Step Up Podiatry is working with Pukekohe Family Doctors to make room for the new accident and emergency that will be located on 149 Manukau Road, Pukekohe. To accommodate these changes Step Up Podiatry has temporarily relocated to 63 Seddon Street (the building just next door). Later this year Step Up Podiatry plans to move into our intended location, in the Seddon Medical Centre building, on 13A Hall Street, Pukekohe ..read more

If you are diabetic, even small foot wounds have the potential for becoming serious ulcers that can lead to amputation if not properly treated. In fact, the rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 percent higher than for people who do not have the disease. Fortunately, most of these amputations are preventable with good foot care and wound treatment. If you have diabetes, even a small wound or blister can become a serious problem that can result in an amputation if not treated correctly. This is because diabetes reduces the blood flow to your legs which makes it more difficult for wo ..read more

Sun Block Your feet are probably the last place you think to apply sunblock, but like any other area it is prone to sunburn. Remember to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your feet, including the bottom of your feet and between the toes. Sweaty Feet With all this hot weather you will undoubtedly be sweating more. For your feet, this means you can be more prone to infections such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and fungal nail infections. Be sure to dry well between the toes after bathing, use an antiperspirant on your feet, and airing out shoes after wearing them can prevent bacteria gr ..read more

Often people ask what do podiatrists do? And often we are not the first practitioner people see when they have a sports injury. So here are a few handy tips to share with you what your podiatrist is able to do: If you require imaging for an injury like an X-ray or Ultrasound podiatrists are able to refer you for these. If you need to fill out an ACC claim, you do not need to visit your GP first. In a typical appointment, the following can be used in our clinics: Myofacsial release Sports massage Exercise prescription Sports taping Moon boot fitting Orthotics Extra-corpeal shockwave treatment K ..read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzrYDh6RuxE This past few months we have had a sudden increase in ankle sprains, so here is a great video on how to strap your ankle if you are prone to ankle sprains and are playing sport or need some extra support ..read more

The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the shin bone (also known as the tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. Shin splints are common in runners, dancers and military recruits. Medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints often occur in athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines. The increased activity overworks the muscles, tendons and bone tissue. Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures. Wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splint ..read more

New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme provides 24 hour no fault personal injury insurance cover. Accident Compensation Corporation administers this scheme which provides personal injury cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to N.Z. In return people do not have the right to sue for personal injury other than for exemplary damages. This means that no matter where you injured yourself — at home, on the sports field or at work you can apply to ACC. Our podiatrists are all able to submit your claim for you, or if you have an existing claim you can bring the numbe ..read more

Lisfranc injuries are an uncommon occurrence accounting for only 1% of injuries in the foot. However in light of the patients with undiagnosed lisfranc injuries we felt the need to pop a little blog up about them. Lisfranc injuries are very rare, and thus are often misdiagnosed. They happen when the foot gets caught and the rest of the body "falls" over it. For example a person who falls off a horse with their foot in the stirrup, or by their foot being stuck in a hole and falling over. Mild lisfranc injuries are very hard to detect, with X-rays and ultrasound scans usually not being able to ..read more

Cold weather can lead to a variety of foot-related complications. Don't let winter stop you in your tracks and follow the tips below: Socks Warm socks will provide you with an adequate layer of insulation from ground-chill. Natural Fiber socks are best; both wool or cotton. Natural materials will help to prevent moisture build up and fungal infections. Warm up slowly Take care when warming up cold feet. Do not stand too close to heaters and fire – this can cause chilblains. Footwear Decrease the risk of slips and falls this winter with good quality shoes. Look for footwear that is water proof ..read more

Taping for plantar fasciitis. Try this taping if you have arch or heel pain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jQv_CipqyU ..read more