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Falls are a leading cause of injury in people over 60

Running is a great way to stay healthy and active, but...

A recent study shows that 1 in 5 people develop foot pain at some stage throughout their lives. This is influenced by your job, activity, and lifestyle, and the more active you are, the more likely you will develop foot pain. Fixing foot pain is what we do, so how does your Podiatrist at Sole Focus Podiatry support your sole? We have many treatment options available, and the underlying cause of your sore feet will determine the best treatment option. Footwear Advice In some cases, simple footwear advice is all that’s required, and it’s essential to make sure your footwear matches the activity and your foot type. If you’re on your feet all day, then you need a shoe that is both supportive and stable and has adequate cushioning. Suitable footwear comes with a price, but how valuable are your feet? Orthotics If you have flat feet, you may benefit from having orthotics made. When you stand, if your foot flattens and rolls inwards at the ankle too much, it places a lot of on the muscles and tendons, and this is often the source of many long-term foot and ankle problems. Shockwave Therapy If you have a typical foot type, and we’ll tell you if this is the case, yet you are still getting sore feet, you may benefit from Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave therapy delivers gentle, focused acoustic waves to the painful/damaged tissues. It is clinically proven to treat various foot and leg conditions, including heel pain, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain. Exercises Yes, suitable footwear and orthotics can help, but you need to focus on strengthening your feet so they can withstand higher forces. Our Podiatrists can curate a personalized stretching and strengthening program to help keep your feet and legs strong! Take Action Untreated foot problems can and will lead to long-term joint damage and arthritis, so putting it off now will only make things worse later. No two feet are the same, which is why our podiatrists are trained to offer various treatment options. To make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists, call us on (07) 4529 7430 or book an appointment here .

Keeping your children’s feet happy and healthy is essential as we approach the cooler months. Whether your child is playing football, netball, soccer, or anything in between, ask if they are experiencing any heel pain. In young and active children, heel pain is very common, and it could be Sever’s disease (also known as ‘calcaneal apophysitis’). This condition results in painful heels, limping after exercise, and reduced participation. It is crucial to get on top of this pain quickly so your child doesn’t need to have extended time away from the sport they love. What is Severs disease? Between the ages of 8-14, children experience a significant period of growth. As your child grows, there is a soft piece of bone at the back of your heel called a growth plate. In very active and fast-growing children, the calf muscle can pull on this growth plate, causing pain in the back of the heel. Your child may limp and complain of pain during or after activity. One or both feet may be affected. Sever’s disease will resolve in 6-12 months in most cases; however, the pain can be severe, and seeking treatment is recommended to support the injured area and help with symptomatic relief throughout the fusion period. How can your Podiatrist help? Orthotics – specialised insoles can help support and realign the lower limbs throughout this growth period. They aid in reducing pain and providing shock absorption so your child can continue to play the sport they love without pain. Strapping – specific strapping techniques can help reduce the stress placed on the heel when playing sport and allow for a longer time on the court or field. Stretching – a tailored stretching program can be prescribed to assist your muscles in growing without strain. Footwear advice – wearing the right shoe for the chosen sport is extremely important in supporting the feet. If your child complains of persistent pain around the back of the heels, ensure to see one of the friendly faces at Sole Focus Podiatry so that we can help relieve your child’s heel pain. This article was written by our Podiatrist , Sophie . To book an appointment with Sophie, click here. 

Do you or anyone you know love to dance? Dance injuries are very common but can be prevented if you take the right steps.  Dancing is a beautiful art form that people use to express themselves while having fun! It is also a great form of exercise. However, it is also a highly physical and strenuous sport, with dancers pushing their bodies to the limits. Having pain when you dance is NOT normal and not something you need to put up with. Why should you see a Podiatrist? Whether you are just starting out or an experienced dancer, it is imperative that you ensure your body is well-prepped for the demands dance requires. Without the appropriate strength, flexibility, and technique, injuries can occur which could have been preventable. Some of the most common injuries experienced by dancers include ankle sprains, tendinitis, fractures, and increased progression of bunions. This is not to mention all the blisters and skin concerns associated with going up en pointe. How can we help? By getting your feet and alignment assessed by our qualified dance podiatrist weaknesses in your movement can be identified and addressed before issues can occur. Getting a formal evaluation and physical assessment of your lower limbs and dance technique with a podiatrist will allow for any situation to be addressed and averted. Pre-Pointe Assessments Are you about to go up en pointe and your dance teacher says they are not sure if your ankles are ‘ready’? Here at Sole Focus Podiatry, we perform pre-pointe assessments for dancers who are ready to go en pointe and need the ‘go ahead' from a medical professional before going and buying that very exciting first pair of pointe shoes. We also specialise in dance injuries and can provide structured dance-injury rehabilitation or prevention programs. Whatever your needs are as a dancer, we can help. Give us a call today to book in and we can keep you dancing for years to come. This article was written by our Podiatrist , Sophie . To learn more about our Pre-Pointe Assessments, click here.

