Paediatrics Free Foot Check Clinic

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Paediatric Foot Clinic

Every 6 weeks Total Care Podiatry offers a free foot check for children who have been referred by their Maternal Child Health Service or GP (Chronic Disease Management Plans are accepted). At this screening appointment your Geelong Podiatrist will have a 10 minute consultation to assess any concerns you may have with your child and their feet and walking. If there are any concerns that require further assessment/treatment then a follow up consultation will be required (this will be charged at the standard appointment fee). 

There is no payment required for the free foot check but should you wish to there is a QR code available to make a donation to the Kids+ foundation in Geelong. The QR code ensures that all money donated goes directly to Kids+. 

 

Surf Coast Trek 2023 Report

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Surf Coast Trek

Total Care Podiatry was, once again, proud to be involved with the Surf Coast Trek for 2023. This walking event, starting at Airey’s Inlet to Torquay, allows participants to walk 38km, while the shorter event from Anglesea to Torquay is 26km. Participants were treated to perfect conditions with bright sunshine, calm winds and a perfect low tide. This is a major fund-raising event for Kids+ and Give Where You Live Foundation Geelong. A big thank you to all the organisers for putting together such a great event.

Our podiatrists from Total Care Podiatry provided professional foot care, mainly for blisters and musculoskeletal problems, for the many trekkers as they made their way along the tracks and beaches. It was great to see some of our patients being involved and overall many participants were very well prepared with good socks and supportive footwear.

We were able to provide support at each station and it was great to be involved in the event, helping the trekkers as required and chatting to people as they made their way to the finish.

For anyone looking at participating in the Surf Coast Trek in 2024, please come in and see one of our friendly team for professional advice. We can help with blister management, complete a comprehensive foot assessment and provide advice regarding appropriate footwear and socks.

Stats for the day

30 people in total

22 blisters/blister management

2 nail issues

6 Muscle or tendon related issues

Total Care Podiatrists volunteering at Surf Coast Trek Saturday 13th of May 2023

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Dr Phil Spark & Dr Kirrilee Lundberg are volunteering this weekend at the Surf Coast Trek which is a fund raiser for Give Where You Live and Kids+. The hike has two distances one over 40km and the other is 28Km. Blisters are a real thing and we can help you on the day at one of the first aid tents. If you would like to prevent some blisters and prepare your feet for the event then check out this short video.

Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy

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We are very pleased to announce the delivery of our new Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Unit (ESWT) at Total Care Podiatry in Geelong. Our new unit is available in the clinic every day we are open and all our Podiatrists are highly trained in assessing your needs to see if this would be a treatment that would help you. We most commonly use ESWT for heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spur pain, tendo Achilles pain and Morton’s neuroma. If you have had heel pain for more than 12 weeks then the plantar fascia that causes the pain has become degenerative. ESWT, by applying a rapid force to the heel helps reset the tissue to a state of healing again. We recommend 4- 6 treatments approximately 5-10 days apart.

If you are training for the 40 km Surfcoast Trek or walking regularly and heel pain is starting to prevent you from enjoying your walk then make an appointment at Total Care Podiatry to determine if Extra Shock Wave Therapy will form a part of your treatment plan.

Surfcoast Trek Total Care Podiatry

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The Surfcoast Trek is scheduled for Saturday 2nd April 2022 and Total Care Podiatry is proud to continue its association with such a wonderful event.

Check out https://surfcoasttrek.com.au/the-trek if you have not heard of this event that aims to take walkers on the beautiful Great Ocean Road Walk from Anglesea to Torquay.
A number of distances are scheduled so based on your capabilities select you distance and get training. This is a major fund raising event for Kids+ and Give where you live foundation.

The three stages we are involved are before, during and after the event.

Before the Trek

I hope everyone is thinking about their training load, socks, clothing and footwear.

Training load – increase your training load by no more than 10% per week and seek help from our Podiatrists if you experience foot pain.

Socks – select a sock that is your size, is at least 70% natural fibre and will not fall down during the walk. We love Injinji, Wigwam and OS1st for compression base layer. Visit an outdoor hiking shop for hiking socks and don’t be cheap!

