At Dubai Podiatry Centre, our highest success rate for plantar warts comes from our Dermojet treatment.
Dermojet uses a high-velocity stream of liquid delivered through a mechanical device. When the pressure is released, a microjet of liquid is ejected from the apparatus and penetrates through the skin to reach the deeper part of the plantar wart, allowing the treatment to be delivered more efficiently.
Warts elsewhere on the body usually grow outward. However, warts on the sole of the foot grow inward because of pressure from standing and walking. This means that treatments such as liquid nitrogen, salicylic acid, and laser, which may work well on external warts on other parts of the body, can have very different outcomes when used on the sole of the foot.
A wart on the top of the hand, for example, is more exposed and easier to reach with acid or liquid nitrogen. A plantar wart, commonly called a verruca, is inverted into the sole of the foot and is therefore less accessible.
For this reason, Dermojet is mainly reserved for plantar warts and verrucas on the sole of the foot. It is not usually required for outward-growing warts elsewhere on the body, where treatments such as liquid nitrogen or salicylic acid may be more suitable.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
The virus that causes plantar warts lives on microscopic skin cells, which means you will never be able to see it. In reality, we come into contact with this virus frequently throughout the day, through shared surfaces and contact with other people. Fortunately, the body is usually very effective at fighting it off.
Unlike viruses such as herpes, which can remain dormant in the body and reactivate during periods of stress, the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes plantar warts stays local to the skin. It does not live in the spinal column or remain in the body systemically. It only affects the area of skin it enters.
Because exposure is so common, prevention is not about completely avoiding the virus, but about reducing the chances of it entering the skin.
The key factor is protecting the natural barrier of the skin and avoiding direct contact in high-risk environments.
Simple and effective precautions include:
Wearing protective water shoes or slip-on pool footwear in areas such as swimming pools, water parks, and communal showers
Keeping your sandals or flip-flops close by so you can put them on immediately when exiting the pool
Avoiding walking barefoot in shared wet areas, especially gyms and changing rooms
Wearing flip-flops while showering in public facilities
Standing on a clean towel when drying or getting dressed in communal areas
Rinsing and drying your feet thoroughly after exposure to wet public environments
These measures create a protective barrier between your skin and surfaces where the virus may be present.
Another important factor is skin condition. Keeping the feet dry and healthy helps maintain the strength of the outer skin layer, known as the stratum corneum. When this layer is intact, it acts as a strong defence against infection. However, when the skin is wet or overly sweaty for long periods, it becomes more porous and vulnerable to viral entry.
By combining good hygiene, protective footwear, and maintaining healthy skin, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing a plantar wart.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
A plantar wart, also known as a verruca, is a viral infection that occurs on the sole of the foot. Unlike warts elsewhere on the body that grow outward as raised bumps, plantar warts grow inward due to the constant pressure of standing and walking. This means they often appear flat on the surface while developing a bulb-like structure deeper within the skin.
Because of this inward growth, plantar warts can be more difficult to treat. Treatments that work well for outward-growing warts on the hands or other parts of the body, such as cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) or salicylic acid, often have lower success rates on the sole of the foot. This is because the wart is not easily accessible on the surface, making it harder for these treatments to reach the infected tissue effectively.
So how does a plantar wart develop in the first place?
The condition is caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected skin cells. This typically occurs in high-risk environments where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools, gym changing rooms, and water parks. An infected skin cell from another person can be shed onto the floor, and if you walk over that area within a short time frame, the virus may transfer to your foot.
However, the virus cannot easily penetrate healthy skin. The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a protective barrier. This layer is structured like tightly packed scales, similar to fish scales, forming a strong defence against external invasion.
When the feet are dry, this barrier remains tightly closed and highly protective. But when the skin becomes wet or sweaty for prolonged periods, the structure of this layer changes. The “scales” begin to separate slightly, creating microscopic gaps. This makes the skin more porous and vulnerable to viral entry.
At the same time, an infected foot in a moist environment can shed virus-containing skin cells more easily. These infected cells can then be picked up by another person walking over the same surface, particularly in high-traffic, damp areas.
Once the virus enters the skin, it develops slowly. It can take several months, often up to six months or more, before a plantar wart becomes visible. During this time, the virus grows within the deeper layers of the skin before gradually appearing on the surface.
Plantar warts are sometimes confused with corns, but they are very different. A corn is a build-up of hard skin caused by pressure and friction. It can often be reduced without bleeding, although it may feel like walking on a sharp point. A plantar wart, however, is a living viral lesion. If disturbed or cut, it will bleed because it has developed its own blood supply within the skin.
