Blog

Will orthotics fix my bunion?

Will orthotics fix my bunion?

Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, are a common foot deformity characterised by the misalignment of the big toe joint. They can be painful and impact one's mobility and quality of life. Orthotic treatment is a non-invasive approach to managing bunions,...

What can I do in a moon boot?

What can I do in a moon boot?

A moon boot, also known as a walker or cast boot, is a crucial medical device used to support and protect the foot and leg after an injury such as a fracture, sprain, or surgery. While it may limit mobility to promote healing, wearing a moon boot doesn't mean you have...

How long do orthotics last?

How long do orthotics last?

The lifespan of orthotics can vary depending on several factors, including the materials' quality, how often they are worn, the type of activities you engage in, and your body weight. Orthotics can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years or more on average.  Here are...

Stepping on a Sea Urchin

Stepping on a Sea Urchin

Stepping on a sea urchin can be a painful and potentially dangerous experience, as their sharp spines can easily penetrate the skin. In this article, we will discuss what to do if you find yourself in such a situation and how a podiatrist can help if you have stepped...

Could my plantar fascia be torn?

Could my plantar fascia be torn?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, providing support to the arch. A tear in the plantar fascia, known as a plantar fascial tear, can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. This...

Tis’ the Season for Heel Pain

Tis’ the Season for Heel Pain

Our senior podiatrist, Kirstine Mann says “Wearing thongs, walking barefoot or increasing the level of outdoor physical activity, such as running is often the cause of heel pain. By neglecting and ignoring one of the hardest working parts of our body, we have the ability to place greater stress on our heels, causing unnecessary heel

Free Children’s Foot Screenings

Free Children’s Foot Screenings

 On Saturday 16th January from 9am – 1pm, Highett Podiatry will be conducting FREE 15 minute foot screenings for children before they go back to school and kindergarten.What is included in your child’s foot screening?1. Shoe fit checks – Please bring along their everyday school shoes and sport shoes.2. Bio-mechanical screening -To look for any

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD RUNNING SHOE 

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD RUNNING SHOE 

You could very well be unwittingly contributing to your own foot and ankle injuries by choosing a running shoe that is not suited to your foot type or basing your selection on brand name, fashion style or colour.Your running shoe selection should be based on your individual foot and lower limb pattern, at your typical

TOP 4 PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL TRAINING TIPS

TOP 4 PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL TRAINING TIPS

It’s no secret the demands on footballers, be it AFL, rugby or soccer have increased significantly. The style of each game has evolved and as a podiatrist, these advancements must be met with the correct support, not only in the type of boot you wear, but how you train as well.If you have started back

Lock Lacing

Lock Lacing

Ever wondered what this extra hole is for?It is used for a clever lacing technique called lock lacing or heel lock. It helps stop your heel from moving around at the back of your shoe for a better fit. It helps prevent blisters and uncomfortable rubbing on your heel. Follow these 5 simple steps: 1. Create a loop

Achilles Tendonitis & Sever’s Disease

Achilles Tendonitis & Sever’s Disease

What’s the difference?Achilles tendonitis is irritation of the tendon which attaches to the calcaneus bone.Sever’s disease is an irritation of the back of the calcaneus where the growth plate is located.   ACHILLES TENDONITISDescribed as a thickening of the tendon caused by constant pulling or straining on the tendon. An overuse injury which is common in runners. Pain

Diabetes Foot Care Guide

Diabetes Foot Care Guide

Regular contact with your podiatrist will allow regular checks of the feet and help identify issues earlier and provide the most appropriate treatment. In between visits, paying close attention to good hygiene habits of your feet and your footwear choices are key to reducing diabetic foot conditions surfacing. 80-90% of diabetic foot ulcers are caused through

Serious foot conditions for Australians with Diabetes

Serious foot conditions for Australians with Diabetes

Up to 25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lives, with more than half of all foot ulcers becoming infected and requiring hospitalisation and 20% requiring a lower limb amputation.Any patient who is diagnosed with diabetes should regularly see a podiatrist due to the increased risk of foot problems. The

Annual Diabetic Assessment

Annual Diabetic Assessment

What does a podiatrist check in an annual diabetic assessment of the feet? 1.    Assess the blood flowa.    Review signs and symptoms – rest pain, sharp leg cramps after walking short distances, cuts to the feet healing slowly, colour changes within the feet and legsb.    Look at the temperature of the skin, hair growth and nail

Spring Racing – Foot Survival Guide

Spring Racing – Foot Survival Guide

The roses are blooming, the sun is shining, you’ve got your dress and hat sorted and  shoes……………… oooh but will my feet survive. Here’s some tips to get you through the day and home with your shoes still on your feet! 1.  Choose a shoe that has contoured support through the arch of your foot as this will

Kicking Goals…. It’s Time to Celebrate

Kicking Goals…. It’s Time to Celebrate

By Kirstine MannIt won’t be long before Highett Podiatry celebrates 20 years.  In November, 1998, I took a big gamble and decided to go it alone in private podiatry practice.  I was a very “green” 24 year old with big aspirations and a lot to learn.  I put the call out to my “tradie” friends to

Back to School!

