Walking and Running
Did you know that daily walking and/or running are some of the most important steps in reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and many other serious health conditions?
You may be wanting to improve your well-being, or reduce your risks of health conditions, or simply to start a new hobby, so here are some easy steps to begin your walking/running routine!
- Set realistic targets and goals. This could be a walking/running distance, weight loss (in combination with good diet), or seeing if you can improve your time running around the block.
- Ensure you have the most appropriate shoes possible by seeing a Podiatrist, who can also help you plan your walking/running sessions.
- Start off easy. This could mean a short walk around the block, or a light jog to the milkbar and back. Everyone is different, so do what works for you.
- Set a routine. Put a particular time aside each day for your exercise, and stick to it!
- If you’re feeling lonely, invite your partner, friend, colleague to exercise with you!
- Don’t feel bad if you have to skip a day, just stay positive and look forward to the next session!
- Make sure you’re having fun! Yes, you will get tired and sweaty, but if take notice of your surroundings, play some music and smile, you are on your way to making a beneficial routine!
For further advice on footwear, running, walking, click on the link below to make an appointment or call 1300 847 226.
http://www.thepodiatrygroup.com.au/booking/
Skin Cancer on the Foot?
As Podiatrists we often see moles and spots on people’s feet and toes. Most of the time they’re harmless, however occasionally we come across some that need further investigation.
This isn’t to scare you, but simply to inform you of the importance of checking your feet, even though they may not get exposed to direct sunlight.
It is true that skin cancers can form even where the sun don’t shine!
So what can you do?
- Check your feet every so often for moles and spots.
- Observe for any changes in size, shape or colour.
- Apply sunscreen to your feet when not wearing closed shoes.
- See your GP if you’re worried about a spot, or just want a professional opinion.
Rest assured, if you’re seeing one of us we will make sure to keep an eye on the spots you may have on your feet, and monitor them as we see you into the future.
For further foot advice, visit our website and make an appointment to see one of our friendly Podiatrists!
There are many ways to make a living and for some of us it involves long periods of standing. In particular, jobs that require us to stand all day place an undue stress on our feet, legs, knees, and hips- Did someone say retail worker?
The main problem with standing for long periods of time is that you are placing a large amount of stress on the same muscle groups, ligaments and bones. This is why you can experience pain.
We are all probably a little guilty of fantasizing about quitting our jobs and finally chasing our dream career of becoming a travel show host for Getaway. But we better take a look at a few ways we can reduce pain in the feet, just in case that falls through.
Keeping good foot health while standing will require you to be proactive and take steps towards achieving more cushioning and support during your day to day work.
The last thing anyone wants is an injury that prevents you from working and therefore impacts your income. To the same degree none of us want to work with foot or leg pain either!
To help make it easier, let’s take a moment to answer the question of why my feet hurt from standing all day? And what we can do to help.
Why Do My Feet Hurt From Standing All Day?
People are meant to stand. The reason why it can be challenging and why our feet hurt is that we may not be ready for it without some planning. Many people changing to a more active job will find that pain in their feet occurs pretty quickly after starting. Some of this pain will go away naturally as your body gets accustomed to it. If the pain persists, then it may have something do with your shoes or your foot type.
Sometimes the surfaces that we work on can be a little unforgiving on our joints. Man-made surfaces like concrete and tiles don’t allow for much shock absorption and therefore our joints take all the load. This is where the right pair of shoes can help.
The lifespan of a pair of shoes will change dramatically based on what brand and style of shoe you are wearing. As well as how often you are wearing them and how many kilometres you do in a day.
Wearing the right shoes can dramatically reduce the amount of pain you feel from standing all day. Also, consider how long your shoe is meant to last. As the shoe breaks down from use, it will provide less and less cushion for your body, resulting in experiencing more discomfort.
It is important that you wear the right shoe for your foot type. Just because you spent $200 on a pair of shoes does not necessarily mean they are more supportive or that they are right for you!
The best way to make sure you are getting the right shoe is to book an appointment with one of our shoe addicted podiatrists to have your walking pattern assessed. We can then recommend the right shoe for you before you invest your money into the wrong one!
