Swan Podiatry and Orthotics

FAQ: Appointments | Swan Podiatry and Orthotics

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:04:00 GMT

Questions regarding podiatry appointments answered. Do I need a referral? What to bring? What is an EPC? Can I claim my private health insurance on the spot?

Sore Pinky Toe? When To Get It Checked Out

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 01:00:00 GMT

Let’s face it, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about your pinky toe. But when injury strikes, it might be the only thing on your mind! There are many reasons why your pinky toe might be causing you more trouble than normal. Read on for some common issues and when it’s best to get professional treatment.

Fracture

If you’ve stubbed your pinky toe, dropped something heavy on it, or hit it during contact sport and are injured, you may have broken your toe. Breaks can be complete, or they could be stress fractures, meaning the bone has developed tiny cracks. If you’ve got swelling, pain, stiffness, or injury to your nail, you may have a break. It’s very important you get your toe assessed by a podiatrist if you have these symptoms and if they start to worsen.

Dislocation

If you’ve knocked your toe or overstretched it, the bones may have separated and you could have a dislocation. Dislocations can be partial or complete, and commonly cause pain on movement, swelling, bruising, and numbness. Your toe will also look crooked, which is often a tell-tale sign of dislocation. If you suspect a dislocation in your pinky toe, contact us today.

Sprain

Sprains arise from injuries to ligaments, which connect bones and joints. They’re often caused by hard knocks or overstretching. If you have a sprain, you’ll have pain but will usually be able to keep walking. You may also notice throbbing, tenderness, swelling, or bruising. A podiatrist can correctly assess the severity of your sprain and provide or recommend the appropriate treatment.

Tailor's bunion or bunionette

If you notice a bony bump at the base of your pinky toe, you might have a tailor’s bunion or bunionette. These can be caused by abnormal foot structure, or by wearing shoes that are too narrow for your feet. If you have a bunion, you’ll notice a small lump that grows over time and appears red and swollen. You’ll likely also have pain, which can be significant. When you visit a podiatrist, they’ll be able to offer treatments to relieve your pain and advise on what you can do to maintain comfort.

Corns

Corns are made up of toughened layers of skin and generally arise as a response to pressure or friction. The most common cause is wearing shoes that are too tight or put too much pressure on your feet. Hard corns can cause pain, which can become worse if your shoe irritates it. You’ll likely be able to tell if you have a corn if you notice a tough, yellowing patch of skin that’s sensitive to touch and if you have pain when wearing your shoes. Podiatrists are trained to successfully alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with corns.

Get in touch

Don’t endure toe pain in silence. Contact Swan Podiatry and Orthotics today. We proudly offer a range of quality, affordable treatments to our valued Darwin clients. Call us on 0428 976 360 and get your feet feeling fantastic again!

Author

Cable Mills

Cable Mills is the Senior Podiatrist at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics in Darwin.
He studied Podiatry at Charles Stuart University and has worked in busy podiatry practices in Darwin and Melbourne since graduating in 2011. He has a passion for sport and biomechanics and finds it rewarding to be able to make a difference to people’s lives.

Cable opened the first practice of Swan Podiatry and Orthotics at the beginning of 2016. His areas of expertise are sports injuries , orthotic therapy , general treatment , nail surgery , fracture management and diabetic care .

How Diabetes Can Affect Your Feet

Wed, 18 May 2022 03:28:00 GMT

Each day, approximately 280 people in Australia develop diabetes. That is around one person every five minutes!

Diabetes can affect your feet in several ways and leads to a higher risk of developing complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow (circulation). Nerve damage may reduce your ability to feel pain and recognise if an injury has occurred. It can also cause your feet to feel numb or tingly. Poor blood flow can slow the healing of cuts and sores, increasing the chance of these becoming infected.

What to look for

Feet are commonly the first place to show diabetes related complications. Check your feet daily for cuts, bruises, blisters, any changes to skin colour or nails, hard or broken skin. If you have difficulty reaching or seeing your feet, try using a mirror or ask a family member to help. See a professional if you notice any of these changes or are experiencing foot pain.