Back to School!

It’s that time of year again, new school uniforms, new books and pencils but most importantly new school shoes.Each year your children’s school shoes take a beating, not only do they wear them for their classes but at play time they often take on the role of a sports shoe.  Shoes for your children should

School Holiday Foot Check Up

School Holiday Foot Check Up

With the school holidays approaching now is a great time to get your child’s feet, shoes and orthotics checked – especially those footy boots that haven’t been used since last season. Children’s feet grow rapidly and it is important to make sure their shoes are fitting and functioning well and have ample toebox space. Poorly

Buying Shoes Online

Buying Shoes Online

Online shopping allows you to hunt for the best price, but it’s not easy to get the size right when buying shoes. Far from saving money, that online bargain could leave you with a wardrobe full of unworn shoes or foot and leg problems. Six reasons why buying shoes online is not ideal:1.     There is

How Podiatrist’s can help during the Covid-19 Crisis

How Podiatrist’s can help during the Covid-19 Crisis

We are remaining open, offering urgent care and high risk podiatry. With this in mind we are hoping to reduce stress on our medical clinics, emergency departments and hospitals. Some of the ways you can do this is by choosing to access our expertise in the following areas:Acute foot and ankle injuries including sprains, strains

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

The current Covid-19 pandemic has been a trying start to 2020 worldwide. At Highett podiatry each year we provide essential care to thousands of patients to keep them happy and healthy. Because of this Highett Podiatry is continuing to offer care throughout the pandemic in accordance with government guidance via both face to face consults

COVID-19 Update 2020

COVID-19 Update 2020

With respect to the recent spike in Victoria’s Covid-19 cases, we all need to remain vigilant. At Highett Podiatry each year we provide essential care to thousands of patients to keep them happy and healthy. Because of this, Highett Podiatry is continuing to offer care throughout the pandemic via both face to face consults and

Chilblains – What are they and how can we treat them?

Chilblains – What are they and how can we treat them?

Chilblains often present as red, swollen, itchy patches of skin that are often seen on the extremities such as toes, fingertips, ears and nose. Chilblains tend to flare up in winter or in colder climates.   Chilblains are uncomfortable but in most cases, chilblains will not cause any permanent damage to tissue; although in severe

Shockwave therapy NOW available

Shockwave therapy NOW available

What is Shockwave?Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an effective treatment option for people suffering from chronic tendon and soft tissue pathologies such as Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy. Since its introduction into clinical practice in the 1980s, shockwave therapy has been used as a simple, fast and non-invasive therapeutic choice for musculoskeletal injuries.Prior to beginning

2024 Back to School Shoe Shopping!

2024 Back to School Shoe Shopping!

Back to school! We all hope 2022 is a fun-filled year with no interruptions and with the year off to a flying start, on many families’ agenda is NEW SCHOOL SHOES!! Although Highett Podiatry recommends you replace your child’s school shoes at least every year, even when they still fit, this year may be different. 

Fee increase 1st January, 2023

Fee increase 1st January, 2023

Unfortunately, at Highett Podiatry, we have been forced to increase our fees as at 1st January, 2023. With the forever increase in costs, we have been given no choice but to do this.Our fees have been increased across the board at 5% and a 10% increase has been applied to our Senior Podiatrist and Endorsed

What is an endorsed podiatrist?

What is an endorsed podiatrist?

An endorsed podiatrist is a podiatrist who has done considerable additional study and training, allowing them to prescribe a selection of scheduled medicines. Many hours assisting a podiatric surgeon, observing prescribing practitioners of various disciplines, extensive study in pharmacology and numerous case studies are required to be completed by a postgraduate podiatrist for them to

Podiatrist Guide to Hiking and Trail Shoes!

Podiatrist Guide to Hiking and Trail Shoes!

Just before I head off on my next hiking adventure to the new Grampians trail (7-10 days hiking bliss!) I thought I would share my best tips for footwear!  Many people have taken up hiking, trail running and bushwalking over the years as we get out in nature more after being stuck inside.  So, this

Half Marathon Journey By A Podiatrist

Half Marathon Journey By A Podiatrist

My footy season is over, so why not get back into some running and train for my first half marathon? Well – that’s what I thought! I was never a ‘keen’ runner but when lockdown came along, I thought it was a great opportunity to start running and now I love it. So here is

Should my child wear 2nd hand shoes?

Should my child wear 2nd hand shoes?

