Services
Bunions
Bunions are very commonly treated by podiatrists. The word ‘bunion’ is described as ‘bony lump found near the base of the big toe’. Bunions can be from biomechanical factors, poor footwear, foot type, ligament dysfunction, neuromuscular dysfunction and hereditary factors.
There are two ways to treat bunion foot conditions, conservatively and surgically. Conservative treatment is the first line treatment which consists of splints and orthotics. Using an orthotic helps aid the realignment of the foot and helps prevent further degeneration and/ or reduce symptoms. |
With an orthotic device it will help the function of the big toe joint to bend in the correct position. Surgical treatment should only be considered when conservative treatment has failed.
Footwear advice is also essential in the conservative care of bunions. |
Children's Feet (Paediatrics)
Children’s feet differ from adults. At birth a babies feet will double in size by the time they are 1 year old. At 6 months of age the foot is still mostly cartilage. By 6 months old your baby will begin to play with their feet. The only footwear needed for a baby is socks for warmth as they are not constructive and allow your babies feet to grow normally.
When your child starts to stand and walk it is important to make sure the size of your child’s socks and shoes are the correct size, your child may need to change sizes every couple of months. By the age of 3, your child will be learning to hop, skip and jump. The child’s shoes should offer protection from injury or cold and still allow freedom and mobility. The correct size shoe is important for your child, make sure the correct length and depth is available with room for the child’s feet to grow. |
By the time your child starts school you will be able to see their walking patterns. Make sure to keep your child’s feet clean and dry and wear thongs around the pool to avoid tinea and warts the most two common skin infections in children.
If you have any concerns about your child’s feet at any age, please contact your podiatrist for your child to be assessed. Our podiatrists are experienced in paediatric podiatry and can help you with any concerns. |
Diabetic Foot Health
Diabetic Assessments
Diabetes can affect your feet which is why it is important to have your feet assessed yearly by a podiatrist. If your diabetes is poorly controlled for a long period of time your feet may incur problems such as nerve damage and poor circulation. With diabetes you may begin to lose feeling in your feet, and not feel things you may be stepping on such as a stone in your shoe. This becomes dangerous as things you step on may cause a wound or even worse an infection on the bottom of your foot. Early detection of these changes are very important. By having a podiatric assessment every 12 months your podiatrist can determine any changes in your feet. The examination consists of examining sensation with pressure sensitivity, vibrations and/ or reflexes, and the circulation of your feet by feeling your foot pulses. |
Daily inspection
To prevent problems with your feet, you need to protect your feet from injury and inspect your feet daily to see if there are any changes. You podiatrist will show you how to correctly examine your feet and tell you what to look out for when something might be wrong. It is important to contact your podiatrist or doctor if you are worried about your feet. Footwear Good footwear is important when you have diabetes. Where possible it is always best to wear lace up shoes with a wide base so your toes have room to move and with a deep base. The right type of socks are very important. Loose diabetic socks are available from your podiatrist. Please enquire with in. |
Fungal Nails
Do you or someone you know have fungal nails? We provide a non-invasive procedure using a PACT Fungal Nail Therapy treatment light. The treatment plan involves the preparation of the infected nails, with an application of the photosensitising gel and finishing with the application of the light source for 10 mins. The outcomes from this treatment really does show improvement of the nail and with regrowth back to normal.
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Feet First Podiatry has a wide range of services and treatments available with creams available for non-severe fungal nails.
For more information click here |
General Treatment
Our podiatrists are well trained and can treat any of your podiatric needs. Some of the general treatments and assessments include:
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Heel Pain / Plantar Fascitis
Heel pain is one of the most common conditions treated by podiatrists. The most common people to get heel pain are middle-aged men and women. Heel pain can also occur in children most commonly between the ages of 8 and 13, when sporting activities are increased.
