Left untreated, foot conditions can cause significant pain, discomfort and limit mobility. Our practitioners are able to manage your foot and leg complaints with expertise. We are your trusted Podiatrist in Canberra. For further information or to make an appointment with one of our podiatrists, just call our clinic today.

What are podiatrists and podiatric surgeons?

Podiatrists are registered health care specialist who are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions/disorders of the foot, ankle and lower limb. Podiatric surgeons are specialist podiatrists who have undergone extensive additional training in the surgical and medical management of foot and ankle disorders. It is the only surgical speciality specifically dedicated to problems of the foot and ankle. Podiatry is a strong and growing profession internationally having introduced many innovations in patient care.

Why ACT Podiatry?

ACT Podiatry (formerly Footcraft Podiatry Practice) was established in 1994. We are a dedicated and friendly team of foot and ankle experts, helping you and your family keep mobile and active. Our scope of practice is very large and treatment options extensive, providing a high level of care for our patients. Each of our podiatrists is highly qualified and experienced to manage your foot and lower limb pain.

What are common forefoot conditions treated at ACT Podiatry?

Bunions are predominantly inherited and can develop into a serious foot complaint including hammer toes, calluses and footwear fitting difficulties. Hallux limitus (big toe joint arthritis) is also a common complaint. Hammer toes are often associated with bunions. Corns can develop from footwear irritation. Morton's neuromas are the thickening of nerves supplying the lesser toes and pain can progress from being intermittent to persistently debilitating.

What are common mid-foot and rear foot conditions seen at ACT Podiatry?

Arch strain and fatigue associated with abnormally flat feet is a common. Arthritis on the dorsum (top) of the foot is also common, affecting the tarsometatarsal joints. Tibialis posterior tendinopathy (often confused for plantar fasciitis or "heel spurs") is relatively common, associated with flat feet in overweight people, often affecting one foot. Achilles Tendinopathy commonly affects sports persons over the age of 30.

What predisposes a person to foot and lower limb pain?

Foot pain is most common in the sixth decade of life but all age groups can be affected, albeit with different complaints. Factors predisposing people to foot and lower limb complaints include age, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, arterial disease, sports and growth (children).

What are foot orthoses?

Foot orthoses (orthotics) are customised shoe inserts which can be used to treat many foot complaints and conditions associated with abnormal foot function. Orthoses are very effective at treating disorders associated with abnormal pronation of the feet (flat feet) and people with high arches. Orthoses are used to treat people of all ages, including sports people.

Can a spinal condition cause foot pain?

Yes. Foot and lower limb pain associated with a spinal cause is termed a radiculopathy and is often encountered in podiatric practice. Trauma or progressive disease states can cause impingement or inflammation to the spinal nerve roots at the lower spine with symptoms often manifesting in the foot and lower limb. Prolapsed (compressed) intervertebral discs commonly impinge upon the lumbar spinal nerve roots causing referred foot and leg pain.

Is arterial disease a cause of foot pain?

Yes. This is known as ischaemic pain. It can manifest itself when a person is active (intermittent claudication) and is more serious when such symptoms are present at rest. Podiatrists can test the level or extent of peripheral arterial disease through the use of a test called the ankle brachial index. It is a highly sensitive and accurate test.

I am diabetic and my feet burn - what is this?

Burning and unusual sensations in the feet are usually associated with a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Sometimes a patient can have either peripheral neuropathy, vascular disease or both. Our podiatrists undertake what is termed a "neurovascular assessment" to assess the health of the nerves and arterial circulation supplying the lower limb and feet. It is highly recommended a diabetic patient routinely undertake this assessment at least once per year.

Can in-growing toe nails and plantar warts be cured?

In-growing toe nails: Yes. At ACT Podiatry we commonly perform a procedure called a "partial nail avulsion with cautery procedure". The edges of the affected nail are removed under a local anaesthesia and importantly a caustic is used to cauterise the matrix to prevent it from re-growing.

Plantar Warts: Potentially yes. These need to be treated when they are spreading or causing pain.