| Arch
and heel pain/plantar fasciitis |
|
Achilles
Tendonitis |
| Knee
pain/shinsplints |
|
Children's
feet |
| Corns
and hammer toes |
|
Warts/Verrucae |
| Bunions |
|
Athletes
foot/tinea |
| Diabetic
foot care |
|
Neuroma/pinched
nerve |
| Ingrown/fungal
nails |
|
ACC
treatments by your Podiatrist |
| |
Arch
and heel pain/plantar fasciitis
A very common complaint is that of a painful heel and/or arch
in the morning, on first standing. This is usually caused by
strain to the ligament called the plantar fascia, which is stretched
when the arch lowers with each step we take. This condition
responds very satisfactorily with treatment that includes stretching
exercises that Dr. Halpine will demonstrate, and with the provision
of orthotic devices. |
| |
Knee
pain/shinsplints
Many
people suffer with pain along the shin bone or in the knee region
while walking or running. Quite frequently these aches are due
to biomechanical imbalances of the feet and legs. The muscles
must overwork in order to try to stabilize an excessive foot
motion called subtalar joint hyperpronation. Your podiatrist
can examine your mechanics and offer relief from these symptoms. |
|
|
Corns
and hammer toes
When
toes rub against the shoe, the pressure can cause pain and the
formation of corns. This problem is first treated through trimming
and attention to shoe fit. Surgical correction of the toe deformity
that is causing the corn formation can be performed by Dr. Halpine. |
| |
Bunions
A
bunion is a prominence on the inside of the foot near the big
toe. It also causes the drift of the big toe toward the second.
The causes of bunions include: heredity, wear and tear, and
a flexible low-arched foot-type. Dr. Halpine can slow bunion
development with orthotic devices. He is also specially trained
in the surgery to correct this painful deformity. |
|
|
Diabetic
foot care
Early diagnosis, preventive treatment and patient education
are crucial in helping to avoid severe complications of diabetes
such as the loss of digits and limbs to infection. All patients
with diabetes should see a Podiatrist at least once a year. |
| |
Ingrown/fungal
nails
Toenails often begin to grow into the flesh causing infection
and pain. Dr. Halpine can give both short-term and permanent
relief with minor surgery. Thickened, yellowing, crumbling nails
may be caused by a fungal infection. This may spread from one
toe to the next or one family member to another. Depending on
the severity, Dr. Halpine may recommend an oral medication to
remedy this problem. |
|
|
Achilles
Tendonitis
With each step of a pronated (flattened) foot, the achilles
is twisted. Multiply this twisting by tens of thousands of steps
and achilles tendonitis can result. Dr. Halpine can assist this
condition by fitting orthotic devices to stabilize the feet. |
| |
Children's
feet
Many parents are concerned
if their children's feet point inwards or outwards or appear
to have extremely flat arches. Your podiatrist can offer early
diagnosis and treatment which can assist your child in having
a lifetime of foot comfort. |
|
|
Warts/Verrucae
Verrucae are caused by a virus that infects the first layer
of skin. They cause a disruption in the skin's normal growth
pattern. They are painful to walk on and contagious. Dr. Halpine
can offer relief, most often through complete surgical removal
of the wart. |
| |
Athletes
foot/tinea
Athlete's foot is a fungal
condition of the skin that can cause redness, cracks, burning
and itching. Blisters may form on the skin. It is important
that the correct diagnosis be made and treatment started by
your Podiatrist. |
|
|
Neuroma/pinched
nerve
A
neuroma is an enlarged nerve that passes between the metatarsal
heads at the base of the toes. This may cause pain or numbness
in the forefoot or out into the toes.
Patients often seek relief by removing their shoes and bending
the toes. Specially designed orthotic devices to spread the
metatarsal bones are largely successful to control this condition.
If necessary Dr. Halpine can offer more invasive treatments. |
| |
ACC
treatments by your Podiatrist
It is now possible to directly attend your Podiatrist with
accidents and injuries. Dr Halpine and his staff can advise
as to if and how ACC may be utilised in your case. |
|
|
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