Healthy feet tips

Make sure your feet are clean and dry, including in between your toes.
Keep your nails trimmed short. If you have difficulty doing this or are prone to your nails ingrowing, see a podiatrist.
Check your feet each day to look for any changes.
Wear shoes that are well-fitting and can be secured to your foot.
See a podiatrist regularly.

Diabetes affects the whole body, including the feet. A diabetes assessment should be performed every 6-12 months by your podiatrist in most cases. Our experienced podiatrists will be able to provide you with education about managing any current issues and preventing long-term complications.

Contact Swan Podiatry

Call Swan Podiatry and Orthotics today if you need any further information or would like to make an appointment.

Author

Cable Mills

Do I Need Orthotics?

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:17:00 GMT

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are specially designed insoles that are inserted into your shoes to help treat and correct any abnormal movement of your feet. They can be made from different materials with different variations and features that improve the function of the foot and relieve symptoms.

Orthotics can be used to help treat a number of foot conditions, including:

Plantar Fasciitis
Flat feet or high arches and associated problems with these foot postures
Sever’s Disease
Morton’s Neuroma
Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis
Achilles Tendinopathy

How do I know if I need orthotics?

If you suspect that you may need orthotics but you’re not too sure what the signs to look out for are, we can help. Here are some of the signs you may need orthotics:

1. You’re experiencing foot pain

Foot pain after you have been going about your normal daily activities such as walking or sports isn’t normal. You may likely have some undiagnosed issues with your feet, so you should make an appointment to see a podiatrist and get the issues sorted.

2. You feel unstable on your feet

Unstable walking is an issue that can be caused by a foot type that moves excessively either in (pronation) or out (supination). For example, a flatter foot posture may have extremely flexible joints and a higher-arched foot type may be susceptible to a recurrent ankle sprain. This instability can be controlled with the use of orthotics that help provide support where it is needed.

3. Your shoes are wearing unevenly

Are your shoes ending up with tread marks that are uneven on either the inner or outer edges? This is a sign that your foot is rolling inward or outward as you walk. Orthotics can help to redistribute pressure and prevent the uneven wearing of your shoe tread.

4. You're experiencing heel pain first step in the morning

This pain is not normal and should be assessed by a podiatrist This pain can be a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists are experts in dealing with this condition and will tailor a treatment plan to your needs.

5. You’ve had a previous injury

Previous injuries can affect the way you walk in not only the short-term but also in the long-term. Whether you injured your feet directly or the injury is causing you to overcompensate and put undue stress and pain on areas of your body that weren’t initially impacted by the injury, orthotics can help.

Orthotics can be very beneficial if you’re experiencing issues with your feet such as excessive pain, uneven tread or you’ve been injured in the past. They can help you walk better and live more pain-free. If you’re experiencing foot issues and you think that you might need to see a specialist, give us a call today or look out for our Orthotics FAQ on the website for further information. Our experts will be able to assess your feet and help you decide whether you need orthotics.

Author

Cable Mills

How Dry Needling Can Help Relieve Foot Pain

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 06:46:00 GMT

What Is Dry Needling Therapy And How Does It Work?

Dry needling therapy works by stimulating muscular (myofascial) trigger points through the insertion of a very fine needle, like a small acupuncture needle. The needle touching the muscle fibres at the trigger point causes them to twitch, then relax. This leads to the relaxation of the muscles.

The process also stimulates the production of several different chemical compounds in the brain, including serotonin and endorphins. These compounds, known as “feel good” chemicals, help to alleviate pain and discomfort, as well as enhance mood and reduce anxiety.

What Benefits Can Dry Needling Provide?

The benefits that patients can expect to experience include:

Improved range of movement
Reduced swelling
Quicker healing and recover

What Conditions Can It Be Used For?

Dry needling can be used to treat many foot conditions that are due to tight muscle groups in the leg. Typical examples include:

Plantar fasciitis
Calf tightness
Achilles tendinopathy
Peroneal tendonitis
RSI type injuries, associated with too much walking or standing
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB)

What To Expect During Treatment

Before treatment, your podiatrist will already have taken a complete medical history and examined your foot and leg to determine that dry needling therapy is going to be an appropriate treatment.

