26 Oct Get your feet holiday-ready: Sort out foot concerns before the December rush
Summer in Sydney is all about school holidays, travel, beach days and plenty of end-of-year activities. But if foot problems such as heel pain, ingrown toenails or stubborn warts are bothering you, it could literally stop you in your tracks.
Our podiatrists Russel Rubin and Trevor Proskewitz advise you to get any foot concerns assessed now, before the summer rush. Visit one of our three clinics so that they can identify what’s causing your symptoms, explore suitable treatment options and tell you how to manage your feet before the holiday break. Here are three common foot concerns that our podiatrists treat on a regular basis.
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
Planning a holiday, spending hours at the shops or clocking up extra steps to keep fit in summer? If your heels are already sore, it’s worth getting them checked before you go.
Heel pain can have several causes, including plantar fasciitis, a condition involving irritation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. Symptoms can include pain under the heel, particularly when taking your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The discomfort may also flare up after prolonged standing or walking.
Rather than hoping the pain will disappear, arrange an assessment to find out what might be contributing to it. Our podiatrists can assess your symptoms, discuss your activity levels and recommend appropriate management options.
Depending on the cause of your heel pain, this may include activity modification, exercises, footwear advice as well as custom-made orthotics that are crafted in our in-house lab.
Ingrown toenails
Sandals, swimming, beach days and summer holidays are all part of the appeal of warmer weather. An ingrown toenail, however, can make even everyday activities uncomfortable.
An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, potentially causing tenderness, redness and swelling. In some cases, infection can develop, making early assessment particularly important.
If a toenail is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, our podiatrists can assess the nail, check for signs of infection and discuss suitable treatment options.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the ingrown toenail. Avoid digging into the nail or attempting to cut out the offending edge yourself, as this can aggravate the surrounding skin.
If you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge or worsening discomfort, arrange a prompt assessment. If ingrown toenails are a recurring problem, our podiatrists can perform minor surgery such as Partial Nail Avulsion and Nail Wedge Excision.
Plantar warts
Summer often means more time barefoot around swimming pools and in communal changing areas. Plantar warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They can sometimes resemble corns or calluses and may cause discomfort when walking or standing.
If you have a persistent wart that won’t go away despite different types of treatment, our podiatrists may suggest SWIFT microwave therapy. This treatment delivers controlled microwave energy to the affected tissue to stimulate an immune response. Our podiatrists can explain whether it’s an appropriate option and discuss other available treatments.
Get your feet checked before the holidays
Whether you’re planning a walking adventure, preparing for summer sandals or simply hoping to enjoy December without foot discomfort, addressing concerns early can make planning easier.
Book a podiatry appointment before the end-of-year rush so you can head into the holiday season with a clearer plan for looking after your feet. Visit footinjuryclinic at one of our Sydney clinics in Bondi Junction, Barangaroo or St Ives.