Our podiatrists are trained exclusively in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle pathology.
Diabetic individuals require special attention and care for their feet, in particular, the assessment for circulation and nerve damage.
Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT is the most effective treatment modality for chronic heel pain. Our clinic has a focused ESWT unit.
Custom foot orthotics also referred to as arch supports, are medical devices used to re-align the joints in the foot and ankle.
Effective Foot Care Services in St. John’s
The Podiatry Associates offers comprehensive foot care solutions in St. John’s and is the largest podiatry facility in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We diagnose problems during a thorough assessment and provide the necessary treatment plan needed to keep your feet healthy. From ingrown nails to chronic foot pain, we are equipped to treat a variety of foot conditions at our facility.
What to Expect
We are a fully serviced clinic that specializes in foot care and quality footwear.
Foot Doctors
The Podiatry Associates provide top-notch podiatry services to our patients. Our podiatrists are trained exclusively in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle pathology. Here is why you should trust us:
We also actively work with the Canadian Diabetes Association, participate in educational work, and provide quality treatment and solutions to help people affected with diabetes.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic individuals require special attention and care for their feet. In particular, the assessment for circulation and nerve damage needs to be done regularly.
Diabetics are more prone than most people to various foot problems due to the development of painful nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Mostly affecting the extremities of the body, the legs and feet are the most prone areas to serious health complications.
The nerve damage caused due to this can result in the loss of feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect pain levels and temperature changes as compared to a non-diabetic person. This makes it easy for wounds or injuries to go unnoticed and poses the risk of contracting an infection. By visiting your podiatrist regularly for foot examinations, you can avoid any serious issues by catching them early before they develop into serious problems. Early detection and care are crucial to control and prevent complications in diabetics and we recommend that you do the following things to keep issues in check.
Examine Your Feet Daily
By examining your feet on a regular basis for any irregularities such as noticeable changes in temperature, skin colour or increased pain and inflammation, you can get ahead of issues such as poor blood circulation to the feet and can get the help you need on time to avoid serious problems.
Annual Examinations
A yearly podiatrist exam is vital for diabetics. A trained medical professional can always assess issues and symptoms effectively and can provide immediate care to avoid more serious problems.
Clean Your Feet
We recommend diabetics clean their feet well every day and dry them properly before wearing any footwear. This easy yet effective step is a great way to keep any infections and similar risks at bay. Make sure you avoid ingrown toenails, which are prone to infection. We suggest you keep them neatly trimmed but urge you to take professional assistance in the cutting of these nails if you are unable to cut them safely. We recommend that patients never attempt to cut out bunions and corns by themselves and always seek professional assistance for pain-free removal.
To further protect your feet from harm, be sure to:
Your podiatrist plays a critical role in the prevention and management of foot conditions in diabetics. Talk to your podiatrist today to see what you can do to keep your feet healthy.
Shock Wave Therapy
Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT is the most effective treatment modality for chronic heel pain. Our clinic has a focused ESWT unit capable of providing our patients with the treatment they require.
Since the beginning of the 1990s, extracorporeal shockwaves have been successfully used to treat chronic pain conditions. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a highly efficient, non-invasive method of treating chronic pain in the skeletal musculature.
The classic orthopedic indications for shockwave therapy (ESWT) are disorders of the tendon insertions, like changes in the soft tissue of the rotator cuff in the shoulder, tennis or golfer’s elbow, patellar tip syndrome in the knee, or plantar fasciitis with heel pain. In sports medicine, the conditions of insertion tendinitis (enthesopathy) are one of the standard indications for treatment with focused shockwave therapy.
Clinical studies assess the effects of ESWT in this area less on the basis of tissue destruction and more on the stimulation or activation of tissue substances that are able to play a role in the process of self-healing.
Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics also referred to as arch supports, are medical devices used to re-align the joints in the foot and ankle. They are an effective treatment for foot-related ailments including ankle pain, arch and heel pain and can even prove effective in treating back and hip pain caused by foot conditions. We prescribe, manufacture and fit custom-made orthotic devices for a variety of footwear that are comfortable to wear.
Our process to prescribe orthotics involves:
Symptom history
The podiatrist takes your detailed symptom history and conducts a thorough examination to diagnose your foot condition.
Foot and ankle analysis
The podiatrist will perform a weight-bearing foot and ankle analysis to determine if there are any alignment issues.
Casting
Feet are cast with plaster in a stable, non-weight-bearing position so that any foot deformity isn’t captured in the impression.
Custom-fitting
Each orthotic is customized by the podiatrist to ensure the proper fit and function are achieved.
Moulding and manufacturing
The casts are modified as per the podiatrist’s prescription and special materials are moulded to your foot casts. These materials are then manufactured to fit into your shoes and materials are added to ensure comfort.
Follow up and adjustments
Our trained clinicians can adjust foot orthotics using specialized adjustment tools if you feel discomfort or difficulty adjusting to your orthotics. These adjustments can be made on-site while you wait.
Diverse Orthotics to Fit Any Lifestyle, Activity and Footwear Needs
At The Podiatry Associates, we are capable of providing diverse orthotic devices to suit a variety of footwear options that are effective and comfortable in any situation. Our different types of orthotic devices include:
