What Is the Connection Between Diabetes and Foot Health?
Diabetes can lead to issues with the small blood vessels that supply your feet. Reduced circulation may weaken the nerves and muscles, causing:
Numbness: Making it harder to detect injuries or infections.
Muscle Weakness: Leading to changes in foot shape or walking patterns.
Increased Risk of Ulcers and Infections: Due to reduced healing ability.
Regular foot care and routine checks are essential for preventing these complications.
How We Can Help
At City Podiatry, we specialize in diabetic foot care, offering:
Neurological and vascular assessments to detect changes early.
Gait evaluations to monitor walking patterns and identify risks.
Use of advanced diagnostic tools like vascular Doppler technology for accurate circulation analysis.
By catching problems early, we help you stay active and protect your overall health.
Why Is Early Detection Important?
When diabetes affects the feet, the risk of serious complications increases. Routine check-ups can prevent minor issues from becoming major health concerns, reducing the likelihood of infections, ulcers, or even amputation.
Diabetes can impair blood circulation, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the feet. Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and muscle weakening can also occur, increasing the risk of injuries, infections, and ulcers.
Numbness or tingling in the feet.
Cold feet due to poor circulation.
Wounds, cuts, or sores that heal slowly or not at all.
Changes in foot shape or muscle tone.
Increased risk of infections or foot ulcers.
Regular neurologic, vascular, and gait evaluations help identify:
Early signs of reduced circulation or nerve function.
Risks of pressure points or areas prone to ulcers.
Changes in foot structure that could lead to complications.
Neurological Exam: Tests for nerve sensitivity and reflexes.
Vascular Assessment: Measures blood flow using Doppler technology.
Gait Analysis: Reviews how you walk to identify abnormal pressure points.
Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or swelling.
Keep your feet clean and moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking.
Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes to avoid pressure points.
Visit a podiatrist regularly for routine check-ups.
Sports Injuries and Overuse: A Common Struggle
Stress fractures, sprained ankles, and torn Achilles tendons are injuries you often hear about affecting athletes—but they can happen to anyone. Overuse injuries are not only painful but can also disrupt your fitness journey or athletic goals. Early intervention and accurate diagnosis are essential for effective recovery.
How We Help Athletes and Active Individuals
At City Podiatry, we specialize in diagnosing and managing sports injuries. Our services include:
Early and precise identification of overuse injuries.
Comprehensive recovery plans tailored to your needs.
Access to the latest tools and techniques in sports injury management.
Coordination with your doctor, physiotherapist, or other health professionals for a team-based approach.
What We Treat
We handle a wide range of sports-related and overuse injuries, including:
Stress fractures
Sprained or twisted ankles
Torn Achilles tendons
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Tendonitis and other soft tissue injuries
Our Approach
We don’t just focus on recovery; we work to prevent future injuries by addressing biomechanics, footwear, and training techniques. Our goal is to get you back to your activity as quickly and safely as possible.
Overuse injuries occur from repetitive stress on bones, tendons, or muscles without enough time for recovery. Examples include:
Stress fractures: Small cracks in bones from repeated impact.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons from overuse.
Plantar fasciitis: Heel pain caused by strain on the foot’s arch.
Sprains: Damage to ligaments from overstretching or twisting.
Prompt diagnosis prevents injuries from worsening or becoming chronic. Ignoring pain can lead to prolonged recovery times and further complications.
We tailor recovery plans to each patient, which may include:
Rest and activity modification.
Custom orthotics to support healing and reduce stress on injured areas.
Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
Guidance on safe return-to-sport protocols.
City Podiatry stays at the forefront of sports injury management through:
Continuing education to incorporate the latest research.
Diagnostic modalities to accurately assess your injury.
Collaboration with other health professionals for a holistic approach.
Gradually increase training intensity to avoid overuse.
Wear proper footwear designed for your activity.
Warm up and stretch before physical activities.
Listen to your body and rest when needed.
What Are Ingrown Toenails?