One of the key identifying features of a plantar wart is the presence of small black dots within the lesion. These are not roots, but tiny blood vessels known as capillaries. The virus disrupts and constricts these vessels, causing them to appear dark. Their presence is a sign that the wart is active and established within the tissue.
This is where Dermojet® treatment is particularly effective. Because plantar warts grow deep within the skin, a treatment that can reach and disrupt the infected tissue at its core is essential. Dermojet® delivers a high-pressure microjet that penetrates beneath the surface, targeting the area where the virus is thriving and improving the likelihood of successful resolution.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
Flat feet in young children are a common condition where the arch of the foot has not fully developed. While many children outgrow it, some may experience poor foot alignment, ankle instability, and changes in walking patterns.
This before-and-after video demonstrates how corrective orthotics can play a vital role in early intervention. By providing proper arch support and stabilizing the ankle, orthotics help guide the foot into a more natural position. This not only improves posture and balance but also reduces the risk of future musculoskeletal issues.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key. If your child shows signs such as inward rolling ankles, frequent tripping, or uneven shoe wear, a professional assessment is recommended.
Corrective orthotics are customized to each child’s needs, ensuring comfort while supporting healthy growth and development.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
Children’s foot and ankle development is extremely important. One of the main causes of suspected flat feet in children is not always a truly flat foot, but extreme hyperpronation of the subtalar joint. This causes the ankles to lean inwards and the arch to collapse when the child is standing.
تُعدّ مرحلة تطوّر القدم والكاحل لدى الأطفال أمرًا بالغ الأهمية. ومن أبرز أسباب الاشتباه بوجود القدم المسطّحة لدى الأطفال ليس دائمًا تسطّحًا حقيقيًا في القدم، بل قد يكون نتيجة فرط الانقلاب الداخلي (Hyperpronation) في المفصل تحت الكاحل (Subtalar Joint). وهذا يؤدي إلى ميلان الكاحلين إلى الداخل وانهيار قوس القدم عند وقوف الطفل.
During periods of rapid growth, children can have a high level of growth hormone over a short period of time. This can make the ligaments very soft and stretchy, almost like chewing gum. The ligaments on the inside of the ankle help hold the subtalar joint in a neutral position. When these ligaments become too soft, the talus bone can lean inwards, causing the ankle to roll in and the arch to flatten.
خلال فترات النمو السريع، قد ترتفع مستويات هرمون النمو لدى الأطفال خلال فترة زمنية قصيرة، مما يجعل الأربطة لينة ومطاطية جدًا، أشبه بالعلكة. تساعد الأربطة الموجودة في الجهة الداخلية من الكاحل على تثبيت المفصل تحت الكاحل في وضعٍ محايد. وعندما تصبح هذه الأربطة رخوة أكثر من اللازم، قد يميل عظم الكاحل (Talus) إلى الداخل، مما يؤدي إلى انحراف الكاحل للداخل وتسطيح قوس القدم.
An accommodative insole that simply supports the arch may help the foot feel more supported, but it is not always enough to correct the ankle alignment. To improve the position of the foot and ankle, the subtalar joint needs to be brought back towards neutral using very specific corrective angles.
إن النعال التكيُّفية التي تدعم القوس فقط قد تعطي شعورًا أفضل بالدعم، لكنها غالبًا لا تكون كافية لتصحيح محاذاة الكاحل. ولتحسين وضعية القدم والكاحل، يجب إعادة المفصل تحت الكاحل إلى وضعه المحايد باستخدام زوايا تصحيحية دقيقة جدًا.
For example, if the subtalar joint pronates by 30 degrees, the orthotic correction must be designed to address that degree of movement. If the ankle is not corrected and only the arch is supported, the foot may continue to appear flat when standing.
فعلى سبيل المثال، إذا كان المفصل تحت الكاحل ينحرف بمقدار 30 درجة، فيجب تصميم الدعامة التقويمية بحيث تعالج هذه الدرجة من الانحراف. وإذا لم يتم تصحيح الكاحل وتم الاكتفاء بدعم القوس فقط، فقد تبدو القدم مسطّحة عند الوقوف.
This is why it is essential to assess the child’s foot and ankle alignment while they are standing. When a child is sitting, the foot may look well arched and the ankle may return to a neutral position. However, once the child stands and body weight passes through the feet, the subtalar joint may hyperpronate, the ankle may lean inwards, and the arch may collapse.
