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SKIP A STEP & SAVE MONEY…do I need to see my GP or Podiatrist for a foot complaint?

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Podiatry

A podiatrist is an Allied health professional in foot care. Podiatrists help people in the care of their lower limbs including the foot and ankle and may also be involved in supporting older people to reduce their risk of falling.

They can treat conditions such as toe fungus, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, bunions, infections and foot injuries. Podiatrists can perform ingrown toenail surgery using a local anaesthetic.

Where do podiatrists practice?

Podiatrists mainly work in private practices but also work in a range of health settings including hospitals, aged care, sports clinics and research and policy organisations.

When should I see a podiatrist?

There are a wide range of reasons to see a podiatrist but some typical foot conditions include heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, tinea, plantar warts, corns and calluses.  Some typical examples of why someone might see a podiatrist are:

  • Patient with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, or neuropathy
  • Clinical diagnosis or history of foot or lower limb deformity
  • Clinical diagnosis of falls
  • Arthritis
  • Soft tissue and muscular pathologies
  • Circulatory diseases.

What services do podiatrists provide?

Podiatrists provide a wide range of services from the treatment of calluses to the treatment of bone and joint disorders. For conditions such as recurring sprains and chronic pain, podiatrists may prescribe foot orthoses.

The podiatrist’s scope of practice includes areas such as paediatrics, diabetes, sports injuries, structural problems, treatment of the elderly as well as general foot care.

Podiatrists with additional qualifications and registration may also perform foot surgery.

How are podiatrists qualified?

In order to practice in Australia, a podiatrist must complete the following:

  • A Bachelor of Podiatry
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • Continuing professional development.

Skip a step and make a direct booking with one of our qualified podiatrists today on 5223 1531 

DON’T MISS OUT! our ‘JULY FREE PAEDIATRIC CLINIC’ IS BOOKING FAST

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SECURE YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR JULY 2020 ~ call 5223 1531

  • 15 minute assessment with one of our expert podiatrists
  • Held on the last Wednesday of every month
  • Age limit ~ 6 years old and under
  • During Covid-19 we are asking that only 1 carer attends appointments
  • Please arrive on time to help our paediatric clinic run on time
  • Gold coin donation to ‘Kids plus foundation’ is welcomed
  • Call 5223 1531 today!

OUR FREE FAMILY FOOT CLINIC RETURNS ~ 2nd of July 2020

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Free family foot clinic!

THURSDAY 2nd of July 2020

15 minute FREE consultation 

Please arrive on time to help our family clinic run on time

Gold coin donation to ‘Kids plus foundation’ is welcomed

Call our friendly reception staff today to secure your appointment PH: 5223 1531

 

PIGEON TOED CHILDREN? We can help!

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In-toeing in children 

In-toeing is when the feet are turned inwards when walking – you may have heard this gait referred to as ‘Pidgeon toed’. In-toeing in children is common and normal when they are developing. It may be a concern of parents as you may notice tripping, clumsiness or generally awkward particularly when running. The three most common causes of in toeing arise from the feet, lower leg and upper leg:

The foot may be turned inwards: ‘Metatarsus Adductus’

It has been suggested that this curved alignment where the feet are curved inwards arises from the position of the baby in utero. This is okay as in most infants it is a flexible alignment – meaning that you can move the foot straight. This will generally correct without treatment by the age of two or three years. Treatment if required generally involves gentle exercises, footwear advice, or shoe inserts for a period of time. 

The lower leg bone (tibia) may be turned inwards: ‘Internal tibial torsion’

This is when the bone in the lower leg (‘shin bone’/tibia) is rotated inwards between the knee and the ankle which makes children’s feet appear to be turned in. This is a very common and usually corrects without treatment by the age of 8 years old. No exercises, shoe inserts, special shoes or braces can help this. 

The upper leg bone (femur) may be turned inwards: ‘Internal femoral torsion’

This is when the bone in the upper leg (femur) is rotated inwards between the hip and the knee which makes children’s feet appear to be turned in. This is normal in young children – they may find it easy and/or comfortable to sit in the ‘W’ position on the floor instead of the typical cross-legged position. It may be wise to avoid this position, although there is no evidence it is harmful. No exercises, shoe inserts, special shoes or braces can help internal femoral torsion and usually self corrects by 10 years of age.

SUMMARY: In-toeing is normal in children and usually corrects by the age of 10. Consult your GP or Podiatrist if you have any concerns with your child’s in-toeing gait or if:

  • In toeing affects one leg 
  • In toeing is severe, and not improving with time 
  • Causing tripping in school age children that affects participation in activities 
  • The feet are stiff and not improving with time 

 

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 NEED A CAM WALKER? AKA MOON BOOT

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What is it?

  • The sole purpose of a Cam Walker, commonly known as a ’’moon boot’’ is to limit mobility in the foot and ankle.

