Published by: Dr Dona Samarasekara, DPM What is chilblains? Chilblains are known as swollen, blister-like patches that develop on the skin in response to either cold conditions, poor circulation or a combination of both. They usually present as either red, blue, purple or white patches. The areas that are commonly affected by this phenomenon are the distal extremities such as fingers and toes. It can also affect areas such as the tip of your nose and earlobes. Other areas pro

By Chamith Abeyratne Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It becomes especially concerning for individuals living with diabetes. If you or someone you know has diabetes, understanding PAD and how it affects foot health is crucial. This blog post will explain PAD in simple terms, describe its symptoms, and offer practical advice for managing foot health to prevent serious complications. Signs of P

By Chamith Abeyratne Is Your Toenail Red, Swollen or Painful to Touch? If the side of your toenail feels tender, swollen, or painful when wearing shoes, you may have an ingrown toenail . Ingrown toenails are very common and can affect both adults and children. At On Track Podiatry , we regularly treat ingrown toenails safely and effectively — often providing immediate relief. What Is an Ingrown Toenail? An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrou

by Chamith Abeyratne Are Your Nails Thick, Yellow, or Crumbling? If you’ve noticed your toenails becoming discoloured, thicker than usual, brittle, or lifting off the nail bed, you may be dealing with a fungal nail infection . Fungal nails are extremely common — especially in adults — and while they’re not usually dangerous, they can become progressively worse if left untreated . At On Track Podiatry , we regularly assess and manage fungal nail infections for patients in Wa

by Chamith Abeyratne What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar Fasciitis (sometimes more broadly termed “plantar heel pain” or “plantar fasciopathy”) involves damage — often micro-tears and degenerative changes — to a thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia ) that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of the toes. This tissue supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking. Although “-itis” suggests inflammation, modern stu

Published by: Dr Dona Samarasekara, DPM What is diabetes? Diabetes is a long-term medical condition where the blood glucose levels are unable to be regulated naturally by the hormone insulin, leading to abnormally high levels. There are two common types associated with diabetes- Type 1 diabetes - where an autoimmune response destroys the pancreatic cells responsible for making insulin. Type 2 diabetes - where innate and/or environmental factors cause desensitisation and inade