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I’M INJURED – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

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Injury can really impact you physically and mentally. It is important to take care of yourself when injured and allow your body to heal – be patient and be kind to yourself. If you have a lower leg injury that you cannot bear any weight on, we recommend you visit your local ED or GP as soon as possible.

If you can wait to see your podiatrist,the following points  are very helpful for you to consider and bring to your appointment:

1)    When did the pain start? Were you injured or has this happened over time?

2)    What kind of pain is it i.e. sharp, dull, ache, pins and needles, numbness?

3)    How intense does the pain get? (1-10 /10 scale, 10 being the worst pain)

4)    Where is the pain? Does the location move or are you getting any referred pain?

5)    What aggravates the pain? i.e. increase in walking, first thing in the morning, going up on tip toes?

6)    What is the pain preventing you from doing?

7)    What makes the pain better? i.e. ice, heat, rest

8)    What is your overall goal?

If you can have a think about these questions before seeing your healthcare professional, it can really help us in the consultation. If you need to wait a few days before an appointment, we recommend you keep a pain diary for those three days so we can really knuckle down to why you are in pain and get started on treatment!

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.

CALF RAISES – WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

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Whatever your level of activity or whatever age you are,  EVERYONE will benefit from Calf Raise exercises.

  • Ankle strength and foot stability
  • Lower leg strength to propel us forward in motion
  • Prevent injury particularly for athletes
  • The more explosive the activity – the more crucial calf strength is!

Your calf complex is made up of your soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. They help us in every day activities including simply walking. Strong calf muscles enable us to jump, skip and run with more force and will prevent injury with these activities too!

Some basic calf exercises

Stand with your toes pointing straight ahead and feet slightly apart. Raise onto your toes for a count of 4, hold for a count of 2 and slowly descend for a count of three. Repeat for 2 minutes 3 – 4 times per week.

Stand with your feet at 45 degrees with the heels together. Raise onto your toes for a count of 4, hold for a count of 2 and slowly descend for a count of three. Repeat for 2 minutes 3 – 4 times per week.

Stand with your feet at 45 degrees with the Big toes together. Raise onto your toes for a count of 4, hold for a count of 2 and slowly descend for a count of three. Repeat for 2 minutes 3 – 4 times per week.

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.

PAEDIATRIC CLINIC

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For a gold coin donation to Kids Plus, Total Care Podiatry provides a specific Paediatric Clinic that focuses on our little one’s feet and legs: from 6 months – 6 years old.

We have been seeing little people for over 30 years now at Total Care Podiatry and we’ve noticed lately that more and more people are looking for advice regarding their children’s feet and how they crawl or walk. In response, this monthly children’s clinic is designed to answer these questions in a one on one assessment of each child in a child friendly environment.

Children’s feet are designed to change!

There are a lot of changes in the legs and feet during the first 6 years and most of these are perfectly normal. Sometimes, however, there are concerns which will need treatment. The key is understanding what’s normal development and what’s not.

If you are worried your child walks or crawls differently to your friend’s children and are concerned about whether everything looks okay, this 15 minute one on one assessment is very helpful

Every child’s development is different, so if there are any concerns it’s best to check at this young age when simple exercises are often all that are required to address potential long term problems.

Bookings are essential 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.

WHAT ARE BUNIONS?

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A bunion is a bony malalignment of the first and/or fifth toes. Bunions that form around the base of the fifth toe are commonly called a Tailor’s bunion. If it occurs at the base of the first toe it is called a Hallux Abducto Valgus deformity. This is where the first toe is angulated away from the midline of the body toward the other smaller toes. Bunions are not just found in older people’s feet; sometimes they begin to develop in people who are quite young!

What are the most common problems with bunions?

Symptoms associated with bunions vary from person to person.  They commonly include pain, swelling and redness. Not all bunions become painful, but certain arthritic conditions can cause severe pain.

How do these problems arise?

  1. Abnormal foot mechanics.
  2. Impaired nerve stimulation of the muscles.
  3. Inflammatory disease.
  4. Surgical removal of the big toe joint cartilage.
  5. Hereditary deformities.

How can they be treated?

  1. Strengthening.
  2. Stretching.
  3. Footwear therapy.
  4. Joint mobilization in some situations.
  5. In shoe foot orthotics.
  6. Surgery is used only when other treatment fails.

When should they be checked by a podiatrist?

Bunions are able to be treated, especially if we begin in the early stages, so you should come and see one of our Podiatrists if you are concerned that a bunion may be developing. It’s still a good idea, however, to seek treatment if you already have a bunion which is causing you pain or you have difficulty fitting into footwear.

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.

CRACKED HEELS? WHY….

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Cracked heels can occur as a result of the skin on the heels becoming very thick, dry and hard. The callous formation can crack, creating splits called fissures. The skin bordering the callused area may appear red and sore.

What are the most common problems with cracked heels

Cracked heels form gradually over a period of time and when any of the associated callous becomes too thick it can be very uncomfortable for you to stand and walk on. You may also experience pain as a result of increased pressure from unequal weight distribution and callous. Altering your style of walking due to pain may also cause other problems to occur.

How do these problems arise?

There are a number of things which may lead to you having cracked heels:

  • Wearing open backed shoes with no socks
  • Walking around barefoot
  • Skin conditions
  • Wearing synthetic material on the feet

How can they be treated?

  • Moisturising the heels daily.
  • Gently filing the heels with a foot file once – twice a week.
  • Limiting the period of time you spend barefoot.
  • Heel callus can be painlessly removed by a podiatrist. This can often help it to be managed much more easily at home through routine moisturising and filing.