You’ve finally done it! You bought the bought bag, the clubs, and the shoes, booked some lessons, and made sure you’ve purchased plenty of golf balls. But… something still isn’t right, and you can’t quite put your finger on it. It may not surprise you, but you may have a positioning problem with your feet. Your friends may have already mentioned this to you. They’ve said you’re standing too close to the ball or too far away, but this is not what I mean by foot positioning. All golfers know the position of your feet will have an effect on your swing, which in turn will affect how the club head contacts the ball, resulting in your ball sailing straight down the fairway, commanding cheers from your golfing friends, or into the trees to your left or right, followed by a few laughs and someone yelling, ‘ nice shot.’ What You Need to Know Firstly, there are three basic foot types. Normal, Excessively Pronated (rolls inwards), and Excessively Supinated (rolls outwards). Next, as you swing to hit the ball, your body weight is transferred from the back foot onto the front foot. So, if you’re right-handed, your body weight will move from the right foot to the left foot. Therefore, if your feet tend to roll inwards or outwards too much, this will affect your golf swing, and it can be a common cause of hooking or slicing the ball. How can a Podiatrist help? A podiatrist can evaluate your foot and lower limb biomechanics and determine if an underlying foot abnormality exists. Treatment may involve correct footwear advice or simple stretching and strengthening; however, if a foot problem is identified, you may require an orthotic device or arch support for your feet to control abnormal movement while allowing a normal motion to occur. If an underlying foot problem does exist, it can affect your golf swing and cause other symptoms in your hips, lower back, and neck, especially if you are doing a lot of walking on the golf course or forced to stand for prolonged periods at work. Golf Should Be Fun, Not Painful Although sometimes frustrating, golf should be an enjoyable activity, but it should never be painful. If you find you have sore feet, legs, and upper body after playing a round of golf, first assess the quality of your shoes. Make sure they are not excessively worn in any one area. If they are old, replace them, but if that does not resolve your discomfort, it’s time to visit a podiatrist. Our experienced podiatrists are here to make your feet an asset, not a liability to your golf game. This article was written by our Podiatrist, R yan. To book an appointment with Ryan, click here.

Whether you are an elite marathon runner, a weekend warrior, or just due for a replacement pair of runners, we are all faced with the decision of which footwear to buy. Trying to find a jogger which you find appropriate for yourself can be a difficult task when presented with the almost endless range. There are some basic variables that runners have that can impact both injury risk and comfort during running. Cushioning Cushioning is the shoe's ability to absorb an impact force. It ranges from maximum to moderate to firm. The appropriate cushioning level is dependent on both your foot type and gait characteristics. Maximum cushioning is best suited to someone with high arches to improve shock absorption during the high impact of running Moderate cushioning is the most common type and finds a balance between cushioning and firmness which is best suited to more neutral foot types Firm footwear makes the shoe more lightweight but, with a sudden change, can cause stress on your feet and soft tissue. Stability Stability refers to the shoe's ability to control or not control the movement of your foot. The stability type of a shoe is, again, dependent on your foot type. Whether you have a pronated (flat footed) or supinated (high arched) foot there is an appropriate support type for you. Increased stability footwear is most beneficial and catered towards flat footed. Neutral footwear is best for those with a neutral or high arched foot type. But high arched runners should focus more on the cushioning mentioned above. Ultimately, the best running shoe is different for everyone. To maximise your chance of success, make an appointment with one of our podiatrists for an assessment of your gait and specific footwear advice. This article was written by our Podiat rist, R yan. To bo ok an appointment with Ryan or any of our experienced Podiatrists, click here.