The term "ingrown toenail" is often used to describe a variety of issues causing pain and discomfort around the nails. While it might sound like the nail is "growing into" the skin, this isn’t always the case. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe but can occur on smaller toes as well.
What Causes Pain Around the Nails?
Improper Nail Cutting:
A true ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, occurs when a nail spike pierces the surrounding skin, leading to pain and sometimes infection.
Poor nail-cutting techniques, like leaving sharp spikes or cutting too deep down the sides, are common causes.
Nails should be trimmed straight across or along the toe's contour, with rough edges filed.
Genetics:
Inherited traits like wide nail plates, curved nails, or "chubby toes" can increase the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails.
Trauma:
Acute injuries, like dropping something heavy on your toe, or repetitive microtraumas from activities like running or wearing tight shoes, can cause ingrown nails.
How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated?
Conservative Treatment:
A podiatrist can safely remove nail spikes, edges, or dry skin to relieve pain.
This is a quick and effective method, often performed with minimal discomfort.
Surgical Treatment:
For recurring or severe cases, a minor in-office procedure may be recommended:
Nail Wedge Resection: A small section of the nail is removed.
Matrix Sterilisation: The growth plate of the troublesome nail section is destroyed using phenol to prevent regrowth.
Performed under local anesthesia, this procedure is efficient, and most patients report little to no pain afterward.
Why Seek Professional Care?
If you’re experiencing persistent nail pain, it’s essential to consult a podiatrist. Treating ingrown toenails early prevents complications like infections or chronic discomfort.
A condition where pain and irritation occur around the nails, often due to improper cutting, genetics, or trauma.
Most common in the big toe but can affect other toes.
Poor nail-cutting techniques.
Genetic predispositions like curved nails or wide nail plates.
Injuries or repetitive trauma from sports or ill-fitting shoes.
Conservative Treatment: Quick, painless removal of nail spikes or dry skin by a podiatrist.
Surgical Treatment: Permanent solutions like nail wedge resection and phenol matrix sterilization for recurring cases.
Early intervention prevents infections or chronic pain.
Expert care ensures effective and minimally invasive treatment.
Relieve Corns and Calluses at City Podiatry
Say goodbye to painful feet with professional care that treats the problem and its cause.
When your feet hurt, it’s impossible to enjoy life. Corns and calluses are your skin’s way of protecting itself from high pressure, but if they grow too thick, they can cause discomfort in every pair of shoes you own. At City Podiatry, we offer painless and effective treatments to remove corns and calluses while addressing their underlying causes, so you can live pain-free.
Pain-free removal of corns and calluses.
Immediate relief and comfort after treatment.
Expert evaluation to address the root cause.
Preventive strategies to stop future lesions.
Your skin is designed to protect itself. When areas of your feet experience high pressure—such as a toe being squashed in a shoe—your skin thickens to shield underlying structures like bone and tendon. This protective mechanism can form:
Corns: Small, thickened areas of skin with a dense core, often on toes or bony areas.
Calluses: Larger, flat areas of thickened skin on weight-bearing parts of the foot like the heel or ball.
The issue arises when the thickened skin itself becomes a source of pain due to increased pressure.
Pain or tenderness in specific areas of the foot, especially when walking.
Thickened, hardened patches of skin that may feel rough or waxy.
In severe cases, discomfort even when wearing soft or roomy shoes.
Professional Corn and Callus Removal:
A podiatrist can safely and painlessly remove the thickened skin using specialized tools.
Immediate relief is often felt after treatment.
Addressing Underlying Causes:
Evaluate foot structure and biomechanics to identify pressure points.
Discuss footwear options to reduce pressure.
Recommend orthotics, padding, or shoe modifications as needed.
To prevent corns and calluses from recurring:
Wear well-fitted shoes with enough room for your toes.
Avoid high heels or narrow footwear that increases pressure.
Use cushioning pads or insoles to redistribute weight evenly.
Keep your feet moisturized to prevent excessive dryness and cracking.
