22 May Fix It This Winter: Podiatry Solutions for Ingrown Toenails, Warts and Fungal Nails
“Healthy feet start in winter” – that’s what the footinjuryclinic podiatrists Russel Rubin and Trevor Proskewitz always say. Yes, winter isn’t just the season for cosy socks and closed shoes – it’s also the perfect time to finally deal with those annoying foot problems you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s an ingrown toenail that keeps flaring up, stubborn warts that won’t disappear or fungal nails you’re embarrassed to show, treating them during the cooler months gives your feet time to heal before sandal season AKA summer rolls around again. At footinjuryclinic, our experienced podiatrists offer science-based treatments designed to provide long-term relief and treatment for these foot conditions.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common and painful nail conditions our podiatrists treat. They occur when the edge of the nail grows and digs into the surrounding skin rather than straight out over the toe. The big toe is usually the most affected by this ailment.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
- Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
- Redness and swelling
- Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably
- Infection or discharge
- Recurring inflammation
Ingrown toenails can be caused by tight footwear, improper nail trimming, injury or naturally curved nails. While home remedies and DIY trimming may temporarily reduce discomfort, they often don’t fix the underlying problem.
For ongoing or severe cases, our podiatrists offer nail surgery as a permanent solution. Performed under local anaesthetic, the procedure removes the section of nail causing the problem and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Warts
Plantar warts or verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and commonly appear on the soles of the feet.
Common wart symptoms include:
- Rough, raised lesions on the sole of the foot
- Pain when walking or standing
- Tiny black dots within the wart
- Thickened skin that resembles a callus
- Multiple warts spreading across the foot
Warts are contagious and thrive in warm, damp environments like swimming pools, gym change rooms and communal showers. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter treatments often fail to eliminate the virus, especially when the wart is deep or has been present for a long time.
At footinjuryclinic, our podiatrists use Swift Microwave Therapy, an innovative treatment that uses microwave energy to stimulate the body’s immune response to fight the wart virus naturally.
Unlike some traditional treatments, Swift does not rely on freezing or destroying tissue. The treatment is quick, requires little downtime and can be particularly effective for stubborn warts that haven’t responded to other therapies. Many patients notice significant improvement after just a few sessions.
Fungal Nails
Fungal nail infections are extremely common and can affect both toenails and fingernails. The infection develops when fungi invade the nail bed, often thriving in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes and socks.
Signs of fungal nails include:
- Yellow, white or brown nail discolouration
- Thickened or brittle nails
- Crumbling nail edges
- Distorted nail shape
- Nails lifting away from the nail bed
If pharmacy products have not been able to get rid of your fungal nails, footinjuryclinic offers Lunula Laser treatment. It’s a non-invasive option that uses low-level laser technology to target the fungus beneath the nail without pain, heat or damage to surrounding tissue.
The treatment requires no recovery time and is suitable for many patients looking for an alternative to oral antifungal medication. As healthy nail growth takes several months, starting treatment in winter allows time for clearer, healthier nails to emerge before summer arrives.
Get Summer-Ready Feet This Winter
Foot problems rarely disappear on their own; the longer they’re ignored, the more difficult they can become to treat. Winter offers the ideal opportunity to finally tackle ingrown toenails, warts and fungal nails. With advanced treatment options and experienced podiatrists, footinjuryclinic can help you achieve healthier, pain-free feet in time for summer ahead. Contact our clinics, conveniently located in Bondi Junction, Barangaroo and St Ives, and get your foot issues sorted this winter.