​Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are two common conditions that can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. These conditions often cause chronic heel pain and can be challenging to treat using conventional methods. However, Active Podiatry has a new non-invasive treatment option known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that is effective in assisting to resolve these two conditions.
 
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy:
Before diving into the benefits of ESWT, lets briefly understand the conditions it aims to treat. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It commonly causes stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
 
Achilles tendinopathy refers to the degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It typically results in pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, making walking, running or your favourite sport very challenging.
 
The Role of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy:
ESWT involves the application of high-frequency sound waves to the affected area. These shockwaves stimulate the body's natural healing process by promoting blood flow to the region.  This promotes tissue regeneration within the plantar fascia and achilles tendon whilst reducing pain. ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that leads to long term healing and regeneration of the chronic injured tissue. 
 
Benefits of ESWT for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy:
 
1. Pain Reduction: ESWT has been shown to effectively alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinopathy. The shockwaves target the inflamed tissue, increasing blood flow and triggering the release of natural pain-relieving substances.
 
2. Enhanced Healing: ESWT stimulates the production of collagen, a crucial component for tissue repair. By promoting tissue regeneration, this therapy helps strengthen the plantar fascia and achilles tendon and accelerate the healing process.  ESWT can help to reverse the degenerative process and promote healing.
 
3. Non-invasive and Safe: Unlike surgical interventions, ESWT is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require any incisions or anesthesia. It is safe and is associated with minimal side effects when performed by a trained Podiatrist
 
Conclusion:
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. By promoting tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation, and providing pain relief, ESWT can effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with these conditions. If you are experiencing chronic heel pain or Achilles tendon issues, it is worth considering ESWT. 
 
At Active Podiatry we usually recommend ESWT for chronic conditions (>6 weeks) or when other conservative treatments have only been partially effective.  Our Podiatrist’s have found that ESWT works best when combined with a comprehensive rehabilitation program.  We do expect our clients to carry out specific strengthening exercises.  Usually 1-6 treatments are required, and these treatments are usually space 7-days apart.  Full benefit is usually seen 6-8 weeks following the final treatment.
 
If you think you may benefit from ESWT, call or book an appointment online with one of our trained Podiatrist so we can tailor a treatment plan for you!  

​This year’s theme for Foot Week is ‘Podiatrists are Foot Health Experts.

Podiatrist's assess, treat and keep you on your feet.  The theme highlights the important role that Podiatrist play in keeping people active and healthy.  Podiatrists are trained professionals who can help with a number of different conditions. From nail and skin conditions such as painful corns, ingrown toenails and warts, to injuries such as heel pain and achilles tendinopathy.

In addition to this, Podiatrists can play an important role in identifying health conditions such as circulatory issues, heart conditions and diabetes. The 2022 Australian Foot Health Survey found that almost 2 in 5 Australians who visited a Podiatrist had other serious health conditions identified by the Podiatrist.  Visiting your local Podiatrist is not only a proactive way to manage you foot and general health, but it can also save lives.

Foot week signifies the perfect time to get your feet assessed by a Podiatrist, whether it be for a general check-up, or to address any niggles that may be affecting your ability to exercise or undertake daily activities. A Podiatrist can provide a swift and accurate diagnosis, and create an effective and personalised management plan.

At Active Podiatry we treat and manage a number of foot and lower limb conditions. We provide general nail and skin care, footwear fittings, treadmill gait analysis, dry needling and orthotic and exercise prescription. We also conduct diabetes foot assessments, ingrown toe nail surgeries and swift microwave treatment for warts.

Check in with your feet this Foot Week and book in with your Podiatrist today to priorities your foot health.

​Book online at http://www.activepod.com.au/book-online.html

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Another school year is about to begin and it’s time for the team at Active Podiatry to assist you in making the right choice for you child’s school shoe! 

Shopping for shoes that support your child’s feet, rather than choosing a shoe based on aesthetics should be given top priority.  Our Podiatrist’s are well equipped to give you some expert advice regarding the current brands and style of school shoes that would be most suitable for the school year ahead.   

We believe the shoes your child wears to school are their most important shoe given they can spend up to 8 hours a day, 40-hours a week and 400 hours a term in them!   So here are some tips on where and how to get the best shoe for your child!

Shoe Fitting Tips

1. Firstly, it is best to get shoes fitted by a professional as no two feet are the same.   It is common to have one foot longer than the other and also common for the 2nd or even 3rd toe to be longer than the big toe!   So, when your child is being fitted for new shoes make sure they are fitted to the longest toe on the longest foot!  
2. For growing feet allow up to 1.5cm growing room. 
3. If your child wears orthotics take them as well as the socks your child would normally wear to school to the footwear fitting.
4. Don’t send your kids to school with lace up shoes if they cannot do up laces!  Find a suitable shoe with a velcro fixation or buckles instead.  Shoes will offer feet and ankles little support if they are slopping around in them at lunchtime!

What school shoe should I buy?

1. The school may dictate whether they must wear a black leather shoe or are able to wear a running shoe.  Take into account how much running, skipping or ball sports they play at school.  Little feet are always on the move; therefore, consideration should be given to the style, durability and type of material the shoe is made out of. 
2. If your child is able to wear runners and they are active at school then it would be best to consider a Cross Trainer with a reinforced toe box so the end of the shoe doesn’t wear out quickly.  It is important to pick a shoe with the right features so that your child grows out of their shoes rather than wearing them out!
3. If your child is required to wear black leather shoes, two Brands you may like to consider are Ascent (stocked at Athletes Foot) or Clarks. 

Features of a good shoe

1. Firm heel counter (not a squishy heel)
2. Rubber sole with adequate cushioning.
3. Should bend (when flexed) through the ball of the foot, not through the middle. 
4. Lace, velcro or a buckle for a snug fit and to stop the foot moving within the shoe.

 When should you seek advice from a Podiatrist? 

1. If you noticed uneven shoe wear, especially around the heel of the shoe.
2. If your child reports any problems relating to skin rashes, lumps, bumps or itching to their feet. 
3. Any ongoing aches or pains in the lower limb or feet that is aggravated by activity. 
4. If you notice your child walks on their tip toes, or their gait (walk) is not symmetrical (the same on both feet and legs).
5. If you have any other general concerns about your child’s foot health.

Please feel free to contact us for more information or to book an appointment.  Good luck for the school year ahead!