Causes of Heel Pain Many causes of heel pain are from abnormalities in the way we walk. We place stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues attached to it. The stress can also be caused by a bruise, wearing incorrect footwear and/ or being overweight. Diseases such as arthritis and diabetes and arthritis and diabetes can also contribute to heel pain. Heel Spur – a heel spur is a common cause of heel pain, this is a bony growth under the heel bone with no physical features. A heel spur is a deep painful spot on the heel, it can be found around the middle of the sole of the heel. Heel spurs are from strain on the muscles of the foot. This may result from a biomechanical imbalance, a condition occurring in many people. Talk to your podiatrist about other treatments to stop the re-occurrence of heel spurs. Plantar Fasciitis – the inflammation of the arch area is called plantar fasciitis. This is the long band of tissue connects the heel and the ball of the foot. This is quite painful when inflamed. The inflammation may be aggravated by wearing the wrong types of shoes, not enough support in the arch area. Contact your podiatrist to find out the right way to treat your plantar fasciitis. |
Other causes – excessive rolling in of the feet when walking, soft tissue growths, heel bumps (enlargement of the heel bone), bruises or stress fractures to the heel bone, neuroma (nerve growth), an inflamed bursa (small irritated sock of fluid at the back of the heel). Can be used to treat patients with heel pain, plantar fasciitis and other foot pain related injuries.
Footwear Footwear is important. Make sure your shoes are in good condition and are well fit. Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on the heels or soles. Find shoes that shave shock-absorbent soles, ridged uppers and supportive heels. At Feet First Podiatry we sell podiatric friendly shoes for men and women in all styles and colours. Come in and see what is available! Stretching and Exercise It is important to warm up before you exercise and stretch properly afterwards. It is important to keep your calf muscles flexible after exercise. Make sure you pace yourself and take it slowly to start off with. Try some non weight-bearing activities like swimming or cycling. Talk to your podiatrist about some personalised stretches to help you and your heel pain. |
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused by many things and can develop at any age. Conservative treatment can involve correct nail trimming, removal of sharp nail edges, topical antiseptics, antibiotics and appropriate footwear. Most podiatrists opt for the surgical, more permanent option. This surgery is called Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA).
The PNA surgery consists of a local injection into the affected toe, the offending section of the nail is then removed by the podiatrist with the treatment of the phenol chemical. This ensures the nail from becoming ingrown again. This procedure is a permanent solution to the ingrown nail, it is pain free, with no stitches and heel quickly. |
Our podiatrists are well trained in nail procedures and can offer a wide range of both conservative and surgical treatments available.
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Orthotics
Are your feet sore or aching? Custom made orthotics are available from Feet First Podiatry. All our custom made prescription orthotics are manufactured using the latest computer technology available today. The assessment starts with a Video Gait Analysis, which involves a video of your walk on a treadmill with the podiatrist assessing the way you walk, this technology provides a more accurate image of your walk, for the podiatrist to assess.
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Our NEW 3D Laser Foot Scan equipment is the latest technology, with no more messy and uncomfortable casts to be done, this is now a painless way to assess your feet and provide a very accurate script for your orthotic devices. With the latest range of orthotic styles available you will not be ashamed to have a pair, they will even hide in your sandals and heels! Speak to your podiatrist today about a custom made pair of orthotics for you.
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Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are skin infections caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Plantar warts cause a hard, thick lesion around the sole of the foot. Plantar warts aren’t like normal raised warts, they are caused by running, jumping and walking. Plantar warts press inwards on the nerves of the skin. Plantar warts are contagious which is why they should be treated, no matter how small. Our podiatrists are trained for plantar wart removal for all ages, no matter how young or old.
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Tips to prevent plantar warts:
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Visit your podiatrist if you notice any lumps or sores on your feet
Shockwave Therapy
Shock Wave Therapy or as it's scientific name Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is an effective treatment which brings relief to patients who have had suffered in pain for quite some time. With shock wave therapy it involves the application of high energy acoustic waves to the painful areas of the feet and legs, which creates a cascade of metabolic activity which stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms. Our podiatrists are fully trained with this form of treatment. This treatment generally consists of around 3 treatments, dependent on the patients condition and to the podiatrists recommendations.
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Shock Wave Therapy is generally used to treat foot conditions such as:
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Sports Injuries
Injuries in sport can happen. Feet First Podiatry can help you recover from your feet pain and injuries in no time.
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If your feet hurt when you are playing sport or you have injured your feet/ ankles whilst playing, make an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists to get you back out and playing with your team.
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Our Locations
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Trading HoursMonday - 8:45am to 6:00pm Tuesday - 8:45am to 7:00pm
Wednesday - 9:00am to 7:00pm Thursday - 8:45am to 7:00pm Friday - 8:45am to 6:00pm Saturday - 8:45am to 12:00pm Sunday - Closed site by Mulcahy & Co Marketing
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