Clothing – hiking shorts or pants for all conditions, think sun and rain

Footwear – Hiking boot, Hiking shoe, trail runners or trail shoe. This can be a confusing choice. If you plan to carry a day pack then a hiking boot gives you added stability in the ankle when walking on uneven terrain in the event you stumble. A boot just might save your ankle as it is very hard to save yourself once you stumble with the added weight of a pack. Hiking shoes shall be the most popular as they have a sturdy out sole to protect the foot from stone strike. They are very roomy in the toe box as the foot and toes will swell on a longer hike and accomodate this and a thicker hiking sock. Now is the time to visit a hiking shop to get your hiking shoes fitted if you don’t already have a pair you just love. Trail runners will provide a little more protection from stone strike than a standard runner. If you are considering wearing runners then make sure you have done plenty of walking on non sealed surfaces.

Total Care Podiatry are providing a 10 minute free consultation before the event to all participants who are registered for the 2022 event. This consultation will be for advice and if treatment or further care is recommended fees will apply. This is available at 209 Malop St Geelong.

During the Event

Total Care Podiatry will be providing foot care during the event to participants who experience blisters, foot pain and or tendon issues. Our Podiatrists will be available at the starting point and then at each check point along the way and the finish line. We will have dressings, strapping and advice on hand to assist with your foot complaints. The majority of complaints on the day are blisters.

After the event

If you develop a problem during or after the event then please follow up with Total Care Podiatry for advice and treatment. Normal fees apply for consultation after the event.

Total Care Podiatry has very experienced Podiatrists who have walked these distances and more so are in an ideal position to treat and recommend solutions to your walking related foot problems.

Call the clinic on 03 5223 1531, email us or make an online booking for further advice.

Wigwam Socks and Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoe with a rocker sole to reduce foot fatigue

Consider walking poles. Philip Spark loving them on steeper longer walks.

Make sure your shoes are not too warn out. I lost the left vibram sole and had to walk out 4 hours. I felt every stone.

 

Total Care Podiatry New Owners January 2022

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Congratulations Lynette

 

Lynette Kent Podiatrist and Philip Spark Podiatrist are the new co owners of  Total Care Podiatry. Lynette Kent is a Podiatrist who has worked and lived in the Geelong region in private practice and brings her vast experience in treating foot pain and managing Podiatry businesses for more than 25 years. Lynette is available for Podiatry appointments at 209 Malop st Geelong and can be contacted at frontdesk@totalcarepodiatry.com.au

Philip Spark is very excited to be working in a clinic that offers all aspects of Podiatry care at the one premises. The clinic has in-house milling and manufacturing of custom orthosis reducing the wait time on fitting the orthosis. Phil has a special interest in treating heel pain and loves road cycling in his spare time.

Kirrilee Lundberg, our associate Podiatrist has worked on the Bellarine for more than 10 years and brings her enthusiasm and experience to the clinic. Kirrilee has a major role in administration, 3rd Party arrangements, NDIS compliance and Practice standards and often works remotely during this Covid period.

Please contact the clinic for all your Podiatry needs.

Online Appointments

Email frontdesk@totalcarepodiatry.com.au

Tel 03 5223 1531

 

BOOMERS NOT BACKING DOWN FROM FOOT & ANKLE PAIN

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Boomers not backing down from Foot & Ankle Pain!

Foot problems in older people can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s independence and quality of life. There is a vast range of musculoskeletal, dermatological, vascular and neurological conditions that can cause pain in ageing feet. 

Remember, our feet have carried us for so many years and never really get a break! So, it is helpful to be aware of common foot conditions in older feet and how to best care for your feet, so that you can stay as mobile and independent as possible for longer. 

Some research conducted in aged care facilities has found that corns, bunions at the big toe joint & callouses were the main cause of concern for older people- you are not alone!

Toe Deformities

Secondarily, toe deformities developed over a lifetime can be a major cause of discomfort as they create pressure areas to the tips of the toes or joint prominences, which can further increase risk of corn development, ulceration for those with high risk feet; or the exacerbation of the toe deformity if footwear is not addressed properly.

