Foot specialists in Perth see a wide array of foot and ankle complaints through their doors each day. Many patients see a Podiatric Surgeon as their first point of contact, while others will be seeking out a second opinion or want further options following failed regular podiatry treatment. A foot specialist is highly trained in understanding and diagnosing your foot problem, as well as providing up to date, proven treatments that may consist of surgical or non-surgical management. Listed below are some of the most common podiatric conditions seen by Foot specialists in Perth.
Bunions
Also known as Hallux Valgus, bunions are a common foot problem, which result in painful deformity of the big toe joint. Bunions can affect people of any age or gender and cause problems with fitting into normal footwear and pain or nerve discomfort within or surrounding the joint. Bunions should be assessed by a foot specialist who can advise on the most suitable treatment for your bunions based on the degree of the deformity, the quality of the bone and joint and your medical and family history.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes occur when the lesser toes become retracted from their normal position. Often painful lesions such as corns or callous can occur on the bony prominences due to pressure and some people will also experience shoe fitting problems and pain under the ball of the foot. Surgical intervention by a foot specialist is aimed at straightening the toe by release of tendon structures and/or re-aligning the small joints.
Arthritis of the big toe joint
Also known as hallux limitus, arthritis of the big toe joint involves a progressive limitation in movement, causing pain, stiffness and discomfort during activity. Hallux limitus may occur due to a number of factors including inflammatory, traumatic, structural and functional causes. Manufactured custom made orthotics by a podiatrist aims to offload the big toe joint, reducing pain during activity. Hallux limitus should be assessed by a foot specialist to assess the degree of limitation and arthritis within the joint. A foot specialist will also advise on whether surgery may be necessary to increase motion and improve function of the joint.
Morton’s Neuroma
People with Morton’s Neuroma often complain of pain in the ball of the foot, numbness, tingling or shooting pain in their toes or the feeling of ‘walking on a pebble’. These common symptoms are the result of the nerve that provides the toes becoming entrapped and scarred. Initial treatment often involves a clinical assessment and sometimes imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis. A foot specialist can advise on both conservative and surgical management options with can include footwear changes, offloading, corticosteroid injection or surgical removal.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common nail disorder in which the nail grows into the soft flesh at one or both sides of the nail. This generally results in symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Ingrown nails most often occur due to poor nail cutting technique, trauma, ill fitting footwear or genetic pre-disposition. Nail surgery is a safe and effective procedure commonly performed by foot specialists in Perth and provides a permanent solution to fix ingrown toenails.
At Perth Podiatric Surgery, Dr Andrew Knox is highly experienced in performing foot surgery for the people of Perth of all ages. If you are wanting to have your need for podiatric surgery assessed or a second opinion on a podiatrist’s advice, please book an appointment online or call us on (09) 9383 3851.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general information purposes only. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.