Shoes – such an integral part of our daily lives. But how often do we really think about what our footwear can do for us? Or more importantly, how our footwear can be hurting us. When we’re young, often we get our feet sized and shoes fitted appropriately. But how many of us can say that we’ve checked our fit once we’re adults?  We carry our shoe size in our mind’s compendium of life’s important numbers. But unlike other numbers, like our date of birth, our shoe size is not as fixed as we may believe it to be. A shoe size is as variable as the sizing of a pair of pants. Each brand can hav ..read more

Diabetes-related foot disease is a widely feared complication among people with diabetes. Once diagnosed with diabetes, people often quickly become aware and concerned about the risk of amputation, without fully understanding how to reduce their risk. 4400 Australians have an amputation associated with their diabetes every year, and 85% of these amputations would have been preventable with early intervention and appropriate care (diabetesaustralia.com.au). Whilst across Australia, and indeed the world, the rate of diabetes-related foot disease is increasing, so too is the research and understa ..read more

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be a painful and persistent problem for many individuals. It is estimated that plantar warts have a 12% annual incidence within the general population and that up to 40% of the population is infected with HPV. Plantar warts are especially common in children and adolescents [1]. As podiatrists, we see firsthand the discomfort and frustration these warts can cause. Fortunately, advancements in treatment options have made managing and eliminating plantar warts more effective than ever before. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest treat ..read more

A common question, oft heard around podiatry clinics, is “what can I do about my sore toenails?” Whether it is piercing the skin and infected, constantly breaking, or just curvy and unsightly, twisted toenails are pesky and persistent. While seemingly small, ingrown toenails can cause significant discomfort, inconvenience and can hinder day-to-day living. In this blog, we’ll unravel the mysteries of ingrown toenails, exploring causes, symptoms, and most importantly, effective and exciting new interventions when treating ingrown toenails to keep your feet happy and pain-free. The Culprit: Ingro ..read more

Diabetes Australia warns that for people with diabetes, small wounds can lead to infections, ulceration and amputation, and this can be a sobering thought. However, podiatry researchers have found that most diabetes-related foot complications are avoidable with a few simple steps. In this blog, we are going to look into how diabetes can lead to foot complications and then discuss some simple preventative measures you can take to minimise your risk.   The International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) (some would argue, the world’s experts in this area) refers to four main f ..read more

At My FootDr Charlestown, we treat a range of foot and ankle conditions including Plantar Fasciitis, we are conveniently located across the road from Charlestown Square. What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Take your finger and trace from the bottom of your heel, out to all five toes like a fan. This is your plantar fascia, a connective tissue that fans out across your arch and helps stabilise and support your foot while you walk, run and move. When the plantar fascia is overloaded and strained, it can become injured, and inflamed and cause heel pain. This is known as plantar fasciitis. Book online Ho ..read more

Our feet are intricate marvels of engineering, perfectly adapted to propel us across diverse landscapes. Yet, like any finely tuned machine, even slight deviations in motion can cause wear and tear. We have all experienced the blisters that form from an ill-fitting pair of shoes, or a sudden increase in activity. Our skin reacts with blisters when something happens for the first time, but when it happens repeatedly, the skin will thicken, and then form callus to protect itself from continuing irritation. Callus can form from either: Abnormal Friction: abnormal rubbing against the ground or fo ..read more

Shin splints – sounds scary doesn’t it?! But there’s no need to be alarmed – the vast majority of people that experience shin splints get back to the things they love doing by listening to good advice and following an individualised management plan. At the very least, shin splints shouldn’t be ignored – the typical just ‘run through it’ will unfortunately make things worse. In this blog, we explore what shin splints are, delve into factors thought to increase the risk of experiencing shin splits and discuss options for management. We’ll also shed light on the crucial role that podiatry plays i ..read more

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure that combines swimming, cycling, and running? Triathlons are the ultimate test of endurance, pushing you to your limits while embracing the exhilaration of completing three incredible disciplines. As a podiatrist with a passion for sports and foot health, I’m here to share some valuable tips to help you conquer your triathlon with a smile on your face. Beginners to Triathlons have great ‘half’ or ‘short course’ options to get started. So, no excuses, lace up your shoes, dive in, and let’s make your triathlon experience truly epic!  Start w ..read more

Welcome, dear readers, to another exciting edition of our podiatry blog. Today, we’re going to dive into a common foot ailment that many individuals face at some point in their lives: athlete’s foot. At times athlete’s foot can remain chronic and persistent, but fear not! With proper knowledge, we can easily prevent and treat this pesky condition.  What causes athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the skin between the toes. It is the proliferation of dermatophyte fungi Trichophyton Rubrum, Trichophyton Interdigitale, o ..read more