لهذا السبب، من الضروري تقييم محاذاة القدم والكاحل لدى الطفل أثناء الوقوف. فعند جلوس الطفل، قد تبدو القدم ذات قوس طبيعي ويعود الكاحل إلى وضعه المحايد. ولكن عند الوقوف ومرور وزن الجسم عبر القدمين، قد يحدث فرط الانقلاب في المفصل تحت الكاحل، ويميل الكاحل إلى الداخل، وينهار القوس.
Corrective orthotics are therefore measured and designed specifically for each child, often with different angles for the left and right foot. This helps improve foot and ankle alignment and can also assist in balancing leg length differences caused by uneven pronation.
لذلك، يتم قياس وتصميم الدعامات التقويمية التصحيحية بشكل خاص لكل طفل، وغالبًا بزوايا مختلفة لكل قدم. وهذا يساعد على تحسين محاذاة القدم والكاحل، كما يمكن أن يساهم في موازنة اختلاف طول الساق الناتج عن عدم تساوي الانقلاب.
Accommodative orthotics are often used in very young children to support the foot and help train the arch. However, in children diagnosed with flat feet due to subtalar joint hyperpronation, corrective orthotics with specific wedging are usually required to bring the ankle into a better aligned position.
تُستخدم الدعامات التكيُّفية غالبًا مع الأطفال الصغار جدًا لدعم القدم والمساعدة في تدريب القوس. أما في الحالات التي يتم فيها تشخيص القدم المسطّحة نتيجة فرط الانقلاب في المفصل تحت الكاحل، فعادةً ما تكون الدعامات التقويمية التصحيحية المزودة بزوايا وتعديلات محددة ضرورية لإعادة الكاحل إلى وضعية أكثر توازنًا.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
Toe walking in children is a common concern for parents. In many cases, it is simply part of normal development and resolves naturally. However, in more severe or persistent cases, toe walking can indicate underlying biomechanical, neurological, or sensory issues that require intervention.
Understanding the different stages and causes of toe walking is essential in determining the appropriate treatment approach.
What is toe walking?
Toe walking occurs when a child walks on the balls of their feet without allowing the heel, known as the calcaneum, to make contact with the ground.
There are varying degrees:
Mild cases: The child can place their heel down when prompted or during certain activities.
Moderate cases: The child prefers toe walking but can intermittently achieve heel contact.
Severe cases: The child is unable to bring the heel to the ground at all.
Why do some children toe walk?
Toe walking is not always caused by the same issue. It can stem from several different factors.
Developmental habit
Some children simply adopt toe walking as a preferred way of moving. Many of these children will grow out of it naturally as they gain weight, balance, and coordination.
Excitement response
In some children, toe walking is linked to emotional expression. Instead of showing excitement through facial expressions, they contract their calf muscles, lifting their heels off the ground. This is their physical way of expressing happiness.
Biomechanical issues
Some children toe walk because their ankles collapse inward when standing flat or they feel more stable on their toes. In these cases, orthotic therapy is often beneficial.
Sensory processing differences
Children with sensory sensitivities may avoid placing their heels on the ground due to discomfort or altered perception.
Neurological or developmental conditions
Toe walking can also be associated with autism spectrum conditions, muscle tone abnormalities, or neuromuscular conditions.
The impact of severe toe walking
In severe cases, where the heel never contacts the ground, this can affect normal foot development. The calcaneum, or heel bone, requires pressure from the ground to develop properly.
Without this:
The heel bone can become underdeveloped and smaller.
The forefoot becomes wider and more dominant.
Calf muscles may become tight and shortened.
This makes early intervention extremely important.
Treatment approaches: a staged strategy
Treatment must always be tailored to the individual child. A gradual, staged approach is often the most effective.
Stage 1: Supportive footwear
Start with high top sneakers such as basketball style shoes. These should have firm heel counters and slightly stiffer soles to provide ankle support and begin reducing excessive toe walking.
Stage 2: Internal reinforcement
Introduce a full length polycarbonate plate inside the shoe. This limits bending at the toes and encourages a flatter foot position.
Stage 3: Stiff soled footwear
Progress to rigid boots such as Timberland or Caterpillar style boots. These make it physically more difficult to remain on the toes.
Stage 4: High immobilisation footwear
For more severe cases, use motocross style boots that come up to just below the knee. These restrict ankle movement almost completely and encourage full foot contact with the ground.