One in four people over the age of 60 have a fall each year, which can often result in serious injuries. Having a fall can be a frightening experience, so it is always good to put steps in place to limit your risk of having one. Here are some top tips you can implement to help keep you on your feet. Wearing the right footwear Your shoes are the main contact between you and the floor, so it is important you are wearing supportive footwear. Enclosed shoes with arch support and an enclosed back are recommended. Regular Exercise By staying physically active, even if it is just a walk around the block or seated exercises, maintaining a level of fitness increases overall balance and mobility Using assistive devices Canes and walkers can sometimes feel like a hindrance but are a really big help in keeping you upright on a big shopping day or walk around the block. Getting your eyesight regularly tested Vision impairment affects the ability to perceive things around you and can affect your balance. By seeing an optometrist annually, you can ensure this won’t be a risk factor for you. Treat any foot pain There is clinical evidence that suggests that foot pain can increase your risk of having a fall. If you are experiencing foot pain, getting this checked by a Podiatrist could be the next step you can take in keeping yourself stable. Our Podiatrists are trained to perform a falls risk assessment. This specialised assessment will help to identify if you are at risk of having a fall. These risk factors are then addressed, and a management plan includes footwear advice, an exercise program, orthotics , and GP reviews. Whether you’ve had a fall previously, or are a bit scared of having one in the future, booking in with a Podiatrist can help keep you on your feet as long as possible. This article was written by our Podiatrist, Sophie . To book an appointment with Sophie or any of our experienced Podiatrists, click here.

We’re in the thick of Summer and relishing in all the activities, which unfortunately can have more of an effect on your feet than you may realise! So, we thought we’d share our top tips on having summer ready feet. And some sneaky little tips to ensure that these hot days aren’t your lower limbs’ worst enemy! Moisturise – DAILY! One of the simplest foot care tips that we can give you! Taking 2 minutes after your shower each night to pop some moisturiser on your feet can do more good than you realise! Especially if your Summer adventures involve plenty of sun and water which can take a toll on your feet! Nail Polish isn’t your best friend all the time! We know how nice a pedicure looks, but did you know that nail polish can dehydrate your toenails which in turn weakens them and increases the chance of them breaking! We don’t expect you to ditch the nail polish for good though – just giving your toes a break from it whenever you can is amazing. And, when you do need a polish, we recommend reaching for a Podiatrist approved option! Dr’s Remedy have a fantastic range. Address any fungal nails Sounds gross right? But fungal nails are extremely common, and present in the form of yellowing, brittle or cracked nails. Luckily for you we have a revolutionary treatment available at Sole Focus to help you say goodbye to fungal toenails for good! To book an appointment to see if laser nail therapy is the answer you have been looking for click here. Sunscreen is for your feet too! You probably wouldn’t be surprised that our feet are often overlooked when it comes to applying sunscreen, but we’re here to remind you to lather up those lower limbs! For all the obvious reasons of course – no one needs to deal with sunburn, and we know how harsh that Aussie sun can be!

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common conditions we see in our clinic. They can be painful and sometimes debilitating if left untreated. Because of this, they need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent infection and other long-term complications. How do they happen? Poor cutting technique - Poor cutting technique and attempting to dig out the painful nail edge causes most ingrown toenails. Genetics - In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is hereditary. We hear it time and time again – ‘my mum/aunt/brother suffers from ingrown toenails as well’. Trauma - An ingrown toenail sometimes occurs because of trauma. The stubbing of your toe or a repetitive activity such as running can cause severe stress to your toes. Incorrect footwear - Tight footwear is also a common cause of ingrown toenails. Narrow-toe boxes or shoes that are too small place extra pressure on the toenails. Poor foot hygiene - Poor foot hygiene leads to a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and fungus to spread. Treatment Options Regardless of how an ingrown toenail occurred, the treatment is quite simple. First, your Podiatrist at Sole Focus Podiatry will examine the affected toe, however, before commencing any form of treatment they will need to take a detailed medical history. Your Podiatrist will also want to know if this is the first time your toenail has been infected and ingrown or if has this been an ongoing problem for some time. If this is your first ingrown toenail, your Podiatrist will most likely trim away the nail from the nail sulcus and dress it with a sterile dressing. If you suffer from recurring ingrown toenails, there are two more permanent treatment options. Your Podiatrist may recommend nail bracing or a minor surgical procedure. Nail Bracing (Onyfix Nail Correction) Onyfix uses a composite nail brace that reshapes the nail and ensures natural nail growth. The procedure is pain pain free and a great alternative to surgery. The course of treatment takes approximately 9 - 12 months and requires multiple visits to ensure the best outcomes. Onyfix nail bracing is a fantastic option for children, people with diabetes, and who are needle phobic. Ingrown Toenail Surgery All Podiatrists at Sole Focus Podiatry are highly-skilled at performing this surgical procedure. Local anaesthetic is administered into both sides of the offending toe, and the toe will normally go numb within minutes. Once your toe is numb, your Podiatrist will remove a very small part of the nail, the part that is digging into the nailbed and causing the problem. Next, a mild chemical is applied directly to the nailbed, preventing the nail from regrowing in that area. After the procedure is complete, the toe has a sterile dressing applied, and you walk out of the clinic pain-free. An hour or so after the procedure the anesthetic will start to wear off, and very few patients complain of any discomfort. If you would like further information in regards to ingrown toenail treatment that is right for you, book an appointment with our team today at (07) 4529 7430 or book online.