Patients will usually need to sit or lie on the treatment chair, wearing shorts. The podiatrist will insert very fine, sterile needles at the affected musculofascial trigger points. Most people can feel the needles, but they don’t cause pain as such but can be a little uncomfortable. The length of time the needles are in varies – it can be anything from a few seconds to fifteen minutes.

Once the needles are removed, the treatment is over. Some people may feel a little sore or stiff where the needles have been inserted over the next 24 hours but gentle stretching can help relieve this tension, before seeing an improvement in their symptoms.

Contact the team at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics ( 0428 976 360 ) to see if dry needling therapy could work for you.

Author

Cable Mills

When You Should See A Podiatrist For A Biomechanics Assessment

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 00:28:00 GMT

A biomechanical assessment involves analysing the way your body moves when standing and walking. It looks carefully at the positioning of the joints in your body and how they move, as well as strengths and weaknesses in the muscles and whether imbalances are having a detrimental effect.

Weaknesses in certain areas can cause the body to struggle with the various stresses and strains of everyday life. Add in things like running and walking and the problems can go into overdrive, resulting in injuries and pain. This is why biomechanical assessments can be extremely valuable.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for The Assessment?

If you develop pain in the lower limbs, knees or feet with no obvious explanation, you may benefit from a biomechanical assessment. Examples include (but are not limited to) the following:

Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
Shin splints
Forefoot pain
Bunions
Achilles pain
Knee pain

All these forms of pain or injury can be as a result of a mechanical imbalance in the lower limbs. It is also wise to have an assessment if you plan to increase your activity levels, since addressing any weaknesses could reduce your risk of developing an injury.

How Does the Assessment Work?

It starts with a thorough medical history followed by a chat about the issue you are experiencing. An accurate diagnosis relies on getting the full details of the history, so expect to be asked several questions.

The analysis will look closely at the foot, knee and hip in order to get a comprehensive picture of your lower body’s kinetic chain.

The aim is to identify what is causing what; for example, a foot imbalance may cause issues with the knee or hip, or it could be the other way round. The full picture needs to be understood.

1. Non-Weight Bearing

During this assessment, we will look at your range of motion in the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Restrictions in movement may be as a result of arthritis, previous injuries or muscle tightness; where as increased movement may be from generalised hypermobility. This is done with you sitting in a chair.

2. Weight-Bearing

We will ask you to carry out a series of exercises whilst standing, such as single-leg standing or squatting. We will do some resistance tests against your feet, whilst standing, which will give an indication of where and how much force you are putting through each foot.

3. Gait Assessment

We will also visually assess your gait while walking or running, observing you from a number of angles. We can capture this through a video recording so we can slow down the footage and allow us to explain exactly what is happening.

4. Muscle Strength

In a seated position, we will assess the strength of muscles in your feet, lower legs, upper legs and hips. Determining what muscles are weak is important as this may require other muscles to overload as compensation.

Treating The Issues

Once the assessment is complete, your podiatrist will create a tailored treatment plan for you.

This might include exercises designed to address issues with muscle imbalances that are causing undue stress on certain joints, ligaments or muscles. You may also be recommended orthotics to reduce stress on the affected area.

The treatment plan is devised with you so that you can identify your goals for recovery. At Swan Podiatry and Orthotics , we specialise in biomechanics assessments alongside a range of other services to promote good foot health and pain-free living.

Please call 0428 976 360 or contact us if you would like to enquire further about an assessment.

Author

Cable Mills

Flat Feet In Children: When You Should See A Podiatrist

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 08:02:41 GMT

Have you noticed that your child has a flat foot? If so, you may be wondering whether you should see a podiatrist. We all want to make sure that our children are happy and healthy, which is why we have put together a list of everything you need to know about flat feet in children, their causes and whether or not you should seek help from a professional.

What are flat feet?

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where a child’s or an infant’s feet have no arch or a very low arch when they are standing or walking. Although you may not think so, flat feet are quite common in infants and children. According to a study, up to 44% of three to six-year-olds have flat feet . If you’ve noticed that your child’s feet almost completely touch the floor when they are standing or walking, it is likely that they have flat feet.

What causes flat feet in children?

