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

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

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