Cortisone injections: relief for foot and ankle pain
A cortisone injection can calm a painful joint, bursa or nerve within days, and the relief often lasts weeks to months. It works best as one part of a wider treatment plan.
Why are my toenails unsightly?
Thick, discoloured or misshapen toenails are common. Fungal infection, injury, ageing, skin conditions and ingrown nails are the usual causes, and most can be treated or managed.
Why do I get calf muscle cramps?
Calf cramps are common and usually harmless, often linked to tired muscles, exercise or age. Cramping pain that comes on with walking and eases with rest is different and needs checking.
Not just a "simple" ankle sprain
Ankle sprains often leave a weak, wobbly ankle that keeps giving way. A proper assessment and an exercise program lower that risk, so a sprain is worth taking seriously.
What if your nail problem comes from an underlying bone problem?
A small bony growth under the toenail, called a subungual exostosis, can lift and deform the nail and cause pain. An X-ray confirms it, and minor surgery removes it.
Shin splints
Shin splints cause aching along the inner edge of the shin bone, usually from doing too much running or jumping too soon. Rest and a gradual return to sport usually fix it within weeks.
Swift wart therapy at FALL
Swift uses microwave energy to treat stubborn plantar warts. Most warts clear in two to three sessions. It hurts briefly, but there's no wound or dressing afterwards.
7 myths about ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail keeps hurting until the piece of nail digging into the skin is removed. Antibiotics or cutting a "V" won't fix it, but a simple procedure usually does.
Why is my child so flexible? Hypermobility in children
Many children are very flexible, and most have no problems from it. If flexibility comes with pain, tiredness or frequent sprains, strength work and good shoes can help.
Why do I get swollen feet and ankles?
Swollen feet and ankles are often harmless, caused by heat, standing or pregnancy. But swelling can also signal a blood clot, an infection, or a heart, kidney or liver problem.
Why is my child getting pain on the outside of their foot? (Iselin's disease)
Pain on the outer edge of the foot in a sporty child can be Iselin's disease, a growth plate problem. It's uncommon but harmless, and it settles with rest, care and time.
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
Athlete's foot is a common fungal skin infection that causes itchy, peeling skin between the toes. Pharmacy antifungal creams work well if you keep using them after the rash clears.