One of the more common and painful series of conditions we see as podiatrists relates to the posterior tibialis tendon. This muscle is responsible for holding the arch up during walking, preventing it’s collapse during the loading phase. For those with more flexible feet that pronate further than average this muscle can work particularly hard, […]
Category Archives: Foot Health
Many people don’t know what to expect when visiting the podiatrist for the first time. There are a few elements to the podiatrist that are similar to visiting any other medical professional, whether it’s a physiotherapist or a GP
The big toe serves the main role in late stage propulsion when we walk. It is the last point that touches the ground with each step we take. Anatomically it works best with a slight foot angle outwards and the toe flexing straight over it’s mid-line. But for many people the big toe is not […]
Corns are painful spots that appear on our foot where hard skin has built up. Unlike callus, which is spread out evenly, corns are concentrated areas that can go quite deep into our feet. Corns form when a particular part of our foot is subjected to too much pressure. Bony points between toes or underneath […]
Neuropathy is a condition relating to the damage of nerves leading to numbness, weakness and tingling. Neuropathy can occur due to local and systemic causes. The most damaging element of neuropathy is the loss of protective sensation, especially in the feet. This protective sensation is what tells us our foot is under trauma. This can […]
Ingrown toenails are a common problem for many people. They can often be managed at home by trimming the corner of the nail and bathing the toe in salty water. But what about when the nail won’t settle down? In these situations a podiatrist is your best bet. Using specialist tools they can remove the […]
In most conditions of the foot, traditional orthotics offer sufficient support when offloading pressure. Certain more complex or chronic cases may require further support. In these cases, we generally use a device called a Richie Brace. Richie Braces are a custom ankle foot orthosis (AFO) designed to control the foot and ankle and prevent the […]
Gout is a unique form of inflammatory arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis where the joints degrade with time and attack themselves respectively, gout occurs due to an accumulation of uric acid in the body. When the uric acid reaches a high enough concentration in the bloodstream, crystals form in the joints causing severe pain […]
Foot and lower leg pains are dealt with by experienced and amateur runners alike. But where do podiatrists fit in this equation? With a wide range of knowledge, podiatrists can be helpful for runners of all levels. Muscle tightness, old injuries and footwear choices are just some of the factors that can mean the difference […]
We are often asked questions about flat feet and whether they need orthotics to support them, but there is no single answer to this. Flat feet generally refers to flexible feet that flatten when standing. Foot flexibility provides natural shock absorption and the ability to adapt to different surfaces when walking or running. Consequently muscles […]
Generally podiatrists do not bulk bill appointments, however there are exceptions. In some cases your health fund may cover the entire appointment cost leaving you with no gap to pay. The other case is in regards to care plans prescribed by your General Health Practitioner. Here at Active Care Podiatry we accept the Medicare Rebate […]