The bottom line
Don’t put up with unnecessary pain. We are here to help you and will work with you to meet the specific needs of your feet and job.
Call us on 1300 847 226 to make an appointment and give us the time to help you.
We have recently moved into a bigger and better clinic located at Cranbourne Park Health and Wellness Centre, 24 Mundaring Drive, Cranbourne 3977. We are located within short walking distance of Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and there is ample off-street parking available right in front of our clinic.
With this exciting move, we can offer more open hours and a broad range of services. Our podiatrists can help you with all your footcare needs including:
- Nail and skin care
- Corns and callouses
- Ingrown nails
- Diabetes footcare
- Sports injuries
- Video gait analysis
- Children’s feet
- Moonboots and casting
- EPC Plans
Cranbourne Park Health and Wellness Centre also provides other allied health services including:
- Physiotherapy
- Dietitian
- Psychology
- Audiology
- & more
Our team of professionals are ready to help you from head to toe!
You do not need to have a referral, just call us on 1300 847 226 or book an appointment online.
What is a Morton’s neuroma?
How did I get this?
If I had a Morton’s neuroma, what would it feel like?
What do I do next?
- Ice to the area
- Again ladies – avoid high heels!
- Check the width of your footwear. Try wearing wider shoes with a lower heel. Tighter or narrow footwear can compress and bunch the toes together. Your podiatrist can help you with footwear assessment and recommendations.
The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma can be different between patients. An accurate diagnosis can be made by a podiatrist.
- You may require orthotics to alleviate the forefoot pressure and mechanics in combination with metatarsal padding.
- Additional, ultrasound imaging maybe required to consider other diagnostic possibilities (as mentioned in first post).
- In more serve cases a course of anaesthetic and cortisone injections.
- Surgical removal of the neuroma as last resort.
Don’t forget, a neuroma is a result of a nerve that is being traumatised by a poorly functioning foot or footwear and treating the cause of this condition is paramount.
Metatarsalgia – Ball of Foot Pain
So many foot problems can occur in our forefoot. As podiatrists we treat a wide range of problems associated with forefoot pain and deformity. Metatarsalgia is a non-specific term or general umbrella term if you will, for pain in the forefoot or ball of the foot.
Discomfort is usually located beneath the balls of our feet and is typically a result of increased forefoot pressure.
Bunions, hammertoes, short metatarsal bones, stress fractures, plantar plate disruption, Freiberg’s infarction, capsulitis, intermetatarsal bursitis and Morton’s neuroma area some possible causes of metatarsalgia.
Today we are talking about intermetatarsal bursitis.
Intermetatarsal bursitis
What is bursitis?
An inflammation or irritation of the bursa. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning and reduces friction, between and around the joints of the forefoot. Irritation of the bursa can cause swelling and pain (bursitis). The intermetatarsal bursae are located on the bottom of the foot near the base of the toes.
Bursitis can also affect other parts of the body – back of the heel/Achilles tendon, the knee, hip, shoulder and elbow.
How did I get this?
Generally, bursitis can occur through injury or repetitive motion causing irritation and inflammation. They can become irritated when one metatarsal bone takes more load than others.
Wearing narrow or excessively worn footwear during the day and different sporting activities can increase your chance of developing bursitis. Other factors can include;
- Overuse or excessive pressure on the forefoot
- Stress from abnormal foot mechanics
- Injury from a fall or hit to the area
- Less commonly due to certain types of arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis
If I had bursitis, what would it feel like?
Friction can cause the space between the tendon, bone and skin to become inflamed – causing swelling, pain and possibly redness of the surrounding area.
Irritation and restricted movement of the affected joint may be evident and certain footwear or activities may exacerbate pain.
What do I do next?
- Apply ice to the area – this can help reduce inflammation
- Rest and avoid painful activities
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories if advised by your pharmacist
- Orthotics
- Footwear changes, avoid high heels!
- Reduce the amount of pressure being place placed on the bursa through off loading
- In chronic cases, injections of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid may be required in combination with padding
It’s important to attend a podiatry consult for assessment to determine the root cause, as other injuries can produce similar symptoms. Podiatrist may advise you on appropriate shoes and can also add padding to off load the pressure, prescribe orthotics and refer for any imaging that may be needed to rule out other conditions.
