on autistic children and how it promotes their independence and participation in daily activities. Read more

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Plantar warts, also known as a verruca, are a common skin condition that can impact people of all ages although they are particularly common in children. As podiatrists, we are often the first point of contact for patients seeking treatment for their plantar warts.

What causes warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can enter the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions on the soles of the feet. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools and communal showers, which are often frequented by children. Unfortunately, another example of a warm, moist environment is a sweaty foot in a shoe! Once the virus has entered the skin, it causes a rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin, leading to the formation of a wart.1 

How can warts be treated?

Podiatrists offer a range of treatment options for plantar warts, tailored to the child’s age, overall health, and the severity of the warts. Some of the treatments podiatrists offer are listed below.   Read more

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By Rainer Maier

Having warts on the bottom of the feet that won’t go away is a frustrating, ongoing problem that can last months or even years. They can make walking unpleasant but also painful. While many people are told that they should just wait for the wart to go away on its own, or to use padding in the meantime that only ever provides a little temporary relief, the reality is that when left untreated, warts can stick around for a very long time.

What are plantar warts and how are they caused?

Plantar warts are small, rough, round growths that are medically known as verrucae and present on the bottom of the foot. They’re caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the outer skin layer and are often contracted in childhood. Once you’ve contracted the virus, you’ll always have it in your system, so plantar warts may pop up spontaneously throughout your lifetime. Read more

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By Cameron Chaplin

Diabetes is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Podiatrists play a crucial role in supporting people with diabetes by providing expert foot care and helping to prevent lower limb complications. In this blog, we’ll explore how podiatrists can help people with diabetes.

Prevention 

Preventing foot complications is a top priority for podiatrists who work with people with diabetes. Rather than focusing on the risks and negative outcomes of foot problems, podiatrists take a positive approach by empowering their patients to take control of their foot health. This can include education on proper foot care, wearing appropriate footwear, and engaging in physical activity to control their diabetes. Read more

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By Rainer Maier
Ingrown toenails on a woman’s foot, pain in the big toe closeup

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, are a common and painful complaint. A true ingrown toenail is when a spike or edge of nail pierces the skin at the nail edge. This is known as the sulcus and can cause inflammation and even lead to infection. 

There are a variety of factors that can cause ingrown toenails. The most common cause is due to improper cutting of your toenail and leaving a spike of nail in the sulcus. It can also be a result of a curved nail, known as an involuted nail, from external pressure. 

If you are experiencing pain, redness, and swelling around your toenail, it may be time to consider seeing one of our podiatrists. With over 30 years of combined experience in treating foot and ankle conditions, we have successfully treated many cases of ingrown toenails. Read more

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By Rainer Maier
Using ankle foot orthosis at flaccid foot drop, adjusting tightening straps with velcro for fixed brace on leg.

Welcome to the world of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs)! If you’re new to the concept of AFOs, you may be wondering what they are and how an AFO may benefit you. An AFO is a medical device (orthosis) that is used to support and/or correct the alignment of the ankle and foot.

There are several different types of AFOs available, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, a solid AFO is typically used to provide stability and support to a weak or unstable ankle. On the other hand, a hinged AFO allows for some movement at the ankle joint and can be useful for people who need more flexibility and have some muscle strength.

Another type of AFO is the dynamic AFO, which uses springs, hinges, or other mechanisms to assist with movement. This type of AFO is often used for people with foot drop or gait abnormalities. Materials used to fabricate an AFO can vary from lightweight plastics to carbon fibre. Read more

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By Madison Knight

As podiatrists, we see a lot of people who are dealing with calluses and corns on their feet. These are common foot conditions that can be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most common is footwear.
Wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes that don’t provide enough support can cause your feet to develop calluses and corns. These conditions can be painful and unsightly, and they can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time. In this blog, I’ll explain how footwear can contribute to the development of calluses and corns, and what you can do to prevent them.

What are calluses and corns? What’s the difference?

The skin is our largest organ and protects us from external threats. When the skin undergoes continuous moments of stress or trauma, the body recognises this and signals the skin to thicken. This defence mechanism strengthens our skin to these outside forces – which is a good thing. A callus is a diffuse thickening of a patch of skin, whereas a corn has the defining feature of a central core. Read more

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