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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

 

CHILDREN’S INJURED FEET

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Children’s Injured Feet

Problems causing injury to paediatric feet are often correlated with the maturity level of bone development and can be categorized based on the age of your child. 

The following may predispose a child to a gradually developed injury: 

  • Congenital anomalies
  • Variation in development
  • Bone maturation
  • Lower leg alignment 

… but otherwise, given the nature of children with high physical activity levels, acute injury to the foot can occur. 

What does pain/injury look like, sometimes if subtle in a child?

It is important to be aware of the difference in pain presentation between older and younger children. 

Toddlers and young children: a child may limp, tire easily or refuse to walk or weightbear due to pain or injury. 

Older children and adolescents: their ability to compensate or isolate the pain may be better so injuries may go along unnoticed for a longer period. 

Acute vs Developmental Injury

Acute injuries are more likely in children (the younger they are) to result in stress reactions or fractures to the bone and often at the growth plate, rather than ligamentous strain or injury due to the fact children are undergoing stages of bone maturation as they develop into early adolescence and have relatively stronger ligaments than adults. 

Growth Phases

If your child is noticeably fatiguing or lagging behind other children, it is important to get an understanding of what may be the cause, and a Podiatric initial assessment can be a great starting point, to rule out any biomechanical insufficiences or growth abnormalities that for any reason haven’t been picked up on.  

When children go through growth phases, muscles can become fatigued easily as they can tug at the ends of the bone as the bone lengthens and grows; resulting in discomfort and fatigue not unlike the traditionally known “growing pains”. 

Common Paediatric specific injuries to the foot include: 

Sever’s Disease (Apophysitis of insertion of Achilles tendon into Calcaneus/heel bone)– Age: 7-14

-Commonly known as children’s heel pain-pain at the back of the heel towards the bottom, associated with children experiencing growth phases. 

Osgood Schlatter’s (Apophysitis of insertion of Patellar Ligament into Tibial tuberosity)

Age: Ages 10-14

-Painful lump growth just below the kneecap, associated with children experiencing growth phases but more common in children playing sports involving running and jumping. 

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) 

Age: Anywhere from 6 months to 16 years of age

-Joint pain, stiffness and inflammation or region warmth most commonly affecting the Ankle Joint as well as other joints in the body. 

Osteochrondritis Dissecans (OCD)

Age: Children & Adolescents 

-Often affecting the ankle after an ankle sprain or injury where a reduction in blood supply to the bone region affected causes a small fracture. The fragment of bone may remain attached or become detached. 

Sesamoiditis or Sesamoid Pathology

-Pain under the ball of the big toe joint which can be due to inflammation of the two sesamoid bones (small pebble sized bones situated under the metatarsal head that allow the gliding effect of the tendon of the muscle that flexes the big toe downward). 

-A common sporting injury in young athletes who push off the ball of the foot such as in jumping sports, ballet or karate. 

A reminder, Total Care Podiatry has a monthly free Paediatric Screening clinic where your Podiatrist will run through a free assessment to check on developmental norms in your child. We ask that to book into this clinic, a small donation be made to Kids Plus foundation upon attending. Kids Plus offers programs that include early treatment and specific intervention strategies to improve children’s abilities across a range of developmental areas. 

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.

Some information from today’s blog obtained from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2323000/

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.

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.

 

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUR FEET

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and its effect on your Feet

Is an autoimmune condition which causes inflammation in the joints of the hands and feet.

In the feet this may lead to:

  • Joint pain and reduced range of motion
  • Bunions
  • Shifting of the digits
  • Overall changes in the foot structure
  • Contraction of tendons
  • Rheumatoid nodules
  • Callous formation

Within podiatry, the goal of treatment is to decrease pain, preserve joint quality and range of motion.
We can do that by:

  • Exercises and stretches
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Orthotics 
  • Taping and/or paddings
  • Footwear recommendations
  • THOR Laser
  • Referrals to other allied health practitioners such as physiotherapists. 

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.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE SURF COAST TREK?

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Free Foot & Leg Assessment

Total Care Podiatry is offering Surf Coast trek participants a complimentary Foot and Leg Assessment.  This will take into account your individual requirements and help you work out a strategy to help your feet and legs stay the distance.

Call Total Care Podiatry on 5223 1531 to book in your Complimentary Foot & Leg Assessment.

Make sure you mention that you have registered for the Surf Coast Trek.

Preparing for a long distance walk

Getting your feet ready for a 40 km trek needs a lot of planning and preparation. You’re asking a lot of your poor feet pounding into the ground, and they’ll need some TLC to get you there.

Every individual’s body will respond differently so there’s no one solution that will suit everyone, especially in an endurance event lasting many hours like the Surfcoast Trek.

Just like your fitness, preparing your feet and legs has to start early, not the week before or the day before.

During the 40 km trek, your body will change in a number of ways to keep you going. The extent of the changes will very much rely on how you’ve trained your body prior to the event.

Here’s what will happen for most of us at the 20 to 30 km mark:

  • Muscles in our core and legs will tire and as a result our walking pattern will change, placing more pressure on our joints.
  • Feet may swell causing changes in how the foot fits into the shoe, causing pressure areas, and
  • The heels may start slipping up and down in the shoe as the calf muscles tighten, increasing the risk of blister formation.