Contact us on 1300 847 226 or make an appointment online to speak with one of our friendly podiatrists about helping you get back on your feet sooner!
The battle of the fungal nail!
Fungal toenails or onychomycosis is common, unpleasant and persistent in nature. Accounting for almost half of all nail problems, this slow growing infection occurs when microscopic fungi gain entry to the nail, usually through small trauma. Trauma allows the pathogen to enter the nail and nail bed.
Other causes
- Fungal organisms grow and spread in warm, moist environments and are usually picked up in warm damp areas like socks, shoes, public pools, gyms and showers.
- Not drying off the feet thoroughly following showers or exercise and wearing tight shoes or socks, can provide conditions the fungus needs for growth.
- People who have a compromised immune system, diabetes, circulatory problems and the elderly are particularly susceptible.
Symptoms
Fungal nail infections are contagious and can often spread from skin to nails. The poor cosmetic appearance that usually develops can cause some embarrassment. Nails can become discoloured, thickened, brittle, rough and weaken. Sometimes the infection can occur with an odour and can cause discomfort.
Types of Onychomycosis
Distal subungual onychomycosis – most common form of fungal nail that can cause the nail to become yellow brownish in colour, thickened, rough or crumbling.
Superficial white onychomycosis – this type of infection occurs on the outer surface and often appears as white spots. It is the easiest type of infection to treat.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis – occurs in the area of new nail growth at the beginning of the nail and is the least common.
Candida onychomycosis – typically occurs after trauma or damage to the nail that allows the fungus to invade. Most often occurs in people who frequently have their feet in water.
Treatment
As many people with fungal toenails can appreciate, it’s often difficult to eradicate fungal toenail infections, and like most things, prevention is always better than cure. Treatment varies depending on the type of fungal nail infection and the amount of nail involved, so it’s best to chat to your podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment option for your type of onychomycosis. In many cases nail lacquer medications are used, and in severe cases oral antifungal medication from your doctor, however this comes with potential side-effects.
Preventative measures
- Wear protective shoes in public showers and pool areas.
- Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly when they get wet.
- Change socks daily, more regularly if you have increase perspiration or exercise.
- Avoid leaving toenail polish in place for long periods of time, wearing nail polish is not advised for those people who are suffering from nail fungus as it may encourage it to grow.
- Avoid nail solons who re-use their nail instruments, all instruments should be sterilised using an autoclave.
- Wear properly fitting shoes
If you suspect a toenail fungus, it’s recommended you see your podiatrist before it spreads. Podiatrists also have a tool to reduce thickness of fungal nails, this can enable topical medication to absorb and penetrate the nail easier, provide comfort of thickened nails and can help improve the appearance of the nail.
If you or someone you know would benefit from fungal nail treatment, please give us a call or book an appointment online at any of our podiatry clinics in Warragul, Drouin, Beaconsfield or Cranbourne.
Understanding the need to look after your feet when you have diabetes
What is diabetes?
The pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or the body cannot make good use of the insulin it does produce.
Insulin enables glucose (sugar), from the food we eat to pass from the blood stream into the cells in the body to make energy.
Not being able to produce insulin or use it effectively can cause raised sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). Over the long-term high sugar levels can damage some tissues and organs in the body.
Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an auto-immune reaction where the body’s defence system attacks cells that produce insulin. It can occur at any age, however it is more common in children or young adults. Injections of insulin to control sugar levels in the blood is required.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is no longer using insulin efficiently. Sugar builds up in bloodstream and the cells are starved of energy. There may be a family history to developing type 2 diabetes or environmental triggers.
Diabetes and the feet come hand in hand (or foot in foot).
“Every year, more than 4,400 amputations are carried out as a result of diabetes”. (https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/national-diabetes-week). Foot complications with diabetes are becoming more prevalent. Prevention through education, understanding foot complications, signs and symptoms and regular assessment is required to prevent hospitalisation and risk of amputation.
Some foot concerns:
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) and poor circulation in the feet (peripheral arterial disease).
- Loss of feeling, tingling, burning sensation and numbness.