My opinion is no……………. why you ask?Firstly, all shoes mould around the foot and biomechanics of the wearer.  If your child has a second hand pair of shoes that are moulded to the foot posture and function of another child, they may experience pain.  This is due to the foot having to work harder against

Fungal Toenails

Fungal Toenails

How do I know if I have a fungal nail infection?Many people with fungus suffer from discoloured, thickened, brittle or flaky nails. This results from fungus reproducing under the nail or in the nail plate. The fungus can often be on the skin and then infect the nail.  Podiatrists can usually assess the nail to diagnose

The best shoes to relieve heel pain!

The best shoes to relieve heel pain!

It can be quite difficult finding the right pair of shoes, especially once someone starts experiencing any signs of pain in feet. Heel pain is one of the most prevalent injuries anyone can get in the feet, whether you are a runner, stand all day for work or just running errands.Heel pain can come as

What is the number one cause for Heel Pain……………. ?

What is the number one cause for Heel Pain……………. ?

Footwear!………. or sometimes lack of.Footwear is the number one cause of heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis.Plantar fasciitis is the most commonly presented foot injury that presents to Highett Podiatry.Highett Podiatry prides itself on its successful treatment and advice for the resolution of its patient’s heel pain issues.Kirstine Mann, with over 25 years of

1st Walker Shoes

1st Walker Shoes

Your child’s first steps are an exciting milestone for all parents. But with this comes trepidation about what to put on their feet on your new adventures! As new walkers are adjusting to their newfound freedom we generally recomend a shoe that is as soft and flexible as possible. We like to mimic the barefoot

How Podiatrists Can Help Netballers: Enhancing Performance, Preventing Injuries

How Podiatrists Can Help Netballers: Enhancing Performance, Preventing Injuries

Netball is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that places significant stress on the lower extremities of players. As netballers constantly pivot, change direction, and perform explosive movements, they are prone to a range of foot and ankle injuries. To ensure optimal performance and prevent injuries, podiatrists play a crucial role in supporting netballers. Podiatrists

Getting ready for the Ski season

Getting ready for the Ski season

As winter approaches and the mountains get blanketed in snow, skiing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming ski season. While preparing your gear and honing your skiing skills are essential, it’s equally important not to overlook the well-being of your feet. After all, your feet are the foundation of your skiing adventures, and ensuring their health

3 Tips to improve your Basketball Performance!

3 Tips to improve your Basketball Performance!

Basketball is a dynamic sport where performance is influenced by multiple systems, inclusive of reaction time, coordination, game IQ, power, endurance and more! It’s for this reason that factors you are able to influence outside of the games are a good way to improve your performance.Due to how diverse basketball is in performance, we will

Highett Podiatry – Cricket Guide

Highett Podiatry – Cricket Guide

With the warmer weather starting to brew many keen cricket players are awaiting their season to begin. Cricket is known for the long hours under the sun fielding and batting, but little do most know that cricketers, especially fast-paced bowlers can reproduce 5-9 times their body weight through their feet.Cricket is definitely an endurance sport

Aussie Rules Footy Boot Guide

Aussie Rules Footy Boot Guide

GET PROFESSIONALLY FITTEDKids and players often choose their footy boots based on how they look. It is really important the functional requirements such as the level of support the boot provides and the conditions in which you train and play should become your primary consideration, over and above the aesthetic appearance.I think the most important

How to decide which running shoe to buy

How to decide which running shoe to buy

Shopping for a new running or walking shoes should be easy, right?  These days it feels like you need a podiatry degree in biomechanics to be able to pick the right shoe.  Most of us want them to look good, but there are many of us that want them to perform well too.  Functionally, we

Infection control at Highett Podiatry

Infection control at Highett Podiatry

Your health and well being are our primary concern at this time. Our Podiatry practice will remain open until further notice. Our highest priority, is keeping you and our staff healthy and safe through this difficult time.  We have implemented some changes to our consulting process in order to achieve this. We appreciate you taking the

Highett Podiatry – Running Guide

Highett Podiatry – Running Guide

Running is a great way to improve both your mental and physical health, including relieving stress, cardiovascular health, heart function, muscle strength, weight loss and quality of sleep just to name a few.How much and how soon? Sudden changes in activity levels exceeding the body’s ability to cope are the main driver for injury and

PODIATRY and MEDICARE

If you have a chronic health or foot condition, your doctor may set up a Chronic Disease GP management plan or Team Care Arrangement. They GP will issue with you an EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) plan to invite us to be a part of this Team Care Arrangement. Once we...

TOENAIL CARE FOR BABIES

TOENAIL CARE FOR BABIES

As parents, we cherish every tiny aspect of our babies, including their adorable little toes. However, when it comes to their toenail care, many new parents might feel unsure or even apprehensive. Fear not! In this blog, we'll explore the importance of caring for your...

Introducing KERYFLEX!!

Introducing KERYFLEX!!

Are you dreading wearing sandals and showing your unsightly nails this summer? Are they crumbling? Discoloured? Or damaged from trauma? KeryFlex could be the answer for you! KeryFlex is used to improve the cosmetics of nails. It is a painless, in room application of...