Podiatry

Healthy feet are vital for mobility which enables individuals to engage in regular physical activities and perform their daily activities optimally. Unresolved foot issues can be debilitating and may psychologically impact an individual due to the loss of mobility and independence.

The Podiatry Clinic at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) offers assessment and treatment for various foot problems and lower limb conditions. Our podiatry team provides a comprehensive range of treatment options to patients, with the aim of improving their mobility through early intervention. We believe that prompt diagnosis, early intervention and prevention are essential for the care and treatment of your feet.

Our clinic is dedicated to providing quality foot and ankle care to patients of all ages. We offer a full range of podiatric medical care which includes the management of diabetic foot, biomechanical and dermatological conditions. The Department of Podiatry also works closely with orthopaedic, vascular surgery and other general medicine departments.

We spend quality time with each patient to better understand their foot care needs and recommend the best course of treatment. We work closely with primary care physicians and specialists to ensure the most effective treatment plan is provided to patients. Our gentle and caring professional podiatrists place an emphasis on patients’ comfort and needs.

Our Clinical Services

Musculoskeletal and Gait Pathologies

The Musculoskeletal Podiatry service provides a detailed biomechanical examination and gait analysis to patients and this helps to identify abnormalities in foot function during standing, walking and non-weight-bearing conditions. Suitable treatment options are then offered to patients on how to manage the pain in their feet.

Orthoses

Orthoses, otherwise known as insoles or orthotics, are devices worn inside a shoe to help manage a patient's foot condition. Orthoses are made for patients who would benefit from functional correction of their foot posture which can treat certain conditions. Orthoses can also be used with patients whose feet require accommodative support to maintain the foot in an optimum posture and reduce or prevent foot pain.

Lower Limb Ulcer Management

People can develop foot ulcers because of various reasons. The majority of the reasons are linked to abnormal foot structure, a lack of blood supply and/or the loss of pain sensation in the feet. The department works closely with the vascular and orthopaedic departments in managing the wounds. In addition, a thorough understanding of wound management allows us to advise patients on the most appropriate type of wound management option.

Painful Callus and Corn

Our Podiatrists can diagnose and provide treatment to patients with symptomatic or persistent skin conditions on their feet – such as corns, calluses etc. Calluses are thick and rough patches of skin, while corns are smaller and deeper patches of rough skin with a central nucleus or a raised bump.

Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail can be a painful condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the skin. It usually affects the big toe. If the pain is severe or spreading, our podiatrists can take conservative steps to relieve your discomfort and help you to avoid complications of ingrown toenail.

Podiatry Conditions We Treat

Achilles tendonitis Ankle sprain Bunion Callus and Corn Dermatological conditions Diabetic foot wound management Flat feet or high arch foot type Ingrown toenail Musculoskeletal foot conditions Plantar fasciitis Plantar wart Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

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Podiatry Treatments Offered

Biomechanical foot assessment Callus debridement and management Diabetic foot screening Footwear education Lower limb wound care management in multidisciplinary team settings Orthoses prescription Plantar foot pressure measurement

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FAQs

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Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory and degenerative condition of the thick band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. This type of heel pain can cause you to limp out of bed in the morning. If the pain is allowed to persist, this often results in walking difficulties. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis by performing a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis and recommend appropriate footwear, stretches and orthoses if needed.

This biomechanical abnormality may be caused by various conditions intrinsic to the structure of the foot - such as flat feet, excessive ligamentous flexibility, abnormal bone structure, and certain neurological conditions. These factors are often considered genetic. Although some experts are convinced that poor-fitting footwear is the main cause of bunion formation, others believe that footwear only exacerbates the problem caused by the original genetic deformity. Nevertheless, it is not surprising to learn that women wearing tight-fitting fashionable shoes will likely have bunions. Bunions often progress from mild to severe because of the biomechanical imbalance, but progress may be slowed with appropriate shoe wear.

Splint appears to place the big toe in a corrected position. However, the bunion may recur when the splint is removed. Long-term use of a splint may not straighten a bunion. A podiatrist can help you by assessing your joint alignment and function to determine the root cause of the bunion and provide you with a holistic treatment.

If you have flat feet but do not feel pain or discomfort, you may not need insoles. Podiatrists prescribe insoles that help to improve alignment, redistribute pressure, and optimise function to minimise pain and injury risks. In fact, your feet will not retain the shape of the orthotics when you are not standing on them.

With advancing age, the foot and ankle undergo physiological changes such as reduced joint mobility or loss of fat pad acting as a cushion for the soles and heels. Ultimately, this may affect the way your feet function. This does not mean that your feet should necessarily become painful as they get older. However, it does mean that they may not be able to sustain the same levels as when you were younger. Hence you should pay more attention to your feet.

There are many reasons to see a podiatrist. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or have a diabetic foot wound, you should see a podiatrist. Please visit a doctor to obtain a referral to consult with a podiatrist.

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