There are three main types of toe deformities at the lesser digits, claw, mallet and hammer toes as seen below: 

Podiatric Surgery

At the big toe joint, Hallux Abducto Valgus (HAV) is the most common deformity of the big toe joint. Also known commonly as a bunion, it is a misalignment of the 1st metatarsal (long bone that adjoins to your big toe) and the big toe itself. Contrary to popular belief, a bunion is not a growth on the side of the foot. 

For all digital deformities, there are treatment options available! See your Podiatrist for an Initial assessment to determine if offloading devices, padding, splints or a combination treatment may be helpful in reducing the pressure experienced at your feet due to structural changes to the toes. First step-get a shoe that is wide fitting (if you have a bunion) or has a deep, roomy toe box (if you have any other toe deformities). 

Nail Changes

Nail growth can differ as we age. The nails can become brittle and thin, but more commonly the nails become thickened which can cause pain. Nails can also become thickened due to various toe deformities, trauma (whether an acute incident like dropping an object to the toe, or repeated trauma to the nail over time), fungal infection, genetic causes and commonly callous growth underneath a nail; all of these in addition to age. 

Did you know, your Podiatrist has a mechanical nail file that can buff down a thick nail to half its thickness and smooth out any ridges? See us for a general care appointment and we can address thickened nails. 

Skin Changes

With age, it is well known the skin becomes drier and more fragile as well as one layer of our skin thinning out, giving the appearance of atrophy to the soft tissues of the foot. These changes to skin integrity promote the risk of skin breakdown, pressure and soreness to the soles of the feet. 

Vascular Changes

Hot or cold feet at different times of the day? Your Podiatrist can undertake a Doppler assessment (Ultrasound) of the two main arteries that supply blood to the feet, to determine if you have any diminishment to your vascular supply that could be related to temperature symptoms or colour changes in your feet. It is important to notice changes to the feet like temperature, colour, nail growth, hair growth or varicosities as you get older as they may be an indication of reduced blood supply to the feet; which if you have, can impair or slow healing if you are to encounter an injury to the foot. At Total Care Podiatry, we believe in a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, especially in the care of older patients and vascular conditions of the feet which are very important to be aware of. We will communicate with your GP regularly when we see you so your progress is understood. 

Musculoskeletal Changes

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are more prevalent in the ageing population, and these degenerative joint changes are a common cause of foot pain related to loss or inflammation to the cartilage lining the joints -the protective soft tissue allowing smooth uninterrupted joint movement. 

Muscle weakness as well as foot problems are factors that are largely involved in falls risk for our older population. With muscle weakness, an individual’s balance is affected which increases the risk of a fall. At Total Care Podiatry we appreciate that balance is a core component of one’s gait and enables greater mobility, so we run a Balance Clinic that is able to assess your risk of falls. 

This blog is merely a summary of common conditions encountered as our feet get older as we grow too! If you have any concerns at all about your foot or lower limb health even if different to those aforementioned, please book your initial appointment to see one of our friendly Podiatrists. We are here to help you prevent foot and ankle pain and want to help you stay active!

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

GOING SKIING THIS SEASON? Make sure you fit your ski boots correctly to avoid injury!

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Vital tips when it comes to Rental Ski Boots and Footwear at the snow this year

Ski boots are one of the most important pieces of equipment and a properly fitting boot will make a large difference in your skiing experience.
Ski boots are measured in Mondo sizes (Mondo (or mondopoint) sizing is basically the length of your foot in centimeters.
It is important to remember that ski boots should not fit like a pair of shoes. You want them to be tight and secure in order to maximize performance, stability and safety.
Most injuries and pain to the foot while skiing/snowboarding occur because of a boot that is too big.
Getting the sizing right goes a long way towards a comfortable time on the slopes.
Make sure to take the time with our ski boot fitting, to ensure that you can have a great day on the mountain.

