4 Benefits of seeing a Podiatrist

Enjoy a better quality of life with feet that are well maintained and pain free. 

Callus and corns

Callus is a hard form of skin, that builds up due to pressure, shearing or rubbing. It sometimes can have mild protective properties, but becomes a problem when it builds up excessively. A Podiatrist will gently remove the callus with a sterilised scalpel and may file the area afterwards. A corn is a harder, more defined area of callus, that tends to go deep into the layers of skin. These feel like little pieces of grit when walked on and are very troublesome. Again, these are removed carefully with a scalpel and sometimes padded afterwards. 
Corns and callus do tend to come back as the underlying cause has not changed. Regular mositurising, filing, avoiding tight fitting shoes or thin soled shoes will help. 

Thickened toe nails

There are several reasons why toe nails become thick during the journey of life. 
The most common cause is repetitive minor/moderate trauma, such as rubbing shoes or tight shoes. This is know as Onychauxsis. 
A darker thicker, almost horm like nail that can sometimes curl around on themselves, is known as Onychogryphosis. This is usually long after a severe trauma, such as dropping something heavy on the toe. Both these conditions are treated by podiatrists, we will trim the nail down and thin it with our burring machine. The thickness will eventually grow back and require a follow up, most likely needing ongoing care. We see very thickened nails on a daily basis, so no need to be embarrassed. 

Diabetic foot care

Diabetes can affect the feet in several ways, so a visit to a podiatrist can be very useful to avoid possible complications later on. Common issues seen with Diabetes can include altered or loss of sensation in the feet. Poor circulation to the legs and feet with reduced healing rate and a greater chance of ulceration/tissue loss. Subject to acceptance criteria, some diabetic Christchurch residents can be referred to a podiatrist for funded foot care. We accept patients from Canterbury PHO funded GP practices. Please see your GP or diabetic nurse in advance to booking in with us. They will assess your feet and if the criteria is met, will send us an electronic referral with all the relevant information. As funding for this service has been reduced over the years, the criteria has narrowed and there is less capacity in the system; meaning not all diabetic people will receive funded care.  See the acceptance criteria here.

Ingrowing toe nails

Onychocryptosis or an ingrowing toe nail is an often painful condition where the nail has embedded inside the flesh of the toe or has lacerated down the side of the skin. Depending on the severity, people may require ongoing care to keep the nails under control. Return times will vary a lot depending on many factors. When a nail is too far gone for a simple treatment, we may advise on nail surgery. For those who are good candidates, it involves a local anaesthetic to the offending toe and a portion/or the whole nail is removed. A chemical agent can be used to prevent the nail from coming back. Healing rates vary greatly depening on age, health, circulaton and sometimes the time of year.  This can be anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks, however, most people can resume light activities the next day; returning to work or school. We advise sports people to plan for this downtime in their calendar.

Before Toe Nail Surgery 

Some ingrowing toe nails need to have a minor procedure as described above. 
You will be seen by the podiatrist for an assessment appointment, if surgery is indicated and you wish to have a permanent solution; you will be sent back to your GP for a prescription of Phenol. We currently cannot buy this liquid due to a temporary bureaucratic situation that is out of the control of all podiatrists in NZ. https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360548499/small-administrative-change-could-add-millions-patient-costs-podiatry-body-says  This will obviously add extra cost onto the procedure. Whilst it is out of our hands, our professional body is working hard to negotiate a solution with the government and Medsafe. 

The minor surgery is carried out under a local anesthetic (similar to a dental filling). We may remove a sliver of the nail (Partial Nail Avulsion) on one or both sides or if the nail is too far gone, we may suggest a total removal. 

We pride ourselves on offering our services at affordable prices and feel we compare favourably with others. A pre-surgery assessment is currently $74, surgery is from $270 (more for several toes) and the follow up re-dressing/check is $40. Please consider the extra GP appointment cost and unsubsidised cost of the Phenol (approx. $30), when factoring in your personal finances. 

Orthotics can help

Appropriately prescribed orthotics can improve mobilty, sporting performance and reduce pain. Although not a wonder, cure all ailments; orthotic devices are a great tool in the box for lower limb issues. Orthotics are commonly used to help with flat or over pronated feet, dropped metatarsals, Severs disease, Plantar fasciitis, and some knee/lower back complaints. 

If attending an appointment for orthotics, it is vital to bring in some closed-in everyday, work shoes, trainers and wear some loose fiting trousers, leggings or shorts. If you have them, bring in the old orthotics. 

Orthotic devices do take some getting used to, especially hard density EVA or casted devices. Your podiatrist will talk to you about this.  

Costs vary depending on the device or number of modifications, prices vary from $120 to over $600. Dependent on stock levels or the amount of modifications required, we will try to make the orthotics at the initial appointment (this appointment is $74).

Podiatry Foot Care

4 Benefits of seeing a Podiatrist

Callus and corns

Thickened toe nails

Diabetic foot care

Ingrowing toe nails

Before Toe Nail Surgery

Orthotics can help

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