It is important not to choose oversized footwear, as this allows the foot and ankle to move inside the shoe and reduces effectiveness.
Additional treatment options
Physiotherapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve ankle mobility and muscle balance.
Neurological treatments
Botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, may be used to relax tight calf muscles. This is usually carried out in collaboration with a neurologist.
Orthotic therapy
Custom orthotics may be used where biomechanical instability is present.
Night splints
These are designed to stretch the foot overnight. However, some children find them uncomfortable and may not tolerate them well.
A gentle alternative approach
In some cases, especially when toe walking is linked to emotional expression, immediate restriction may cause distress. An alternative strategy is to bring the ground up to the heel.
This is done by adding a heel raise inside the shoe. This allows the child to maintain their natural movement temporarily while still achieving heel contact and bone stimulation. This approach can be especially useful for sensitive children.
Sleep considerations
Many toe walking children prefer sleeping on their stomach, which keeps the feet pointed. Care should be taken to avoid heavy blankets pushing the feet into a toe pointed position when lying on the back.
Will my child grow out of toe walking?
Some children naturally stop toe walking as they gain weight, develop stronger muscles, and become more aware of their walking pattern, especially in social settings. However, persistent toe walking, especially beyond early childhood, should always be assessed professionally.
Toe walking is not a one size fits all condition. It ranges from harmless developmental habits to more complex neurological or structural issues. Early assessment allows for proper diagnosis, tailored treatment, and prevention of long term foot development problems.
At Dubai Podiatry Centre, each child is assessed individually and given a treatment plan that balances effectiveness with comfort and emotional wellbeing.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
Flat feet treatment for kids using custom orthotics designed to improve foot alignment, correct overpronation, and support healthy growth. Custom made orthotics help enhance posture, balance, and walking comfort, providing effective child foot care and long-term foot health.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
Dermojet is an effective treatment option for plantar warts and verrucae on the soles of the feet. It is often considered for lesions that have not responded to home treatments such as salicylic acid, or to other professional treatments including cryotherapy and laser therapy. In many cases, these more persistent plantar warts may respond well to a course of Dermojettreatment.
Dermojetis a localised treatment and typically heals without noticeable scarring or changes to skin quality. It works by delivering a fine microjet of liquid through a very small opening in the skin. This allows the treatment to penetrate into the deeper layers of the tissue, where it creates controlled micro-trauma within the lesion. The body then responds by initiating a healing process from within, which can help the verruca gradually resolve.
More superficial treatments, such as salicylic acid, primarily act on the outer layers of the skin. Cryotherapy and laser treatments are also commonly used and may be effective in many cases, although their mechanisms differ. Dermojet works at a deeper level within the tissue, which may make it a suitable option for certain stubborn or long-standing verrucae.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
It is very common for children between the ages of 10 and 15 years to experience pain in their heels and knees, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Parents are often confused by this condition. A child may run, sprint and complete a full football or netball match with no obvious issue but within minutes of stopping, they begin to limp and complain of significant pain.
This can sometimes lead others to doubt the severity of the problem. However, this pattern is very typical and has a clear medical explanation.
What is happening during growth?
Children’s bones grow from areas called growth plates, located at the ends of bones. During growth spurts, these plates become highly active.
A simple way to understand this is to imagine a volcano that is active but not erupting. The growth plate is constantly producing new bone, but during a surge of growth hormone, this activity increases rapidly, making the area sensitive, inflamed and vulnerable to stress.
Why the heel and knee are affected
The back of the heel
At the back of the heel sits a growth plate in the heel bone.
The Achilles tendon attaches here. When a child runs or pushes up onto their toes, the calf muscles contract. This creates a strong pulling force on the growth plate.
This condition is known as Sever’s disease.
The front of the knee
At the front of the knee, just below the kneecap, there is another active growth plate.
The quadriceps muscle pulls via the patellar tendon. During running and jumping, this repeatedly stresses the growth plate, especially when lifting the toes or accelerating.
This condition is called Osgood Schlatter disease.
Why the pain appears after activity
One of the most confusing features is that children can often play sport without pain but suffer immediately afterwards.
This happens because during activity, the body is warm and flexible. Blood flow increases and temporarily masks discomfort. Once activity stops, inflammation rises rapidly and the irritated growth plates become painful very quickly.
This is why children may begin limping within minutes of finishing sport.
Why both sides are often affected
Unlike injuries, this condition frequently affects both heels and both knees.
