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What is a Podiatric Surgeon?

Asha Curry • Sep 05, 2023

Are you familiar with the term Podiatric Surgeon, but unsure of what it entails? This month, we’re diving into the history of the profession in Australia, and shedding light on the role Podiatric Surgeons can play in treating foot and ankle conditions.

 

Podiatric Surgery has been a profession in Australia since 1976 and is now recognised as a specialty surgical profession by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Podiatric Surgeons make up less than 1% of registered Podiatrists practising in Australia. They're unique Podiatrists qualified to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures using medical and surgical methods.

 

To become a Podiatric Surgeon, they must undergo extensive postgraduate training and education, dedicating themselves to many years of study, research, and practice to investigate and master medical and surgical therapeutics of the foot and ankle. So, essentially, they're Podiatrists who have levelled up.

 

Podiatric Surgeons can treat a wide range of conditions such as structural deformities, heel pain and nerve conditions, tendon and soft tissue problems, foot and ankle arthritis, skin and nail conditions, birth defects of the foot, and trauma injuries (fractures and dislocations). They will discuss the best treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical (not everyone needs foot surgery), with their patients to help them select a plan that balances their needs and expectations with delivering the best outcome.

 

Podiatric Surgeons have a long history of safe practice in Australia, operating in private hospitals and adhering to the same hospital protocols as other surgeons. So, when you trust your feet to a Podiatric Surgeon, you can be sure they're in good hands.

Not Just Heel Pain

12 Apr, 2024
Not Just Plantar Heel Pain The long Perth summer goes hand in hand with wearing thongs and being down at the beach. It’s important to be mindful that this extended period in unsupportive shoes can exacerbate underlying or existing issues in the plantar fascia (band beneath the arch of the foot), or trigger new symptoms in the arch and heel. You might have heard about plantar fasciitis, which is quite common and can be a real pain in the heel (literally), but did you know that there's more to heel pain than just that? Let's talk about it. Plantar Heel Pain 101 Plantar heel pain is any kind of discomfort or ache you feel in your heel area. While plantar fasciitis is a common cause, there are other culprits too. One of them is something called tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A Sneaky Troublemaker Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Imagine a tunnel in your foot where important nerves and blood vessels pass through. If that tunnel gets squeezed or compressed, you've got yourself tarsal tunnel syndrome. It can feel a lot like plantar fasciitis, but it's a whole different ball game. With tarsal tunnel syndrome, you might experience tingling, burning, or shooting pains that travel from your heel down to your toes or in the other direction too. Sometimes it can feel like electric shocks zapping your foot. What’s Going on Inside? So, why does this happen? There are a few common possibilities. It could be due to an unusual foot structure or an injury or past trauma, like a sprained ankle. Other times it’s caused by pressure from blood vessels or other soft tissue structures in the area. And sometimes it's just bad luck and your nerves get irritated for no apparent reason. Treatment Options: Finding Relief Okay, enough with the doom and gloom. Let's talk about what we can do to ease the pain. For starters, there are some simple tricks you can try at home: · Rest: Give your feet a break. Avoid activities that make the pain worse. · Ice: Apply an ice pack to your heel for about 15 minutes a few times a day to reduce inflammation, or roll your foot on a frozen water bottle to give the effect of ice massage. · Stretching: Gentle stretches of the calf and foot can help loosen up tight muscles and ease tension. If these DIY remedies aren't cutting it, it might be time to see a healthcare professional. Our podiatrists can assess you and may recommend: · Medical Imaging: Diagnosis is key in achieving optimal results. · Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can provide extra support and cushioning for your feet. · Physiotherapy: Working with a physio can help strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. · Medication: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatories might offer some relief. · Shockwave Therapy: High-energy acoustic waves are delivered into the tissue to stimulate healing. · Injection Therapy: such as guided corticosteroids or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) Surgical Option: Last Resort Surgery to decompress (relieve tension in the tarsal tunnel) is usually the last resort when all other treatment options have been unsuccessful. If your symptoms are severe and impacting your daily life, our Podiatric Surgeons Julie Taranto or Michael Taranto may recommend surgical decompression of the tarsal tunnel. It sounds scary, but it's often very effective in relieving pain and restoring function. 

Hammer Toe Correction Surgery

08 Feb, 2024
Hammer Toe Correction Surgery Hammer toes, a common foot deformity where the toes bend unnaturally at the joints, causing pain and discomfort, has seen significant advancements in corrective surgeries. As a trusted provider of podiatric surgery in Australia, our surgeons remain committed to staying at the forefront of these developments to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Understanding Hammer Toe Hammer toes typically result from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that hold the toe straight. Over time, this deformity can become rigid and painful, hindering daily activities. Indications for Surgery While conservative treatments like proper footwear and orthotics may alleviate mild symptoms, surgical intervention becomes essential for severe cases that impede normal function. This may include persistent pain, difficulty walking, or the development of friction lesions or open sores. Surgery Surgical techniques are individually tailored for each patient, with the majority of surgery being day-case surgery, that is, in and out on the same day and being able to weight bear immediately. The aim of surgery is to perform targeted correction of the hammer toe deformity while preserving function. Patient-Centric Care Our surgeons tailor each intervention to the unique needs of the patient. From pre-operative evaluations to post-operative care, a comprehensive approach ensures the best possible results. We prioritise patient education, fostering a deep understanding of the procedure and expectations. Recovery and Rehabilitation Advancements in surgical techniques contribute to quicker recovery times and improved outcomes. Following surgery, patients are guided through rehabilitation protocols to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall foot function. If you or someone you know is struggling with hammer toe deformities, the surgeons at MJ Taranto Foot and Ankle Podiatric Surgeons are here to provide expert guidance and tailored solutions. Contact the skilled surgeons at MJ Taranto Foot & Ankle Podiatric Surgeons today for a consultation on 9250 1676 or click the link to book online.
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