There’s more than one reason why your child might have flat feet. This issue actually begins in the heel. The heel bone falls inward, which causes the foot to collapse where the arch should be. Therefore, if your child has flat feet, they won’t be spreading their weight evenly, but they will be walking on the inside of their feet.

There are two main reasons why this happens

Low muscle tone: If your child has low muscle tone, the cause of flat feet is ligament laxity. This means that their ligaments are too stretchy, which causes the heel bone to rotate inwards, causing the arch to collapse.
High muscle tone: If your child has a high muscle tone, it sometimes means that the Achilles tendon is too short, which causes the foot to be pulled inward.

Are flat feet normal or should I see a podiatrist?

For many children, flat feet are normal and the issue usually corrects itself over time as the muscles begin to stretch and the soft tissues stiffen up. In a lot of cases, flat feet will fix themselves by the time your child is nine.

However, there are some instances where flat feet do not correct themselves, which can have several effects.

If your child has started to experience any of these symptoms, you should consider getting their feet checked by a podiatrist:

Joint pain
Unusual or incorrect walking pattern
Muscle weakness or exhaustion
Poor foot development

Occasionally, flat feet can cause a significant amount of pain when your child is walking or running. If you have noticed that your child is in some or a lot of pain when they are walking, you should get their feet checked by a podiatrist.

Contact your Podiatrist in Darwin

If you think your child has flat feet and you are concerned about the way they are walking or they are expressing they’re in pain, contact Swan Podiatry and Orthotics. Our podiatrist in Darwin will be able to offer advice, support and solutions for your child’s health.

Author

Cable Mills

What Are The Benefits Of 3D Foot Scanning For Custom Orthotics?

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 08:42:26 GMT

3D scanning technology has created new ways of developing custom orthotic s over recent years. 3D foot scanners aren’t a necessary stage of modern orthotics, as you can still effectively use plaster of Paris, but they can offer a number of benefits to podiatrists and their patients which can improve the quality of care on offer when prescribing custom orthotics.

What is a 3D foot scan?

A 3D foot scan uses various technologies to create a digital image or ‘footprint’ of the foot in 3. There are a few different types of 3D foot scanners, with some using lasers or infrared light, and others using a 3D pin matrix to map the contours of the feet.

What are the benefits of a 3D foot scan?

3D foot scans are also extremely accurate – within 0.4mm of accuracy. A 2014 study showed that 3D foot scanners demonstrated more accuracy than many other methods and supported the use of 3D scanners for this reason.

Compared to traditional casting methods, 3D foot scanners are environmentally friendly, resulting in less material waste. They’re also extremely fast and efficient, which enables the podiatrist to spend more time assessing the patient. As it is a digital 3D image of the foot, this allows the foot scan to be emailed to the orthotic laboratory, which may be interstate.

How 3D foot scans are used in orthotics

3D foot scanners allow podiatrists to quickly and accurately scan the feet to create custom orthotic devices tailored to the patient’s individual foot. Not only does this streamline the work of orthotics, but it produces better quality results and a more comfortable solution for the patient.

Get in touch

At Swan Podiatry, our professional podiatrists use the latest 3D scanning technology to produce an accurate digital footprint to ensure a precise and comfortable fit when prescribing custom orthotics. To find out more about our foot scanning and other podiatry services in Darwin , please contact us today.

Author

Cable Mills

How To Diagnose And Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Wed, 12 May 2021 09:00:29 GMT

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue along the sole of the foot (known as the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, causing pain in the heel or arch. It is thought that roughly 10% of people worldwide have plantar fasciitis at some point and that 80% of people experiencing heel pain have this condition.

Causes

The cause of plantar fasciitis is thought to involve repeated strain and tension on your plantar fascia. There are numerous risk factors for the condition, including your foot posture (both flat feet and high-arched feet), poor footwear or large amounts of barefoot, and certain activities such as sports involving high-impact or even just being on your feet at work. A person’s weight or age can also influence whether they develop plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, with it being particularly common in middle age.

