Our feet are intricate marvels of engineering, perfectly adapted to propel us across diverse landscapes. Yet, like any finely tuned machine, even slight deviations in motion can cause wear and tear. We have all experienced the blisters that form from an ill-fitting pair of shoes, or a sudden increase in activity.
As podiatrists at Healthia, we understand the profound impact that tinea-related nail infections can have on the confidence and well-being of our patients. Tinea has a worldwide prevalence of 5.5% which makes it the most common condition that affects nail health and therefore one of the most common nail conditions we see in our clinics (Lipner & Scher, 2019). Read more
Shin splints – sounds scary doesn’t it?! But there’s no need to be alarmed – the vast majority of
people that experience shin splints get back to the things they love doing by listening to good
advice and following an individualised management plan.
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure that combines swimming, cycling, and running? Triathlons are the ultimate test of endurance, pushing you to your limits while embracing the exhilaration of completing three incredible disciplines. As a podiatrist with a passion for sports and foot health, I’m here to share some valuable tips to help you conquer your triathlon with a smile on your face. Beginners to Triathlons have great ‘half’ or ‘short course’ options to get started. So, no excuses, lace up your shoes, dive in, and let’s make your triathlon experience truly epic!
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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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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