Andrew, Author at Waikato Podiatry

Forefoot Pain – How can we Help?

What is Forefoot Pain? There are many different types and causes of forefoot pain. Some common conditions are: Morton’s Neuroma Morton’s Neuroma is by far the best known forefoot pathology. A Morton’s neuroma is a lump of nerve tissue fibers that occurs between the bones of the forefoot. Sesamoiditis Sesamoiditis is the injury of the…

Plantar Fibroma? Let us Help!

What is a Plantar Fibroma? A plantar fibroma is a benign (non-malignant) nodule that forms within the soft tissue (plantar fascia) under the feet. The plantar fascia is a band of fibrous tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Unfortunately, plantar fibromas are unlikely to get smaller or go away. The causes of…

Two Feet Away from Better Golf

Foot Positioning Matters for Golf So, you’ve bought yourself a golf bag and buggy, clubs, plenty of balls for the water hazards, golf shoes and even decided to have a few lessons to prevent that horrible slice into the trees. However, even after a number of lessons your game is still not right. You know…

Shin Splints – How Can We Help?

What are Shin Splints? Shin splints are a common but very general term for pain in the shin or lower leg area. Shin splints are not a specific diagnosis, and a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan should be established to be most effective. Different tissues will respond to different treatments, so identifying what is…

How to Treat a Verruca

What is a Verruca? A Verruca is a small viral skin lesion or (plantar wart) found on the bottom of the foot or toes, which closely resembles, and is often confused with a corn. Its size is usually under 1cm in diameter but can grow larger and can also occur in clusters (mosaic warts). Children…

Fungal Foot Infections – The Ongoing Battle

Fungal foot infections are common: Fungal foot infections are one of the most common reasons patients seek help from podiatry clinics. Conditions like tinea pedis (commonly known as athlete’s foot) are widespread, uncomfortable, and notoriously persistent. Fortunately, a range of effective treatments are available, and innovations in antifungal care continue to offer patients even better…

Warts – Let Us Help You!

Oral Zinc for the Treatment of Warts Plantar warts can be a persistent challenge for both patients and clinicians. Recently, oral zinc supplementation has been suggested as a beneficial adjunct to conventional wart treatments. The first study exploring the effectiveness of oral zinc for wart treatment was published in 2002 in the British Journal of…

The Risks of Getting Your Nails Done

Getting your Nails Done Nail bars have significantly increased in their number and popularity in recent years. It is now commonplace to see them in shopping centres and on your local high street. Hygiene in nail bars is super important, as bacteria, fungi and viruses can be easily transferred from client to client if hygiene…

Plantar Plate Injuries

Plantar Plate Injuries fall under the category of forefoot pain problems, but they make up a significant percentage of forefoot problems so I have decided to discuss this condition exclusively. What Is the Plantar Plate? Plantar Plate The plantar plate is a fibrous structure that has a cartilaginous plate that makes the tissue…

Arthritis

Understanding foot arthritis and its management Foot arthritis is a degenerative condition that gradually wears away the cartilage in joints, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Initially, you may notice stiffness and aching in the affected joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, causing discomfort and eventually leading to…