The 14th of November is World Diabetes day! Diabetes is a global pandemic that affects the lives of millions of people from a variety of backgrounds. What is Diabetes mellitus? Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to effectively use and store sugar. The cause for this dysfunction in the body’s metabolism is…
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What is sweaty sock syndrome? Sweaty sock syndrome is a condition which affects the skin on the sole of the foot. This condition affects children before puberty. The cause is not clear however, it is suggested that alternating moist and dry conditions affecting the foot may be the the reason for this condition. Risk factors…
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What are hammer toes? A hammer toe is a deformity of the joint between two long bones of the foot; the metatarsal and phalanx. The deformity will cause a person’s toe to curl and point down instead of pointing straight. Causes of a hammer toe: High arched feet Arthritis Trauma Shoes that don’t fit Tight…
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Why do I have thick toenails? Thick toenails are a common problem for many people and they are often mistaken for fungal nail infections. Thickening of your toenails are commonly caused by trauma. Trauma to your toenails can be caused by dropping something heavy on your toe, stubbing toes against furniture or by pressure in…
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What is an ingrown toenail? A ingrown toenail is a medical condition that is caused by a piece of nail or nail spike that grows into the skin around your nail. Ingrown toenails will usually affect a person’s big toes but can also affect the small toes. What are the causes of an ingrown toenail?…
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Definitions Calluses are yellow patches of hard skin that form over areas of pressure or friction on the sole of someone’s foot. Corns are pieces of hard skin that form a cone in the callus of a person’s foot that then digs into the skin. Cracked heels are tears in the skin that happen because…
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What are plantar warts? A wart is an infection of the skin that is caused by a virus. There are different kinds of warts that a person can developed depending on where the infection occurs. A plantar wart typically appears on the sole of a persons feet. What do they look like? Plantar warts can…
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What is Athlete’s foot? It is an infection of the skin on someones foot and caused by a fungus. It can appear on any part of you foot. Signs and symptoms? Commonly found between the toes. Usually it is very itchy and can sometimes burn. Has a white appearance. Can be painful and inflamed. Has…
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What causes a nail fungus? Fungal nail infections are a common nail condition that makes up about 50% of the nail conditions usually seen by podiatrists in their practices. Nail fungus can affect your hand and toenails, the treatment for both is usually the same. The infecting agent can be found on your skin, on…
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The podiatrist’s role in healthcare. Podiatrists aim to improve the health of their patients through the treatment of conditions that affect ankle and foot. They provide relief from painful conditions affecting the foot through palliative care, minor surgery and the prescription of foot orthotics to improve foot function. As podiatrists we are important team members…
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