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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.

BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS NEW SHOES!

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Take advantage of our FREE foot check for all students

Problems with your child’s feet could become problems for life if not treated early. Foot conditions have the potential to develop into knee, hip and back pain that can have serious consequences on development and posture. Bones and joints in children are constantly growing and are not fully developed until adulthood.

Every school term there will be some kind of change in growing feet, particularly in the 8-12 age bracket. After the summer break, spent mostly barefoot or in thongs, it’s good to remeasure feet and purchase correct fitting school and sports shoes for the upcoming year.

Tips for purchasing shoes at any age:

  • Choose a store that measures foot length and width to ensure best fit
  • Buy shoes in the afternoon as the foot may be larger at this time
  • Always walk around in the shoes at home on the carpet, checking for comfort and tight spots – if any issues develop take them back!
  • When standing you should be able to wriggle your toes
  • Ensure the sole of the shoe is firm and bends across the ball of the foot
  • The material breathes and is flexible/durable

*Wear hand-me-down shoes with caution. An old shoe belonging to someone else will take on their shape and gait, which will not be the same as the new wearer. Buying a new shoe is recommended.

Every year at Total Care Podiatry we have a Back to School Free Foot check event and mid-year a Free Family Foot check event.

Call 5223 1531 for the next event.

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.

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.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR BEGINNER RUNNERS

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People are not ‘born runners’ – if you have an urge to start running and to chase that ‘runners high’ – start ASAP before the urge to start goes! People often ignore it and think I’ll never be a runner’. This is not true! With patience, and a slow, steady approach, you will get there – ideally injury free!!

  1. Find a running friend/group – these days it’s hard to be self-motivated. Life is busy – find a friend with a common goal (running!) and start the gradual training process together. When starting you should be able to hold a conversation and not be so out of breath that you are unable to speak. – a good sign you’re going too hard, too soon!
  2. Have a good sleep/wake cycle – our bodies thrive off a good routine. Set a time to go to bed and try and stick to it! If possible, complete your run first thing in the morning to motivate sleep! 
  3. Use an app – a good way to start and to stay motivated is to download an app – try something achievable like the ‘C25K’ (couch to 5km) app – it will encourage a steady training program and prevent over training. 
  4. Stay positive – its not easy starting something new. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge the fact that you won’t always feel like going for a run – push through this a few times and you’ll find a habit forms – remember the feeling you get after your run and let that be the motivator!

 

WARNING: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. If you have any concerns or pain in your feet you should seek professional 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.

MEDIAL TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME – aka ‘Shin Splints’

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MTSS is one of the most common exercise induced, overuse leg problems. It is associated with poor shock absorption which results in excessive load through the tibia (shin bone) causing pain and inflammation. Overuse of the muscles in the calf are thought to be a big causative factor of the pathology. Excessive foot collapse or high arches, hard training surfaces, and poor footwear may cause the leg muscles to work even harder than usual which enhances the risk of shin splints.
MECHANISMS OF INJURY:
1) TRACTION INDUCED PERIOSTITIS: inflammation of the sheath that covers your shin bone
causing pain
2) MICRO TRAUMA: inflammation and tiny micro damage to the shin bone because of the
stress put through it, resulting in inflammation of the sheath covering the shin bone.
RISK FACTORS:
– Increased hip external rotation
– Flat or high arched foot
– Enlarged calf muscle
– Increased internal rotation of the shin bone
– Muscle dysfunction
– Females are more susceptible
– Running history of at least 5 years or exercising ‘too fast too soon’
– Exercising on hard surfaces
– Increased BMI
– Running or jumping activities

– Previous history of shin splints

 

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 YOUR FEET SUMMER READY?

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We all look forward to warm summer days and having our toes in the sand!
Here are just a few things to keep at the front of your mind to ensure that when it comes to achieving your new year’s resolutions, (which we can all admit isn’t all that far away), we can!
Toenails and skin:
Summer can often lead to dryer skin so although the salt water at the beach does wonders, ensure that you regularly moisturise your legs and feet, to reduce the chance of painful splitting callous on the heels and infection.
Now, if you’re the opposite, and are always wearing closed-in shoes, perhaps invest in a more open-toed shoe, and alternate your shoes to allow air flow to the feet.
If you have reduced or absent sensation in your feet, it’s best to avoid going barefoot, especially as the hot temperatures on the ground can burn your feet. Always empty your shoes to get rid of any sand or stones.
If you like to wear nail polish, try to avoid leaving it on for the whole duration of summer. It’s best to remove it within a few days to avoid damage to the toenails.
If you tend to sweat a lot when wearing shoes and socks, summer can be a nightmare for you! Try changing your socks a few times throughout the day and make sure you are wearing a clean pair each day. Excess moisture can lead to irritating skin conditions and infections. If changing your socks doesn’t help, book in with your Podiatrist.
Did you know?
We apply sunscreen to most areas of our bodies, but often forget our feet. Podiatrists sometimes pick up on moles on the feet that are or can become cancerous. So, don’t neglect your feet and check them out! If you are concerned about any new skin spots/moles, please consult with your GP asap for a skin check! Don’t forget to also check underneath and in between your toes.
Footwear:
Footwear options are all about balance! It is completely fine to wear thongs on warm days, but if you plan on doing a lot of walking,  consider wearing your runners or walkers.
Or, if you could never see yourself wearing runners, think about a good sandal or thong with a bit more structure than your every-day ‘flip-‘flop’. Key features to look for are a more contoured and supportive sole and a small heel.
If you are experiencing foot pain, address your footwear first. If you experience no change, it is worthwhile seeing a Podiatrist for advice and an assessment.
Have a fantastic summer!
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.