Do’s

  • Wear loose-fitting pants that can be rolled up
    • Ski socks should be the only thing in your ski boots
  • A quality ski sock is made of wool or synthetic fibers.
  • Buckle up the boots before you make a fitting decision
    • Buckling up the boot will put your foot in the correct position in the boot
  • Walk around in the boot to better ensure you have a good fit
    • Keep them on while you look at skis or accessories
  • Flex your boot forward so that your foot slides into the proper ski position
    • You will naturally be flexed when you ski
  • Attach the Power Strap Firmly
    • The power strap should always be on while skiing

Don’ts

  • Wear multiple pairs of socks
    • This will cause friction in the boot, take up more space, and reduce breathability
  • Wear ankle or cotton socks
    • Your socks should come up above the top of the ski boot
  • Be afraid if your toes are touching the front
    • In a proper fit, your toes should be touching the front when you are upright
  • Choose a boot based on the color
    • Comfort over color!
  • Over tighten your bottom buckles
    • The top buckles are the ones that keep your ankle in place, not the bottom ones
  • Try on a boot based on your shoe size
    • Measure in Mondo size or centimeters
  • Forget that ski boots will continue to pack down
    • Even used ski boots will continue to break in

Don’t Forget to trim your Toenails!

Your feet probably aren’t accustomed to the tight fit of a ski boot and being slammed into the end of the toe box.
Protect your nails from damage and ingrown toenails by trimming your nails short and straight across.

If you are experiencing pain and/or discomfort during or after skiing please call us for an assessment today PH: 5223 1531

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

WHAT RUNNER IS SUITED TO MY FOOT SIZE AND SHAPE?

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What runner is suited to my foot size and shape? 

The choice we make in deciding on an appropriate pair of runners for walking or running can be made in relation to many features of our feet.

First and foremost to address is the size and shape of our feet. 

Our feet can change in size or length, shape and width across the time of our lifespan, including as you age. 

So it is important to get your size and width remeasured each time or every second time you get fit for shoes. 

 

Here are my top tips for fitting shoes to feet of all shapes and sizes!

 

  1. A rule of thumb- test that you have one thumb’s width of airspace compressible just beyond your longest toe in a shoe. 

This allows for the change in size to your foot: 

-When you are more active as your foot slides forward in a shoe

-When your feet swell up during physical exercise 

 

Source: https://www.blister-prevention.com/optimal-shoe-fit/

 

NARROW FEET

–> Ensure the fit of your shoe is secure through the heel and ankle, snug through midfoot and be cautious not to overpull laces too tight across the forefoot as we do require some wriggle room for any foot shape at the toes. 

-The sole or platform of the shoe in a curved last shape may assist to contour your midfoot as visible below

 

-In runners and some dress shoes, for women this means a 2A width (Narrow) and for men in very select shoe styles this means a B width (Narrow). 

-Note that regardless of a shoe’s stated width, some shoestyles may fit more narrow than others-speak to your trusted footwear professional instore for any particular shoe styles that suit!

 

Some of my favourites are:

  • Asics Gel DS Trainer 
  • Asics Glideride 
  • Brooks Ravenna
  • Brooks Transcend 
  • Brooks Adrenaline 2A (or B Width for mens)
  • Asics GT 2000 2A Width (or D width for mens fits more snug) 
  • Nike Pegasus 
  • Mizuno Wave Rider (fits very generously through the forefoot though)
  • Saucony Guide (fits very generously through forefoot though)
  • Brooks Levitate 
  • New Balance Fuel Cell Prism 
  • Brooks Glycerin 17 
  • Hoka Clifton 

 

Lacing technique tip: Lock lace by use of the extra eyelet at your ankle to secure heel and ankle into back of shoe, hugging a narrow heel and preventing slipping around inside. You can always ask your Podiatrist how to lock lace at your next appointment! There are other techniques available for narrow feet. 

 

WIDE FEET or feet with Bunions

–> It’s simple-ensure a wider fitting shoe! If you’re not sure when trying shoes on, compress the sides of the shoe on your foot and if you feel tightness or bony prominences-always if in doubt-go wider!

-The sole or platform of the shoe being wider also helps ie a straight lasted shoe such as visible below

Source: http://hub.therunningworks.net/running-shoes-everything-you-need-to-know/

 

Bunions are a change in alignment of our 1st or 5th Metatarsophalangeal joint that over time can create painful bony prominences to both sides of our forefoot. Excessive pressure to this joint deformity caused by narrow shoes can exacerbate the deformity and pain associated. 