Footwear

For endurance walking the shoes you wear will have a significant bearing on whether or not you enjoy the trek. The runners you use around the house or for activities such as walking around the block will probably not be appropriate.

  • Footwear should fit your foot comfortably, not too tight or loose.
  • The upper should be made of a material that will easily breathe and allow the perspiration that your feet generate evaporates into the environment rather than build-up heat in your foot.
  • The sole should not be too stiff or controlling and provide good cushioning.
  • The toe box, (the area of the shoe where your toes are), should be deep and rounded to accommodate any swelling.
  • No part of your foot should slip in the shoes, at any time.
  • It is best if the lace area is as long as possible so you can alter the fit around the heel from the midfoot and the forefoot. You may have to adjust the lacing a number of times during the walk, to make sure your foot is supported and any pressure areas lessened.
    For more information regarding lacing techniques look here: How to Lace a Hiking Boot

Blisters

Blisters are caused by friction, where the surface of the skin is held in one place and the tissues underneath the surface are stretched to the point of tearing. It is influenced by 3 things:

1. The nature of your skin

Our skin often has different qualities depending on age, sun exposure, gender, shoes we wear etc. Some people have firm strong and resilient skin. Others have tender, thin and easily affected skin. The latter type of skin can be toughened to cope and protected for the walk using a number of different taping techniques. Skin temperature also needs to be maintained so that the skin does not become overly sweaty and moist which increases the risk of blisters.

Socks that are designed to ‘wick moisture away’; that is take the moisture away from the skin out through the sock to the other side of the sock, is the best way of managing this.

2. How your foot works

Your foot has two main functions, it has to adapt the body above to the ground beneath, and then has to be stable enough for the body to move over a solid foundation. If these functions are not working properly areas of high pressure develop which can directly cause tissue injury. The most obvious is blisters but also stress fractures and indirectly, increased risk of ligament or tendon damage as muscles get tired; often seen in cases of rolled ankles. Research shows that cushioning insoles can address the direct high-pressure areas, but the reasons why the foot is not functioning properly, causing risk of injury, needs to be understood and then addressed appropriately.

3. The level of friction.

There are many ways people use to reduce friction. For most people the best strategy is wearing well fitted merino padded socks. These socks should have built in padding to assist with small pressure areas.  If you have bony feet, or a tendency for rubbing, wearing two pairs of socks can be the solution. If you often have blisters on or in between your toes, ‘toe socks’, worn under the padded merino socks, can be the answer.

A final note on blisters, if the top of the blister rubs off and you’re left with a red raw sore, a band-aid type of dressing is not a good option as it may cause more friction. Instead, compound dressings are good for this, as is some taping, so long as your skin is not sensitive to the adhesive.

We congratulate everyone who is taking on the Surf Coast trek for the challenge it provides as well as supporting a fantastic local charity which benefits our whole community. Total Care Podiatry is proud to support your effort with a Complimentary Foot & Leg Assessment.

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.

SPORTS SHOES

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Sports shoes

Every sport is different and will require appropriate footwear during activity. Shoes provide protection, and support.

What to consider when purchasing sports shoes:

  • The terrain i.e. indoor court
  • Movements within the sport
  • Is extra cushioning required?
  • Do you have orthotics or braces that the shoe will need to accommodate?
  • Weight of the shoe

Sports specific shoes

  • Netball 
  • Basketball
  • Football/soccer
  • Athletics 

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.

MARATHON RECOVERY

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Recovery from any sporting event is critical to injury prevention and must be a component that should be planned into your training program. The main basic steps to follow in the first few days: 

On the day: 

  • Keep warm. Your body will cool down rapidly which is stressful to your cells, so have tracksuit pants and a jumper ready, and get your wet clothes off. 
  • Eat. Protein – bananas, energy bars, sporting drinks, fruit are all good options and will help with recovery. 
  • Ice bath. Later in the day when you get home an ice bath will help with muscular repair. 
  • Walk. A light walk in the evening before going to bed.

Day 1 – 3 of recovery: 

  • Warm bath followed by stretch.

  • Eat, and eat lots. Focus on carbs and protein to refuel.
  • Light massage – no deep tissue at this stage, it will be too much for muscle fibres.

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.

WARTS

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WARTS

Plantar warts or verrucae are caused by papillomavirus group (HPV). They are very contagious and enter the layers of the skin by a entry portal such as a break in the skin.

Presentation:

  • Skin lines or ‘fingerprint pattern’ moves around the lesion
  • May have multiple centres
  • The core may have bruising or haemorrhages at the base
  • Pain occurs with side to side squeezes
  • May have callous around the wart

If you think you have a wart, it is particularly important to keep it covered while it is being treated to prevent it spreading to other members of the household. 

Treatment is customised and will require individual assessment. Most commonly, for a pain free wart, no treatment is required as body will most likely spontaneous remove it itself. If active treatment is required, it may include:

  • Offloading with paddings
  • Topical applications such as salicylic acid
  • Referral to GP for cryotherapy
  • Callous removal

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.