This is because growth and muscle forces occur symmetrically during development.
The role of foot alignment
Children who are growing quickly often have softer ligaments and increased joint flexibility. This can cause the ankles to roll inward and flatten the arches of the foot.
This can increase strain on the heel and knee and make symptoms worse.
A professional assessment can identify whether foot alignment is contributing to the problem.
How to manage the pain
Immediate relief
Apply cold compression within minutes after activity. Ten minutes is usually effective and helps reduce inflammation quickly.
Footwear support
Use cushioned sole shoes or slightly raised heel footwear. Heel lifts or orthotics inside sports shoes or football boots can also help.
These reduce the pulling force on growth plates.
Activity modification
In more severe cases, rest from sport may be required for two to six weeks. This allows the growth plate inflammation to settle.
Continuing through severe pain can lead to excess bone growth and prominent bumps at the heel or knee, causing long term discomfort.
When to seek professional help
A podiatry assessment is recommended if pain persists or worsens, if the child begins limping regularly, if there is visible swelling at the heel or knee, or if performance in sport is affected.
A full foot, ankle and leg assessment can help your child continue activity safely, often with simple and effective interventions.
Final thoughts
Heel and knee pain during growth is common, real and treatable.
Understanding the condition is key.
Just because a child can play through it does not mean there is no problem. With the right support, children can continue to stay active, develop safely and avoid long term issues.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
Flat feet are often blamed for foot problems, but very high-arched feet can be just as challenging, and in many cases, more problematic.
Both flat feet and high-arched feet have their advantages. A flatter foot distributes pressure more evenly across the ground, while a high-arched foot can be more rigid and efficient in propulsion. However, it is the structural differences between these two foot types that determine the kinds of problems that develop.
What Happens in a High-Arched Foot
A high-arched foot is naturally more rigid and elevated. While this may seem strong, it also means the foot has less ability to absorb shock.
Even a slight collapse of a high arch can create significant strain. This is because the ligaments that hold the bones in their precise anatomical position are suddenly placed under high tensile stress. These structures are not designed to stretch excessively, so even small changes can lead to discomfort and instability.
One of the most common areas affected is the forefoot arch, located just behind the toes. This arch runs across the foot from the big toe to the fifth toe.
When this area begins to collapse:
The forefoot structure loses stability
The fat pad that normally cushions the bones can migrate forward toward the toes
The toes may begin to retract, often described as resembling a bird gripping a branch
The patient can feel as though they are walking directly on bone
Why Corns Are More Common in High-Arched Feet
Unlike flat feet, which tend to spread pressure more evenly, high-arched feet concentrate pressure into specific points.
With limited ground contact, the load is primarily taken by the heel and the forefoot. If even one metatarsal head drops slightly, it becomes a focal point of excessive pressure.
This is why high-arched feet are at a much greater risk of developing:
Corns
Callus
Localised pain under the forefoot
Stress-related injuries to the bones
Flat feet, by comparison, often do not develop corns as frequently because there are fewer isolated pressure points.
The Role of Orthotic Therapy
A common misconception is that a high-arched foot should be flattened. This is not the goal.
Instead, the correct approach is to bring the ground up to the foot.
This is achieved through custom orthotic therapy. A gypsum cast is taken of the foot in a non-weight-bearing position, capturing the foot at its natural, fully elevated arch height.
From this, an orthotic is created that:
Matches the exact structure of the individual foot
Supports the arch without forcing it down
Distributes weight evenly from the heel to the forefoot
Reduces high-pressure points
Relieves tensile stress on ligaments
Helps prevent corns and stress fractures
Why This Matters
Without proper support, a high-arched foot continues to absorb pressure unevenly. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, recurrent corns, and structural strain.
By supporting the foot in its natural shape, orthotic therapy allows for controlled, even weight transfer and significantly reduces the risk of long-term damage.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024
At Dubai Podiatry Centre, our highest success rate for plantar warts comes from our Dermojet treatment.
The condition is caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected skin cells. This typically occurs in high-risk environments where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools, gym changing rooms, and water parks. An infected skin cell from another person can be shed onto the floor, and if you walk over that area within a short time frame, the virus may transfer to your foot.
Plantar warts are sometimes confused with corns, but they are very different. A corn is a build-up of hard skin caused by pressure and friction. It can often be reduced without bleeding, although it may feel like walking on a sharp point. A plantar wart, however, is a living viral lesion. If disturbed or cut, it will bleed because it has developed its own blood supply within the skin.