 

It is most helpful upon fitting a shoe to test with your hands by compressing the sides of the shoe. The best case scenario is that there is an air bubble of space surrounding your bunion. 

 

In runners and some dress shoes, for women this means a D width (Wide) or 2E width (Extra Wide) 

For men this means a 2E width (Wide) or 4E width (Extra Wide) 

 

Some of my favourites are:

  • Brooks Dyad or Brooks Addiction 
  • New Balance 940 
  • Saucony Echelon
  • Asics Fortitude 8 
  • Asics Gel Pursue
  • Asics GT 4000 
  • New Balance 880
  • New Balance Fresh Foam Moar 
  • Mizuno Wave Inspire D/2E Width (good for forefoot width) 
  • Hoka Bondi D/2E Width
  • Hoka Gaviota 

 

Lacing technique tip: Start the shoe lacing from the 2nd eyelet from the front of the shoe, skipping the first to ensure the tightest point of fit is not across your bunion joint region. 

 

BROAD FEET, HIGH ARCHED FEET or feet with ORTHOTICS

–> Ensure adequate shoe depth

This will prevent: 

-A feeling of tightness or restriction across the top of your foot when you tie up the laces or fixate your shoe closed

-Heel slippage-commonly occurs in shoes that are too shallow to fit an orthotic. 

 

TOE DEFORMITIES and TOE ALIGNMENT

The toebox of a shoe in a closed toe shoe is the area encompassing all your toes. 

Some brands like Frankie 4 stock shoes with various toe box shapes to suit different toe alignments.

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Toe_box_size.jpg

 

Tips:

-Ensure adequate shoe depth and width in the “toebox” of the shoe

i.e.  Avoid pointed toe shoes 

 

Source: https://www.somfootwear.com/blogs/news/wide-toe-box-shoes

 

This will prevent: 

-Pressure to the tops of claw or hammer toes, to prevent further deformity, pain, callous or corn formation. 

-Prevent interdigital pressure between toes and the formation of bunions. 

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

 

FISIOCREM ~ What is it?

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Fisiocrem is a topical pain relief gel that you can rub into your skin to temporarily ease muscular aches. Used on muscle and joint injuries such as muscle tears and sprains such as ankle sprains.

So it’s used like you would use deep heat, tiger balm and the like.

You get no yucky residue on the skin after applying and the scent and feel of it is not too intense & smells fresh!

Fisiocrem has natural plant-based ingredients in it like Arnica, Hypericum (more commonly known as St John’s Wort) and Calendula.

While we often prescribe Fisiocrem when people are recovering from injuries, there are other uses for Fisiocrem too. Once your pain has relieved, there’s no need to put your Fisiocrem in the cupboard to be forgotten about!

Extra uses for your Fisiocrem:

Post work out soreness

Nothing feels as good as smashing out a gym workout! But the thought of walking the stairs the next day after 1000 squats? No thanks! Sometimes DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) can be a real pain! Have you considered Fisiocrem to get you through those post work out feels? Fisiocrem is popular with athletes, helping them to recover so they can continue to train hard.

Arthritis

Calendula is known to help with inflammation. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints and effects many people. Fisiocrem can be a nice addition to medications, especially when the pain is debilitating. Rubbing Fisiocrem into affected joints may help with temporary relief of arthritic pain, so you can get on with your day.

Bruises

Fisiocrem has the active ingredient Arnica in it. There has been some research to suggest that applying a topical cream with Arnica in it may help reduce bruises. With the combined ingredients of Calendula, the pain of bruising may be also be reduced quicker!

Stress

When you’re feeling stressed you might notice your shoulders creeping up to your ears. Massaging some Fisiocrem around the shoulders and the neck can help you take a moment to relax.

 

Total Care Podiatry stocks Fisiocrem in 2 sizes 120g $25.00 &  60g $17.50

Drop in and see the team at 209 Malop Street Geelong or call 5223 1531 for more information

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.