Pain under the big toe joint is common and can seriously impact your quality of life. It can limit daily activities, work, and exercise. If you suffer from pain under the big toe joint, you could have sesamoiditis. The sesamoid bones are two small bones located under the big toe joint within the tendons that run to the end of the big toe. Due to their location, they are subjected to massive amounts of pressure every time the big toe is used to push you forward, especially with running. What are my symptoms? Sesamoiditis typically starts as a mild ache under the big toe joint and gradually becomes worse. In some cases, it will cause intense throbbing pain even at rest. Once sesamoiditis starts, it is difficult to enjoy simple activities, even walking. What can I do to help? After a full examination of your feet, legs, and walking pattern, our Podiatrist will develop the best course of action. Firstly, we need to reduce the pressure through the two small bones and redirect your weight away from the area. This can be done through specific padding and strapping and will quickly reduce your symptoms. Rest, Ice, and oral anti-inflammatory medication are also beneficial for this condition, however, they work best when combined with customised orthotics. Custom foot orthotics control abnormal foot movement while allowing normal foot function to occur. Custom foot orthotics will also reduce the likelihood of your sesamoiditis returning. Eliminating your big toe joint pain means you can once again enjoy long walks and runs completely pain-free. To make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists, call us at (07) 4529 7430 or book an appointment here.

We know the school year has only just wrapped up, but we thought we’d give you plenty of time to get yourself prepped for 2022. Back to school often means the (sometimes) dreaded new shoe shop. But, we are here to make it hopefully a touch easier by ensuring you have all the facts you need to start your children’s year off on the right foot… literally! Your child's feet are constantly changing as they grow and so ensuring that they have supportive, well fitted and good quality school shoes is a must. During the school years children spend a huge percentage of time in their school shoes, so it only makes sense that we select the right ones! Longevity It’s common to aim for a pair of shoes that are going to last all year, but this isn’t always achievable. School shoes can cop quite the beating, and scuffs, water damage and general wear and tear can affect the integrity of your child’s shoes. Secondly, your child’s feet can grow quite rapidly, and it isn’t unusual for them to need a new pair to accommodate this during the year! Whilst you may be lucky enough to make it through the year on the same pair, we recommend doing a little check in on size and wear and tear at the beginning of each term. Shoe Criteria There are a number of things to look out for when buying a pair of school shoes for your child including: Quality – you really do pay for what you get! Purpose – ballet flats can be a nice looking alternative to the standard school shoe, however you will be sacrificing your child’s lower limb health! Shock absorption – children are very active, so this is a must! Material – leather and natural fibres are often the best choice. Structure – try and stay away from anything too rigid and heavy. Closed shoes that are secured with velcro, laces or buckles are always the best option. Bend – check that the shoes bend around the area that your child’s feet naturally do. Fit – they should fit snuggly around the heel with no room to move around/slip in & out. Wearing them in We always recommend that your child takes some time over the school holidays to wear their new shoes in. As with any new shoes, blisters can develop upon first wear. Ensuring your children’s lower limbs are well looked after… Of course, we always recommend an annual visit to see us to ensure that your child’s feet are well supported. Our experienced podiatrists can assist you in choosing the correct footwear for your child and give plenty of suggestions on how to care for their feet through these shaping years!