Type of injuries?/How long?

  • You may be temporarily prescribed a cam walker by your Podiatrist if you have an acute or chronic injury that needs rest for a period of time, but still allows you to walk. Examples of injuries could include ankle sprains, achilles injuries or even to take pressure off an ulcerated area of the foot.
  • The time required for each individual will vary however a typical injury may result in needing to wear the Cam Walker for 2-8 weeks.

Did you know??

  • As the boot has a thick sole, this often leads to symptoms in the back or hips.
  • We will provide you with an ‘Even-up’, which aims to help level you up in order to reduce the chance of further problems.

Important to know

  • As the Cam Walker’s sole purpose is to reduce movement at the time of injury to allow for healing, it is extremely important that proper rehabilitation follows this stage.
  • Your Podiatrist will guide you towards a suitable management plan, to help reduce chance of future complications.

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.

IS YOUR TINY DANCER GOING EN POINTE?

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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/his pathway to going en pointe.

During a pre-pointe assessment, the following is taken into consideration:

  • 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 or he is strong enough to commence pointe work with the guidance from the ballet teacher.
The follow up review helps the dancer improve their strength and mobility for pointe work.

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

Call our friendly reception team to book your tiny dancer in for a pre-pointe assessment today 5223 1531

TOP TIPS FOR FEET FOR TRAIL RUNNING

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There are a few things to consider if you enjoy trail running.

Skin integrity
This may include blisters, callous, corns and dry skin.
To help prevent these from developing, wear appropriate socks.  The best material is predominantly polyester, as this transfers or wicks moisturise away from the skin. This keeps the skin strong and dry, less likely to cause blisters. You can also wear two pairs of socks(to reduce friction); one very thin, without any creases but stretches around the foot and the second pair worn on top, a bit more cushioned. Wearing two pairs creates a barrier, meaning that if there is any friction, it more likely to occur inbetween the two socks rather than directly to the skin.
You may require specific padding to redistribute pressure points in the feet.

Skin and nail preparation
Cut your nails (not too short and not the day before your run)
Moisturise your feet daily to prevent skin irritation from stress. Apply everywhere except inbetween the toes as we want to keep these areas dry. Use a quality urea-based cream.
Address callous and cracked skin if you are not able to manage this.

Footwear
Make sure that you have a well-fitted pair of trail shoes (a cushioned runner with appropriate grip)
Make sure you have a little room in the shoe, if the feet begin to swell. Ability to adjust lace-technique if signs of swelling and pressure from shoes occur is also important.

If you have any lower leg or foot injuries, your risk of injury may be heightened due to the possible uneven trail surfaces.  You may require taping or further advice from your Podiatrist.

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.

RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR NEXT VISIT

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Are your feet happier after visiting one of our expert podiatrists?

Would you like to receive 10% off your next visit? 

Take a moment to like us and write a review on our face book page and receive 10% off your next visit with us ( you can even do this whilst in our waiting room!)

To claim your 10% please show are staff at the front desk during payment your like and review

 

 

 

 

OUR PAEDIATRIC CLINIC IS BACK!

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SECURE YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR JUNE 2020 ~ call 5223 1531

  • 15 minute assessment with one of our expert podiatrists
  • Held on the last Wednesday of every month
  • Age limit ~ 6 years old and under
  • During Covid-19 we are asking that only 1 carer attends appointments
  • Please arrive on time to help our paediatric clinic run on time
  • Gold coin donation to ‘Kids plus foundation’ is welcomed
  • Call 5223 1531 today!

 

FEET AND ANKLE INJURY FREE -WHILST SMASHING OUT HIIT SESSIONS

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Due to the nature of HIIT (high intensity interval training), certain stresses may be placed on the feet and ankles, especially if this is a new form of exercise for you.

It is important to build the strength in your legs prior to engaging in HIIT training, as movements are often rapid and repetitious. It can place excessive pressure on your joints if your HIIT workouts are too frequent, and you do ‘too much too soon’, like many other activities. There are specific modifications that your trainer may be able to suggest if you have any concerns. Correct technique is crucial, so it is necessary for you and your trainer to be on top of this, to avoid injury.
Should you develop an injury, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Be sure to wear appropriate footwear. When buying athletic footwear for your HIIT workout, stick with a ‘neutral’ shoe, unless it has been otherwise suggested by your health professional.
The shoe should have a firm heel counter (doesn’t fold right down if you try to push it with your fingers). The shoe should have a moderate amount of cushioning (without it being too heavy), for good shock attenuation to reduce the amount of force on the feet and legs. The softer the outer sole however, the faster it will compress, which we want to avoid.

If you do not feel as you are being adequately ‘supported’ or have enough cushioning, try altering your footwear. If this doesn’t change anything, there may be other things that your Podiatrist can manage or educate you with.

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.