Gentle Foot Care for Growing Feet
Children’s feet grow and change quickly, which means they can experience a range of foot problems—from birth through adolescence. At City Podiatry, we understand that early detection and treatment can make a big difference in preventing long-term issues.
We treat children of all ages, from babies to teens, addressing concerns like:
In-toeing and out-toeing
Flat feet
Heel pain (e.g., growing pains or Sever’s disease)
Ingrown nails
Warts and skin issues
Aching legs or knee and ankle pain
Our compassionate, expert care ensures that your child’s feet stay healthy as they grow. If something about your child’s feet or walking doesn’t look quite right, let us help. Early treatment today can save them from pain tomorrow.
Understanding Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common issue that can range from mild discomfort to chronic, debilitating pain. It often stems from conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or tendon problems. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can prevent pain from worsening and improve your quality of life.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Spurs:
The most common cause of heel pain, affecting 10% of people at some point in their lives.
Pain typically occurs at the connection between the plantar fascia and the heel bone.
Symptoms: Sharp pain during the first steps in the morning, which eases as the foot warms up.
Sever's Disease (Children):
Common in children aged 9–15, especially boys.
Pain is caused by repetitive pulling of the Achilles tendon on the heel growth plate, worsened by running or jumping.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:
Caused by compression of a nerve near the inside of the ankle.
Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, and discomfort in the arch or heel.
Achilles Tendinopathy:
Pain in the back of the heel due to overuse or tightness in the Achilles tendon.
Posterior Tibial Tendonopathy:
Pain and inflammation along the inside of the ankle or arch, often related to flat feet or overuse.
Treatment Options
Conservative Approaches:
Proper footwear to reduce strain.
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and plantar fascia.
Taping techniques to relieve pressure.
Advanced Therapies:
Shockwave Therapy: High-energy sound waves that stimulate healing and improve blood flow.
Custom orthotics for long-term support and pressure redistribution.
Night splints to keep the plantar fascia stretched while sleeping.
For Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:
Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and nerve mobilization exercises.
Orthotics or wedging to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Sever’s Disease (Children):
Reducing activity levels, icing the heel, and wearing supportive footwear.
Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
Why Choose City Podiatry?
At City Podiatry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of heel pain. With a combination of experience, advanced tools like Shockwave Therapy, and customized care plans, 90% of patients see significant improvement within two months.
A condition where the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed, causing pain at the heel.
Risk factors include being overweight, starting a new exercise routine, prolonged standing, or having flat or high-arched feet.
A non-invasive treatment using high-energy sound waves to:
Stimulate tissue regeneration.
Improve blood flow to the injured area.
Break down scar tissue.
Affects children aged 9–15 due to overuse of the Achilles tendon.
Symptoms include pain with activity, especially running or jumping.
Caused by nerve compression near the ankle.
Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, and discomfort in the arch or heel.
Early treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage.
Overuse or strain on tendons around the heel can cause pain and inflammation.
Treatment includes rest, stretching, orthotics, and sometimes advanced therapies like Shockwave Therapy.
What Are Foot Orthotics?
Foot orthotics are specialized shoe inserts designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot. They are used to treat chronic foot and lower limb conditions, alleviate pain, and enhance performance for athletes. Orthotics can address issues like:
Persistent tendonitis
Plantar fasciitis
Ankle strain
Knee pain
Calluses caused by foot alignment issues
Sportspeople may benefit from orthotics to correct biomechanical problems and maximize performance.
Why Choose City Podiatry for Orthotics?
At City Podiatry, orthotic therapy is our specialty. With over 20 years of experience, we ensure that every orthotic is tailored to the individual needs of our patients. Our onsite orthotics lab provides unique advantages:
Custom-Made Solutions: Devices are crafted from scratch based on your foot assessment.
Onsite Manufacturing: The person who examines your feet also manufactures your orthotics, ensuring precision and attention to detail.
Fast Turnaround: Onsite production means quicker service compared to commercial labs.
Affordable Adjustments and Repairs: We can modify or repair existing orthotics, even those made elsewhere.
Do You Need Custom Orthotics?