Diagnosis

The condition is primarily diagnosed by a podiatrist , who will assess the foot for areas of tenderness and analyse the walking and running for any abnormalities. There are usually no further tests needed, but plantar fasciitis can be confirmed by ultrasound. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis mainly involve a sharp pain in the heel or along the arch of the foot, especially first step in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Plantar fasciitis can present in many different ways so it is best to get it assessed by an expert.

Treatment

If you have plantar fasciitis, there are still plenty of options for treatment, many of which are a lot easier than you might think. In the short-term we can offload the foot with strapping and provide stretching and strengthening exercises. Advice for footwear is usually required with custom orthotics often used to correct foot biomechanics and improve foot function. Orthotics are foot inserts that go inside your shoes. These can be custom-made to ensure a precise match to your foot and the exact amount of correction can be provided.

Most cases of plantar fasciitis improve within a year, but can become a recurring issue if the underlying cause is not addressed. Contact Swan Podiatry and Orthotics today for more information, and to book an appointment to help treat your plantar fasciitis.

Author

Cable Mills

Can Custom Orthotics Help With Back Pain?

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:26:32 GMT

For most people, finding a treatment for lower back pain is a trial and error process, and the majority of people want to avoid surgery where possible. Custom orthotics could be a way to help elevate back pain without the costs and time associated with more evasive options like surgery and medications.

What are custom foot orthotics?

A custom orthotic is a specially made device to go within your shoe to improve the function of your foot and ankle. The orthotic is designed to alter the current mechanics and alignment to relieve excess stress and strain on the lower leg and foot. The orthotic is ‘custom-made’ as the shape of the orthotic is made to the precise measurements of your foot with the use of a 3D scanner and exact correction added for precisely what each of your feet needs and help restore your natural gait.

What is your natural gait?

Your natural gait is how your natural posture and your foot’s interface on the ground coincide. If either of these are out of alignment, your feet will naturally make compensations, which in the long run can lead to extras stress, and strain on parts of your body including the lower back, hips and pelvis.

Evidence

There is currently not enough conclusive evidence to definitively recommend custom orthotics to completely eradicate lower back pain. However, there are mounting studies of evidence which suggest custom orthotics helps reduce twisting of the lower legs and gives support to the legs which helps align the pelvic tilt. This improved body posture and in turn, helps relieve tightness and tension in the lower back muscles.

A recent study in the United States identified characteristics of a person’s gait as contributors to chronic low back pain. Participants in the study, all suffering from low back pain, experienced a 68 per cent improvement in low back pain symptoms, after being fitted with foot orthotics.

Another study examined foot posture and function and its possible relationship with low back pain. The study included a large patient population of 1,930 subjects. It concluded that foot orthoses might have a role in the prevention and treatment of lower back pain. Because the incidence of pronated foot function (rolling in of the ankle and flattening of the medial arch) was found to be associated with low back pain—with a higher incidence in women.

How they work

You can have semi-custom or full-custom ‘functional’ orthotics. The semi-custom orthotics are tailored to your feet and are great for growing kids or adults who need only a mild amount of correction or support. Full-custom orthotics are made to the exact measurements of your feet using the 3D scanner and are great for people who require a more substantial amount of control to their feet or have a specific area that needs offloading. Both are made from a semi-rigid 3D printed material shell. If you’re experiencing back pain or are interested in getting custom orthotics, Swan Podiatry can assist you in Darwin and talk to you about any of your concerns. Contact us today or call 0428 976 360 for a full assessment.

Author

Cable Mills

How Orthotics Can Help Endurance Runners

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 09:40:22 GMT

If you are somebody who enjoys long distance running to test the limits of your fitness and endurance, then you will know exactly how important it can be to pay attention to what your feet are trying to tell you. Running is a sport that can be very hard on your feet for obvious reasons, and here at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics we firmly believe that custom orthotics are a massive help when it comes to long term preservation of health and fitness. To help you get an idea of what we mean, here are just a few of the many ways that orthotics can help endurance runners.

