Podiatry
We are the sole clinic in Tauranga with the ACC Orthotic Contract. This enables us to provide orthotic innersoles, braces, moonboots, crutches and other foot supports fully funded under ACC to assist in managing your injury.
Welcome to Expert Podiatry Care at Body Mechanix
At Body Mechanix, our team of experienced podiatrists specializes in comprehensive foot care and lower limb conditions. With dedicated practitioners and a focus on your comfort, we’re here to address your needs effectively.
Our Podiatry team at Body Mechanix is entirely ACC-registered. Therefore, if our patients have suffered an injury and are eligible for ACC, the cost of treatment is subsidised. Our experienced Podiatrists are experts in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating foot, ankle, and lower limb issues.
- Heel pain treatment
- Plantar fasciitis management
- Morton's neuroma therapy
- Verruca treatment
- Diabetic foot care
- Foot and ankle injury rehabilitation
- Childrens foot pain assessment
- Nail care for thick, ingrown, or fungal nails
- Ingrown toenail surgery
- Corns and calluses treatment
- Shin splints management
- Leg length discrepancy assessment
- Vionic & Revere Orthotic Footwear Range
- Fungal toenail treatment
- Bunion pain relief
- Thickened toenail management
- Arch pain therapy
- Severs disease or growing pains management
- Hallux limitus pain treatment
- Knee and ankle pain management
- Calf strain rehabilitation
- Achilles pain therapy
- Flat feet and pronation correction
- Cracked heels treatment
- Prescription of custom-made orthoses (including partially funded ACC approved orthotics)
We Cater to All Ages and Needs
Our podiatrists are skilled in helping individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly, and from those with compromised mobility to athletes. Whether you’re experiencing foot pain or simply seeking preventive care, we’re here to support you on your journey to better foot health.
Discover Relief and Enjoy Your Activities Again
Your feet are the foundation of your body, and ensuring their health is crucial for overall well-being. If you’re experiencing discomfort that affects your daily activities, it may be time to consider a Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Assessment. Take the first step towards improved foot health and regain the freedom to move with ease.
Body Mechanix Skin and Nail Services
At Body Mechanix, our dedicated Skin & Nail Care Services provide relief from discomfort and help manage foot-related issues such as painful corns, thickened toenails, and cracked heels. Our comprehensive care ensures that you leave feeling better and more confident in your foot health.
Why Choose Us?
Many foot issues arise due to pressure on specific areas or difficulties in managing nail and skin health as we age. With professional care, we prevent these problems from worsening and becoming more serious over time.
Our Services Include:
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Thick or Hard-to-Manage Toenails: Aging can cause toenails to harden or thicken, making them difficult to trim. We have the tools and expertise to reduce both the length and thickness, ensuring healthy nails.
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Corns: Corns can feel like you’re constantly walking on a pebble. We specialize in removing and managing all types of corns, offering relief without discomfort.
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Warts (Verrucae): Warts caused by viruses can be stubborn to treat. We provide effective solutions for both adults and children to treat plantar warts.
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Callus & Cracked Heels: Calluses can become painful and cracked heels increase the risk of infections. We safely reduce callus thickness and heal cracked heels to restore comfort.
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Ingrown Toenails: Whether you’re seeking a one-time treatment or a permanent solution, we offer procedures (including minor surgery) to relieve and prevent ingrown toenails.
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Athlete’s Foot: This fungal infection can cause itching and discomfort. We help manage treatment and offer strategies for preventing its spread.
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Fungal Nail Infections: Fungal infections can affect the appearance of your toenails. We provide a variety of treatments to help restore healthy nails.
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Diabetic Foot Care: Diabetes can affect circulation and sensation in your feet, making proper care essential. Our specialized foot care prevents complications and keeps your feet healthy.
Biomechanical Assessment
At Body Mechanix, biomechanical assessments are a standard part of every appointment for patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain or injuries in their feet and legs. This comprehensive assessment is essential in diagnosing your problem and identifying the factors contributing to its development and your ongoing discomfort.
Why Do a Biomechanical Assessment?
Our biomechanical assessments help us determine the root causes of your problem, so we can not only treat the current issue but also prevent it from recurring in the future. We include this assessment when you visit us for conditions like:
- Knee pain
- Leg pain
- Ankle pain
- Heel pain
- Foot pain
- Children’s growing pains
- Sports-related pain
- Problems with walking or movement
- Arthritic joint pain
Note: Biomechanical assessments are not performed for skin or nail-related issues such as corns, calluses, warts, fungal infections, or ingrown toenails.
Your Biomechanical Assessment Will Include:
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Foot Posture & Alignment Check: We assess how your feet are aligned and positioned to determine if any misalignment is contributing to your discomfort.
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Range of Motion Testing: We check how much movement your joints have to look for any restrictions or excessive mobility that could be leading to problems.
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Muscle Strength & Balance Assessment: Weakness or imbalances in muscles can contribute to pain and injury, so we evaluate these factors as part of your assessment.
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Gait Analysis: We observe how your feet and legs move when walking. This includes checking for any abnormalities in your movement patterns, which are recorded on video so we can show you the results.
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Footwear Evaluation: Your shoes can significantly impact how you walk and how your feet feel. We assess the suitability of your footwear and its impact on your gait.
