Podiatric Surgeon

Andrew van Essen, is an accredited Fellow of  The Academy of Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Surgery (AAFAS) and one of the few Podiatric Surgeons practicing the Minimally Invasive/Keyhole Surgery technique in South Australia and Northern Territory.

Specialising in Podiatric Surgeon:

Ingrown and Damaged Toe Nails

Ingrown toenails, although seemingly minor, can cause significant discomfort and pain. When a toenail grows in a way that the corner or edge curves and embeds into the surrounding skin, it is termed an ingrown toenail. This condition can lead to various symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and even infection. Ingrown toenails are most commonly found on the big toes.

The process of an ingrown toenail typically begins when the nail starts to penetrate the skin, usually due to improper nail trimming, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or sustaining an injury to the toe. As the nail grows, it may dig deeper into the skin, causing irritation and inflammation. This can lead to discomfort and sensitivity in the affected area. Read more here.

Bunions
Or ‘Hallux Valgus’ is a progressive deformity where the big toe deviates towards the smaller toes, causing a painful bump of bone (bunion) on the side of your foot that can rub on your shoes. Read more here.

Hammer Toes
Also known as mallet toe or claw toes, depending on where the deformity occurs. Any toe may be affected, but most commonly, the 2nd toe will bend, curl and buckle causing painful pressure points that can rub on shoes, and cause pain on the tip of the toe or between adjacent toes.
Read more here. 

Neuromas
A neuroma is a pinched nerve in the ball of the foot that can cause pain, burning, tingling, and numbness that extends into the toes, in particular in the 3rd and 4th toes. A bursa can also be present, which, if inflamed will press onto the nerve. Read more here.

Arthritis if the Big Toe and Foot
Otherwise known as ‘Hallux Limitus is a degenerative joint disease that will cause the big toe to become painful and stiff with a lump appearing on top of the joint. Read more here.

Andrew van Essen consults from Prospect, Stirling, and Darwin. Procedures can be performed in-rooms at Prospect Podiatry, Darwin Podiatry, and. Andrew has operating rights at Adelaide Ambulatory Day Surgery, Glenelg Day Surgery, Calvary Central Districts Hospital, Darwin Private Hospital, and Darwin Day Surgery.

A fee estimate will be provided at your initial consultation and all fee estimates include:

• Facility Fee
• Surgeon’s Fee
• Dressing changes
• And all follow-up consultations for up to 6 months post-surgery with Andrew van Essen