If your feet are forced to move into an inefficient position for extended periods of time, due to poor biomechanics, then you run the risk of developing painful conditions like plantar fasciitis or even stress fractures. Orthotics can help to correct the imbalance of your gait and make the running posture a much more comfortable and functional
This has a positive effect not just on your feet, but also up through the rest of your body as well. When your feet hurt in certain positions, your legs, knees and hips do small things to adjust and take the pressure off, which in turn leads to misalignment all the way up the chain. Orthotics can help to stop that from happening by solving the issues at the feet.
If you are someone who suffers from chronic blisters, then orthotics can be a remedy. Sometimes no brand of shoe can help, but the addition of custom orthotics to a good quality runner can help better distribute force and deflect pressure from your painful blister site.
Shin splints are also a condition that affects a lot of runners, especially young runners. Orthotics can provide a much more comfortable experience by reducing the stress off the painful muscles and shin. Advice on the amount of running and building up running distances slowly is also crucial in managing this condition.

So, if you are interested in receiving some advice of the benefits of custom orthotics and their effect on your running, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics. If you have any questions, feel free to call 0428 976 360 and we will be more than happy to make the best recommendations based on your specific requirements. We look forward to hearing from you!

Author

Cable Mills

Welcome Stella to the Swan Podiatry team!

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 09:51:50 GMT

I am excited to announce that Stella Cox, Podiatrist, has joined the Swan Podiatry team.

Stella is working across our three podiatry clinics; Coconut Grove, Coolalinga and Katherine, on a weekly basis.

Stella has a Bachelor of Podiatry from the University of South Australia, and has previously practised in rural New South Wales and Victoria.

Stella is an excellent addition to the Swan Podiatry team.

To book your appointment please call 0428 976 360 or head to our contact page .

Hi,

My name is Stella, and I am a Podiatrist new to the Northern Territory. I previously worked down south across several outreach clinics in rural New South Wales and Victoria. I have experience across all streams of podiatry but find keen interests in biomechanics, orthotics, and diabetic foot care. I enjoy working in regional areas and providing access to podiatry services within the community.

I have recently moved to Darwin with my partner and we are both looking forward to exploring the NT, meeting new people, and getting outdoors.

I look forward to working with you!
Stella

How Torn Ligaments Affect Sport

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 10:19:30 GMT

In the world of sport, getting an injury may rule a player out for months at a time. Serious injuries, including broken bones, are always a cause for concern, but you may be surprised to hear that many players would prefer to break a bone rather than have a ligament injury. The healing rate of ligaments can be much longer than for a bone, particularly if you do not have the help of specialist Darwin podiatrist teams like Swan Podiatry and Orthotics. These injuries can certainly affect how you might play a sport.

Why ligaments heal slowly

Ligaments need nutrients carried by the blood to help them heal, and unlike bones, which have a constant supply of blood, ligaments tend to have less direct connection to arteries, meaning that they get a slower supply of healing nutrients.

Exercise affects healing

If you have a leg injury, such as a sprained ankle , you may be advised to hold back from sports for a while. This is because your sporting activities can take a great deal out of your body, and excessive exercising can mean that your ankle swells up again. This will usually result in the injury failing to heal as expected.

Early return from injury

If you are keen on playing sports, you may be tempted to return early. This can be a serious mistake, and you may suffer from further problems by exacerbating the injury. In fact, your podiatrist at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics may recommend that you do not return to sport until you are fully recovered.

Exercising to limit the chance of reinjury

Once you have experienced a torn ligament, you are more likely to suffer from a re-occurrence of that injury in the future. To avoid this, you need to have extensive rehabilitation including exercises that will help to strengthen the affected area. Heel raises, rotating the ankle in a circle, resistance exercises and performing step ups can assist you in preventing ankle sprains injuries.

Get help from us

If you wish to return to sport as soon as possible after a ligament injury, you need the help of your specialist Darwin podiatrist. Swan Podiatry and Orthotics can assist you with every stage of the recovery process, so contact us today online with your enquiries or call 0428 976 360 .

Author

Cable Mills

What are Custom Orthotics? - Swan Podiatry and Orthotics

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:58:21 GMT

Getting the right custom orthotics can be easy when you visit the professionals here at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics, where we specialise in your feet and helping them feel and function their best. There are many reasons to choose a custom orthotic device, but it’s always a good idea to learn more about foot orthotics and whether it is necessary for you. This guide will walk you through custom orthotics so you can make the healthiest decision for yourself.