Not everyone needs a fully custom orthotic. Depending on your condition, we offer:
Custom Modified Over-the-Counter Orthotics: For simpler foot issues, we can adapt standard orthotics to suit your needs.
Repairs and Adjustments: We can recover, repair, or modify orthotics to ensure they address your current foot problem.
Alleviate pain caused by foot and lower limb conditions.
Improve foot alignment and function.
Reduce pressure on problem areas, preventing calluses and other issues.
Enhance athletic performance by correcting biomechanical issues.
Orthotics may help people with:
Plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or ankle strain.
Knee, hip, or lower back pain caused by foot alignment.
Calluses from uneven pressure on the feet.
Sports-related biomechanical issues.
Custom Manufacturing Onsite: Quick, affordable, and tailored directly to your needs.
Experienced Care: 20+ years of expertise in orthotic therapy.
Personalized Adjustments: Immediate modifications to improve comfort and effectiveness.
Yes! At City Podiatry, we offer:
Repairs for worn orthotics.
Adjustments to adapt orthotics for new or ongoing foot problems.
Recovering services to refresh and extend the life of your orthotics.
Student-Friendly Podiatry Services
At City Podiatry, we welcome students and understand the demands of staying healthy while managing a busy academic life. Whether you’re dealing with foot pain, sports injuries, or simply need preventative care, our team is here to help.
Our centrally located clinic is just a short distance from the university and polytech, making it easy and convenient to access expert foot care.
Exclusive Student Discount
Students can enjoy 10% off their initial appointment with a valid student ID. It’s our way of supporting you as you prioritize your health and well-being.
Why Choose City Podiatry?
Convenient location near the university and polytech.
Expert care for a variety of foot issues, from injuries to everyday discomfort.
Affordable services tailored to meet the needs of students.
Discover Dr. Comfort Shoes at City Podiatry
We are proud to stock Dr. Comfort Shoes, renowned for their exceptional comfort, quality, and style. Designed with foot health in mind, these shoes are perfect for anyone seeking supportive and fashionable footwear.
Why Choose Dr. Comfort Shoes?
Comfortable Fit: Ideal for those with foot pain, diabetes, or specific orthotic needs.
Stylish Designs: A range of styles to suit every occasion.
Durable Quality: Built to last, with premium materials for long-term wear.
Foot Health Focus: Designed to reduce pressure points and enhance overall comfort.
Explore Our Catalogue
Browse our latest selection of Dr. Comfort Shoes and discover a style that suits your needs. 👉 View the Catalogue Here
Visit Us to Find Your Perfect Fit
Drop by City Podiatry to try on Dr. Comfort Shoes and let our experts help you choose the best option for your feet.
Warts are common skin infections caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These contagious growths can spread to other parts of the body or to other people. They are often difficult to treat because they evade the body’s immune system.
Verrucae are warts that develop on the soles of the feet, commonly causing discomfort or pain when walking.
What Is Swift Therapy?
Swift Therapy is an advanced medical treatment using microwave technology to target and treat warts, verrucae, and papillomas effectively. This cutting-edge method works by delivering a focused microwave signal into the skin, heating the infected cells to trigger the body’s immune response.
How It Works: Swift induces a process called "Heat Shock," causing infected cells to release proteins that alert the immune system to the virus, allowing the body to fight the infection naturally.
Safe and Non-Invasive: Swift uses low-energy microwaves, ensuring safety without tissue damage or scarring. No anesthesia or dressings are needed, and patients can resume normal activities immediately.
What to Expect During Treatment
Discomfort: Rapid heating to 42–45ºC may cause brief discomfort lasting only a second, similar to the heat of a hot bath.
Treatment Time: Quick and efficient, with most treatments taking only a few minutes.
Number of Sessions: Most patients require three sessions or fewer, with noticeable results within weeks.
Benefits of Swift Therapy
Highly effective, with an 83% resolution rate*.
No dressings or self-care required post-treatment.
No anesthesia or recovery downtime.
Suitable for most patients after an assessment by a podiatrist.