Your Chiropodist: Your Foot Specialist

YOUR CHIROPODIST: YOUR FOOT SPECIALIST

The field of Podiatry specializes in the following

areas:

BIOMECHANICS

Assessment of forefoot and rearfoot abnormalities.

GAIT ASSESSMENT Gait abnormalities Balance problems Leg length discrepancy Disorders that interfere with

proper walking and

sports function

FOOT ORTHOTIC THERAPY

Assessment and prescription to reduce abnormality and restore

function- eliminate pain

LASER THERAPY Joint pain Soft tissue injury Plantar fasciitis Achilles tendonitis Bunions Shin splints Forefoot pain

NAIL FUNGUS LASER TREATMENT

Finally a cure to a stubborn but common nail infection

SKIN INFECTIONS Early identification Effective treatments

NAIL DISORDERS

Conservative treatments Surgical treatments

for conditions such

as ingrown toenails

CALLUS AND CORN REMOVAL

Cause identification Immediate relief with

treatment

POOR CIRCULATION Venous insufficiency Treatment with

compression stockings

DIABETIC FOOTCARE Testing for neuropathy Testing for poor circulation Diabetes education Routine nail care and

callus debridement

PLANTAR WARTS

Effective elimination

of all types of these

viral infections.

Plantar warts are a common skin affliction that presents in

podiatry offices

Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) types 1, 2, 4

and 63. This virus is contagious.

Common areas to pick up plantar warts on the feet include:

-Change rooms -Indoor pool areas-Public Showers

There are several treatment options available to eliminate warts

One common wart treatment in the office is removing the thick skin on top and using topical treatments that may

contain salicylic acid

Other wart treatments include:

Laser treatment Liquid nitrogen Surgical removal Prescriptions for

home application

Most treatments require more than one visit to the office depending on the wart's

size, type, location and how long it has been there.

There may be some discomfort associated with treatment

Over-The-Counter Wart Treatments

There are many over-the-counter wart treatments available that

could be helpful for new, small or less-resistant warts

Some types of plantar warts in children may disappear on

their own without any treatment, while others can

multiply and need professional treatment

How To Avoid Picking Up A Plantar Wart

Wear footwear around pool decks

Wear swim shoes or sandals in public showers

It is best to seek advice from your foot specialist to

determine which type of wart you have and discuss the best

options for treatment

If you discover an unknown lesion on your foot, it is best

to cover it with tape to prevent cross-contamination, until you have it looked at by

your foot specialist

Foot orthotic therapy involves using an appliance that fits

inside your shoe to eliminate abnormal pressure and pain

Types of Foot Orthotics: Over-the-counter True custom made

orthotics Accommodative orthotics

All types are made to relieve the pain of a foot issue or correct an

abnormality

Only chiropodists/podiatrists have completed the

appropriate training to assess the patient's needs and

prescribe the appliance that will work the best for each

individual

Your practitioner must first complete a full biomechanical

assessment to determine if an orthotic appliance is right for you and your condition

Gait AnalysisIn many cases, your gait (the

way you walk) will be assessed to determine if you have an

imbalance between your right leg and your left leg.

Custom made orthotics are made from a non-weight

bearing plaster cast or 3-D computerized image of the

feet

There are two types of foot orthotics that are

prescribed: Corrective orthotics try to correct or

reduce an abnormality

Accommodative orthotics support the

foot and deflect from a painful area

This is why your Chiropodist's prescription is essential

There are many different materials used in orthotic

therapy ranging from very soft to very rigid, and this depends

on your needs

Many people opt to treat foot, knee, hip and back pain with orthotic

therapy because it addresses the root of the problem, trying to

eliminate the need for pain-killing medication or surgery

Effective elimination of

fungal infections on toenails.

Fungal Nails (Onychomycosis)

The prevalence of onychomycosis is about 6-8% in the adult population.

Affects approximately one-third of diabetics.

56% more frequent in people suffering from psoriasis.

Signs and Symptoms of a Fungal Nail

Infection Thickened nails Discoloured nails-

white, black, yellow

or green Brittle nails Nail lifting off the toe Pain underneath or around the nail

Risk Factors for Fungal Infections

Wearing socks or shoes

that hinder ventilation Walking barefoot in

swimming pools, gyms

or change rooms. Excessive sweating Minor skin or nail injury Weakened immune

system

Treatment of Nail Fungus

TOPICAL ANTIFUNGALS

Treatment of Nail FungusORAL ANTIFUNGALS

When topical antifungals fail to treat nail fungus, oral Lamisil is sometimes prescribed.

Oral lamisil has been associated with cases of liver failure and many other side effects making it a last resort treatment option.

Treatment of Nail Fungus

NAIL FUNGUS LASER TREATMENT

Finally a cure to a stubborn but common nail infection.

Nail Fungus Laser Treatment

The Q-Clear™ Laser

System is approved by

the FDA and is proven

to be an effective

treatment for patients

with fungal nails

Nail Fungus Laser Treatment

Mild cases will typically respond to a single treatment

Moderate to severe cases may need debridement and more than one treatment.

The treatment is

painless and takes

less than one minute

per nail.

Nail Fungus Laser Treatment

How to Prevent Nail Fungus Do not share nail clippers, files, shoes or

socks with others. Try not to injure your nail, such as by

cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).

Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Wear dry cotton socks and change them two or three times a day if necessary.