- Poor healing, cramping.
- Increase rate of infection.
- Foot ulcers or sores that may have delayed healing.
- Changes in shape which can cause an increase in pressure .
- Hammer or claw toes, bunions, arthritis.
- Charcot’s arthropathy.
- A rare condition that occurs with good blood flow to the feet and numbness (peripheral neuropathy) – red, hot, swollen foot, rocker bottom foot.
Peripheral neuropathy explained
- Insensitivity or loss of ability to feel; touch, pressure, vibration, pain, heat, cold or perception/position.
- You may not realise you have a cut, blister, corn or footwear rubbing. The damage caused may not heal adequately, which may cause ulceration in some cases.
- Check feet daily for cuts and redness and blisters etc.
Poor circulation explained
- Reduced blood flow and nutrients to the feet
- Swelling and dryness and impaired healing process
- Cold feet
- Painful calves when walking or at night in bed
- Delayed or reduced healing rate in the feet
- Improve – activity, avoid smoking, reduce caffeine
- Control cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Regular podiatry and foot check-ups or assessments are an important part of preventative care for your feet to prevent serious complications. Diabetes assessment every 3-12 months and more regularly treatment for hard skin, corns and nail care is recommended.
Quick and painless tests by your podiatrist include:
- Vascular assessment with an ultrasound testing the amount of blood flow to the feet.
- Neurological assessment testing sensation and your ability to feel.
- Gait (Walking) assessment to assess any increase in pressure due to the change in foot shape.
- Footwear assessment to ensure suitable footwear and fit.
- Skin and nail care to prevent any ingrowing toenails, painful corns and pressure areas.
Preventing foot complications and self-managing tips
- Control your blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of damage to your feet.
- Keeping moving! Blood flow is important for healthy feet.
- Stop smoking – smoking slows down blood flow to the extremities.
- Check feet daily – with a mirror to observe for any cuts or red marks that require attention.
- Good foot hygiene is important. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly daily.
- Be careful with trimming toes nails and avoid cutting down the side.
- Wear comfortable socks and shoes.
- Get fitted professionally for shoes at the end of the day to reduce risk of poorly fitting shoes causing blisters.
- Avoid uncomfortable or tight shoes that rub or cut into your feet.
- Avoid high heels and pointed toes.
- Look inside your shoes daily for any stones, or prominent lining to avoid rubbing against your feet causing blisters.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- Wear comfortable socks that are a good fit and aren’t too tight.
- Prevent dry skin by applying moisturise daily, avoid cream between the toes.
- See a podiatrist regularly to trim off callous, remove corns and trim toenails.
- Podiatry diabetes assessment.
In summary…
Of course not all foot problems will require a hospital visit, but they can vary from minor complications to wounds that won’t heal. Serious complications can be avoided through self-management and through regular check-ups.
Simple injuries such as corns, cuts, or callouses, when combined with loss of sensation in the feet can mean that these injuries go unnoticed. If untreated they may not heal due to lack of blood supply and infection can occur. Foot assessment by a podiatrist is recommended to establish your foot health status by determining the blood flow and sensation in your feet and identify any potential risk areas.
- Look at your feet daily.
We know how much you love to be active, we love it too! Our friendly team are here to help keep your feet happy and healthy. Contact us for an appointment at our Cranbourne, Beaconsfield, Drouin or Warragul Clinics or make an appointment online.
Cranbourne Podiatry Clinic
Cranbourne Podiatrist / Cranbourne Podiatry
Ph. (03) 5995 3700
24 Mundaring Drive Cranbourne VIC 3977
Cranbourne Podiatrist
Lynette Stokie
Karen Purcell
Speciality
Our Cranbourne Podiatrist has a special interest in children’s foot health, sports injuries, diabetes and general foot care. We provide treatment options for pain in the legs, ankles and feet. We prescribe orthotics and use specialised doppler ultrasound equipment for our diabetic patients to ensure good blood supply to the feet.
We are able to help people in the Cranbourne area with their foot, ankle and leg problems. Contact us at our Cranbourne Podiatry Clinic today for an appointment. We are located at the Family Care Clinic in Cranbourne.