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Additional Testing: Based on our findings, we may perform nerve testing, balance and proprioception assessments, or specific tests to determine the extent of your injury.
What Else is Involved?
Alongside the biomechanical assessment, we will perform hands-on palpation of the problem area to identify any damaged or vulnerable structures. We’ll also review your medical history, usual physical activities, movement patterns, and the daily demands that may be contributing to your pain.
Daily Hygiene Routine as a part of Fungal Nail Treatment
1. Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Wash feet daily with soap and warm water, especially after sweating or wearing closed shoes.
Dry thoroughly, especially between toes or under the nail bed—fungus thrives in moisture.
2. Use Antifungal Topical Treatments Properly
Apply after washing and drying the area.
Use clean hands or an applicator to avoid spreading the fungus.
Allow the treatment to fully absorb/dry before putting on socks.
3. Change Socks Daily or More Often
Choose moisture-absorbing socks (cotton or wool blends).
Change socks after sweating or working out.
4. Wear Breathable Footwear
Go for open-toed shoes when possible or well-ventilated shoes.
Alternate shoes to let each pair air out for 24 hours between uses.
5. Disinfect Shoes and Surfaces
Spray shoes with antifungal shoe spray or use UV sanitizers.
Wash bath mats and floors regularly (especially if barefoot).
Do not share towels, socks, nail tools, or shoes.
6. Trim and File Nails Carefully
Trim infected nails straight across— do not cut into the sides.
Disinfect nail clippers after each use (wipe with alcohol or soak in boiling water water).
File down thickened nails gently to improve topical absorption.
7. Avoid Nail Polish and Artificial Nails
These can trap moisture and prevent treatment from working effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of nail trauma?
If you have a subungual hematoma (bleeding under the nail), you may notice a dark red or purple spot beneath the nail. This is often accompanied by pain and a throbbing sensation.
How is nail trauma diagnosed?
If you suspect nail trauma, it’s best to see a doctor or podiatrist. They will examine the injury, and in more severe cases, they may recommend an X-ray to check for fractures or deeper damage.
How long does it take for nail trauma to heal?
Healing time depends on the severity of the injury. In most cases, the nail will need to grow out completely, which can take up to four months for toenails. If the base of the nail is affected, permanent cosmetic changes may occur.
How can I prevent nail trauma?
To reduce the risk of nail injuries:
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Wear properly fitting shoes, as tight footwear can contribute to toenail damage.
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Take precautions during physical activities that put pressure on your toes.
What are the treatment options for nail trauma?
A doctor or podiatrist should assess the injury to determine the best treatment. In some cases, the damaged nail may need to be removed to allow for proper healing and repair.
How can I treat my toenail, which is mostly white in color?
The whitening of a toenail often indicates a fungal infection. It’s crucial to start treatment early for effective results. Visit our website to learn more about fungal toenails and available treatments.
What's the best way to handle a corn on my little toe's inner side?
Corns result from skin pressure and can be alleviated by reducing it. Short-term relief involves using a “Pedi paddle” to reduce corn thickness. Long-term treatment targets pressure sources, often poorly fitting shoes. Consult a Podiatrist for expert, pain-free corn treatment.
I have pronation issues despite using orthotics; any additional solutions?
Orthotics help correct pronation-related discomfort, but comprehensive treatment often includes muscle strengthening, stretching, and footwear advice. Consult your podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan.
Besides surgery or flat shoes, what aids can help correct bunions?
Orthotics can halt bunion progression by addressing underlying foot function issues. Beware of ineffective products; orthotics, combined with proper footwear, provide a conservative, safe treatment option.
Could my painful heel be due to a bone spur?
Heel pain often results from Plantar Fasciitis, not necessarily bone spurs. Plantar Fasciitis is treatable with conservative measures. Consult us for a personalized treatment plan to alleviate heel discomfort.
What's the best approach for ingrown toenails besides 'V cutting'?
Ingrown toenails require professional removal to prevent infection. Avoid ‘V cutting’ myths; visit a podiatrist for safe, effective ingrown toenail treatment.
Why does my toe hurt in shoes but not barefoot?
Painful toes in shoes may signal a hidden corn. Consult a Podiatrist for pain-free corn removal and long-term relief.
Can anything be done for my painful ganglion on my big toe?
Ganglions usually aren’t painful but may cause discomfort due to pressure on nearby structures. Consult us for a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Should I be reassessed if my old orthotics cause walking issues?
Orthotics can change over time, affecting their effectiveness. Reassessment ensures optimal foot function and comfort.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails post-surgery?
Podiatrists specialize in preventing ingrown toenail recurrence post-surgery. Ask about preventive measures like chemical cauterization for lasting relief.
Can a toe injury lead to long-term issues like bunions?
Toe injuries can trigger arthritis and subsequent bunions. Early intervention with orthotics can prevent bunion progression.
What's the difference between full-length and half-length orthotics?
The primary distinction is length, with half-length orthotics suitable for summer sandals. Ensure proper orthotic fit to prevent movement and discomfort.
Are high heels harmful to my feet?
High heels can stress feet but moderate use minimizes their impact. Opt for comfortable footwear to mitigate foot strain.