When should they be checked by a podiatrist?

Cracked heels should be seen by a Podiatrist as early as possible so that the thickness of callous may be reduced and the underlying causes can be treated.

How can Total Care Podiatry help you?

At Total Care Podiatry, we can tailor a treatment plan which is specific to your needs in order to reduce discomfort related to your calloused and/or cracked heels.

WARNING
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.

DANCE ASSESSMENTS

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The Dance Assessment at Total Care Podiatry is designed to help prevent injuries and solve any issues which may be limiting your success in reaching your dance goals.
With her in depth knowledge of structure and function of the foot, our Podiatrist Esther Francavilla ensures she creates the best possible plan for each dancers’ individual needs.

Esther started classical ballet at 5 years of age in Melbourne. She learned the methods of Vaganova, Borovansky and R.A.D. She also learnt other styles such as contemporary, jazz and character to name a few. Esther went on to study for one year at the Victorian College of the Arts. During this time Esther wanted to further her studies and realised how important feet are to dancers! This is what inspired her to study Podiatry.

Since graduating, Esther has combined her passion for podiatry with her knowledge of dance to help young dancers achieve their goals. She prides herself on teaching dancers correct technique to help enhance their capabilities and reduce the risk of injuries.

The Dance Assessment of Foot Function has three steps to success:
1. A thorough Initial consultation to assess and address the dancer’s needs.
2. A tailored treatment plan, that combines the condition, treatment, and prevention as well as educating the dancer along the way.
3. A review plan depending on progress.

Conditions this service treats

• Prevention of injuries
• Understanding the individual’s dancing mindset
• Treating dance injury in accordance with the dancer’s goals
• Ensure the dancer is informed and understands the process so that not only current issues are taken care of, but future injuries will be prevented

How does the treatment work?

Initial assessments can help determine a dancer’s structure as well as current mobility and strength.
Each dancer is different and therefore will be provided with unique feedback and tips to help achieve their goals.
Depending on the style of dance, Esther will customise full injury and rehabilitation programs as part of the return to dance and injury prevention.

What are the benefits of this treatment

There are many contributors to dance injury, including poor technique anatomical anomalies, footwear, and surfaces. Our personalised treatment goals will benefit with assisting in preventing these injuries and provide you with tips and tricks to prevent them from occurring in the future.

Pre-Pointe Assessment

A specific pre-pointe assessment is recommended before a dancer progresses to pointe work.

The screening will help develop an awareness about correct and incorrect positions which will help the dancer on her pathway to going en pointe.

During a pre-pointe assessment, Esther will take the following into consideration

  • Basic Ballet Technique
  • Foot, ankle and leg strength
  • Joint range
  • Posture and core control
  • Anatomical structure of the foot and compensations
  • Growth and maturity

Once a pre-pointe dancer can correctly perform the assessments, she is strong enough to commence pointe work with the guidance of her ballet teacher.
The follow up review helps the dancer improve her strength and mobility for pointe work.

A review every six months is recommended if there are no concerns along the way.

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.

DO YOU HAVE A SOFT TISSUE INJURY? JOINT CONDITIONS? POST OP PAIN? Then this post is for YOU!

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THOR Low Level Laser Therapy

Healing from the inside out!Check out this amazing new therapy now available at Total Care Podiatry

Posted by Total Care Podiatry on Tuesday, 26 February 2019

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.

FOOTWEAR FOR CHILDREN

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One of the most commonly asked questions in our monthly paediatric clinic is around what footwear is most appropriate for children. Before offering our advice, we like to point out that the brand doesn’t matter – what is more important, and more cost effective for you, is to be equipped with what to look for in the shoe features, to alleviate the stresses of shopping for children’s shoes!

FIT: 

Have the shoes fitted professionally at a footwear store – this is important because the fit of a child’s shoe will largely dictate the comfort and ability to move without pain – crucial for development! We recommend they be re-checked every 3-6 months to ensure there is still about a thumb distance between the end of the shoe and the longest toe (this may be the 2nd), and that the width is still appropriate. 

FASTENINGS: 

They should have adjustable fastenings to make sure the shoe stays firmly on the foot when they’re running around. It doesn’t matter if it’s Velcro, laces or straps – ideally something that your child can adjust themselves. 

THE SOLE (SHOE LAST): 

This refers to the bottom of the shoe – assess the shoe and ensure that it is more straight than curved. Often adult shoes have more of a curve than children’s shoes. 

THE BEND (FLEX POINT): 

When holding the shoe, fold it so that the shoe bends – shoes should bend at the flex point of the toes – not in the middle of the shoe. 

If you are unsure about how appropriate your child’s shoe is for them, or if they have any lower leg or foot concerns – give us a call.  It may be worthwhile for you to bring your child to our monthly paediatric clinic for up to 6 years old or to one of our back to school and family foot check events for school aged children. Call us on 5223 1531 for dates. 

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.

BEST THONGS

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We all need some flip flops to cruise around in during the upcoming summer months – so now is the time to talk all things thongs! 

Generally, we recommend a sandal over a non-supportive, flat thong. But if you need a throw on pair – here’s some advice we recommend: 

  • Ideally something with a small heel 
  • Arch support is offered in some of the designs and you may find this more comfortable 
  • Fastening – a strap will help keep them on and prevent tendon problems from gripping too much 

If you can wear your preferred comfortable shoe for longer walks and sandals/thongs for periods where you will be sitting or going for short walks, we recommend you do so! 

At Total Care Podiatry we have thongs and sandals from Vionic, Revere and Orthaheel.

Orthaheel Spangle

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.