Foot Conditions We Treat in Courtenay, BC

Ingrown nails can be treated easily and quickly. Sometimes regular care is all that is needed. Other times Dr. Z will freeze the toe and do a simple procedure to make the nail grow more narrow permanently.

Dr. Z offers credit card thin carbon fiber custom orthotics. Before prescribing, a complete examination is performed and a mold is taken from your foot held in its corrected position. Orthotics retrain your muscles to strengthen and enable you to hold your own foot in its most efficient and stable position.

There are many causes of heel pain, and most of them improve with proper exercises, stretching, shoes, and/or orthotics. Plantar Fasciitis is a common diagnosis that responds well to stiff shoes and orthotics. Some causes of pain require x-rays, blood tests, and other examinations to diagnose and treat. Dr. Z can perform an in-office ultrasound to actually see the damage.

Common causes of pain in the forefoot include lack of fat pad and pinched nerves such as Morton's Neuroma. Burning in the toes and balls of the feet can be a sign of diabetes or a neuroma. Neuromas can now be seen on ultrasound during your visit.

Ankle Sprains, Achilles Tendonitis, Sesamoiditis, Broken toes — there are lots of parts to break. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is a good place to start, but proper diagnosis and treatment makes a real difference in recovery time and long-term outcomes.

Nails become thickened with age, with injuries, and with skin conditions such as psoriasis. Some can be cured, but all can be made to look dramatically better. Dr. Z addresses both the cosmetic and underlying causes.