NAIL PROBLEMS
We're here for the whole family to help when you when you run into foot problems... and that can start at any age.
We have no issues helping you with (seemingly) simple problems like nail cutting if you're struggling. It's very normal as we age - reaching your feet is one thing, bit so much harder with spine, hip, hand or shoulder issues. Or if you're on medication that thins your blood or leaves you immunocompromised. Or how difficult it must be to get to your feet with vertigo, neurological diseases or breathing problems - dangerous, if not impossible. And we want you to keep all 10 toes! Pop in, we're happy to help.
And most definitely pop in if you're in pain. It seems simple, but this is one of the most rewarding things to be able to help someone with - seeing someone walk into the office in pain and walk out pain free is fabulous. Seriously. Other issues aren't so quickly fixed and may take a bit more treatment, but are always working to have you leave pain free.
Thickened Nails
Thickened nails can cause pain by increasing the pressure underneath the nail too much, or by ingrowing. They can be caused by trauma, circulation problems or a nail infection. Don't despair, they can be managed.
Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are extremely common, recent statistics suggesting 50% of people over 65 suffered with it, and if those people had diabetes it jumped to 65%. It can be contracted through contaminated instruments, or by sharing showers, nail polish or foot baths with someone who has the infection. It can also be contracted through a minor trauma to the nail (if you kick it) and the natural flora on your skin or in the natural environment can migrate into the nail.
It can be treated with topical medications or oral tablets. There are many products on the market and it's not so much about finding the best one, it's about finding the right one to treat the specific infection you have. To work this out it needs to be systematically trialled. Pathology testing can be used to see if you have the bug that will respond to oral medication. Laser treatment is a relatively new form of treatment. We welcome more research to show its effectiveness.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are very sore and need to be attended to sooner rather than later. They are caused by nails that are too wide, too thick, cut incorrectly, trauma or pressure. The nails needs to be cut back properly and the pressure relieved to reduce your pain. Sometimes, antibiotics and medication may be required if the area is very infected.
A long term management plan will be outlined to manage what's exactly wrong with your toe. It can be dealt with conservatively (by cutting the nail back regularly and managing pressure on it) or surgically. For more information about surgical options we provide... Learn more >