Treatments

Supramalleolar orthoses (SMO) are a form of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for children, which is a medical device to help guide the gait development of a child. Unlike the AFO, SMO’s support extends just above the ankle bones (malleoli) and is less visible when worn in shoes.

SMO are most commonly in children with paediatric flat feet, particularly to improve their stability and allow them to develop better motor functions. SMOs are also used in other conditions such as toe-walking or metatarsus adductus.

PACT Antifungal Therapy or Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy is an advanced non-invasive treatment option designed to manage fungal nail infections. It is a painless treatment option with practically no side effects and is commonly used in conjunction with topical antifungal medications to achieve the best outcome.

Wart needling and curettage is a plantar wart removal solution and a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove plantar warts (verruca). This method is also known as Falknor’s needling method, which was introduced by Podiatrist Dr Gordon Falknor in 1969.

The principle behind this technique is to break down the wart tissue and allow blood to reach the area. This recruits the body’s immune cells to recognize and kill the viral-infected cells.

Partial nail avulsion is an ingrown toenail surgery method that involves removing a portion of the toenail from its nail root. The technique is designed to manage ingrown toenails by removing the entire nail edge that is cutting into the sides of the skin.

There are various ways to perform a partial nail avulsion procedure. In the past, many would perform the traditional technique, which is very invasive and often done in an operating theatre. At Straits Podiatry, we perform our partial nail avulsion in the clinic using a minimally invasive method that takes approximately 30 minutes.

Magnetotransduction therapy or extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) is a non-surgical therapy device that uses a high-frequency magnetic field to manage various musculoskeletal diseases. EMTT is an advanced form of traditional pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, generating higher energy and deep penetration of up to 18cm.

Radial Pressure Wave Therapy (RPWT) is a non-invasive, non-surgical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders. RPWT utilises mechanical pressure waves to stimulate blood flow and promote healing in the affected areas. It also increases the metabolic activity of the affected muscles. RPWT has become increasingly popular because of its effectiveness and minimal side effects in treating muscular pain, such as trigger points or muscle strains.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical and non-invasive therapy for musculoskeletal pain and injuries. ESWT uses high-pressure acoustic sound waves to increase blood flow and stimulate the body’s natural healing process to promote tissue regeneration.

ESWT can manage various bones, joints, tendons, and muscular conditions, including tendonitis, osteoarthritis, stress fractures, and more.

Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) is a medical device that supports and controls the foot and ankle. AFO is used primarily to stabilize our lower limb structure, thereby reducing stress on the structure, and improving our gait functions. Like customised foot orthoses, AFO can be made specific to a condition and there are several designs that a Podiatrist can prescribe.

The key difference between AFO and customised foot orthoses is that AFO can provide higher control of ankle joint motion in all directions when walking. Hence, AFO is often used in more severe conditions, such as foot drop or late-stage posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Our feet support us through every part of the day, whether we are standing for long hours, walking from place to place or simply going about household routines. However, when discomfort begins, it often does not remain in the feet alone. Instead, the strain can gradually move upward, affecting posture, mobility and overall quality of life. As a result, what may start as mild soreness can slowly develop into persistent problems that make daily activities more difficult.

Because of these risks, the right support becomes essential. Custom insoles, also known as orthotics, are designed to match the natural structure of your feet. By improving alignment and evenly redistributing pressure, they reduce strain on sensitive areas and promote healthier movement. Therefore, each step feels more comfortable and balanced, and this creates the foundation for lasting relief. The next step is to understand how they work and why they make such a difference.