What is a Custom Orthotic?

An orthotic is a device that’s used to align the foot, ankle and legs in an anatomically correct way to allow them to work as efficiently as possible. Most of these devices look similar to the simple insole of a shoe and can be worn with a variety of footwear. When you use them, they work to correct your imbalance issues and keep your feet properly aligned for comfort and function. Your orthotics will be made specifically for your feet and your specific needs. We take a 3D digital image of the sole of your foot to ensure an exact contour with the orthotic shell and your foot.

Why Use a Custom Orthotic?

There are several conditions that may be helped by wearing custom orthotics in your shoes. By using your orthotics, you can help treat these conditions, but will also be more comfortable walking and standing. These conditions include plantar fasciitis , bunions , pain in the knees , legs, back or hips, and forefoot pain such as Morton’s neuroma . We can help you decide if custom orthotics are right for you or not, or if other treatment options need to be explored first.

When to Use Orthotics

The more you wear your orthotics, the more you’ll get out of them. They don’t work if you aren’t using them so ideally have them custom made for your most worn pair of shoes, such as for work, sport or school. You can also have additional custom orthotics made for specific activities or shoes, like thicker cushioning for steel capped work boots or narrower for dressier work shoes.

What Shoes to Place Your Orthotics In

In general, any shoe that already contains an insole will work with custom orthotics. All you have to do is take out the insole that came with the shoe and insert the orthotic in its place. Ideally, the shoe can be adjusted and fastened because the orthotic may be slightly thicker than some of the insoles that come out. With your foot positioned properly, you’ll feel more comfortable walking and standing without having to sacrifice your style choices. We can recommend different shoes that are suitable for fitting the orthotics – without having to be ugly.

Do you want to learn more about how custom orthotics can treat your specific foot problems? Contact us here at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics today to talk more or book an appointment.

Author

Cable Mills

Four Ways Swan Podiatry Can Help Your Feet

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 11:58:17 GMT

We know walking is good for us and monitoring our steps can help us become more active, but it can also be very hard on our feet. In a study compiled by the American Council of Exercise, of all the industrial countries surveyed Australians walk the most , taking an average of 9,695 steps each day whereas Americans stroll the least with 5,117 steps each day. With so much time on our feet, it is no wonder we often feel pain and discomfort in our feet and ankles.

It’s time to start paying more attention to your lower limbs, here’s how:

Custom Orthotics

There are some big myths surrounding orthotics, including that they weaken foot muscles, you may have to throw out your regular shoes and that they simply don’t work. It’s not a one-size-fits-all assessment and why at Swan Podiatry we take the time to assess your specific foot condition. Orthotics can only form part of the treatment plan with changes to activity, footwear and strengthening exercises often required. Encouraging people to buy more appropriate shoes is highly encouraged before recommending orthotics. If necessary, we then use state of the art 3D digital scanning equipment to take exact measures of your foot to help prescribe the most appropriate custom orthotic.

Diabetes

One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is damage to the nerves in the feet. In a recent study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology , the world’s diabetic footprint is on the increase. The report states that the diabetic foot is the leading cause of all global disability with 131 million people – that’s 1.8 per cent of everyone in the world – having a diabetic foot complication (either neuropathy, ulcers or amputations).

Foot care is critical for people with diabetes, and fortunately, many foot problems are actually preventable before the damage turns into a severe condition. According to Diabetic Foot Australia (DFA), 80 per cent of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with correct treatment and management plans. If you have any question about diabetes , contact us for information on our comprehensive foot care treatments and strategies.

Skin and Nail Checks

Most people may think you’ll only need to see a podiatrist when you have a severe issue, but many common skin and nail complaints can also be helped with a visit to a podiatrist. Just like regular check-ups at your dentist for your teeth, general podiatry can help with an assortment of issues such as painful corns, hard callus, cracked heels, plantar warts, fungal skin and nail infections, sweaty skin and deformed toenails.

And in the case that a curved or involuted nail has grown into a more significant issue, such as an ingrown nail , minor nail surgery may be necessary. At Swan Podiatry we can assess the best option of nail surgery , and it can be performed in the clinic room under local anaesthetic.

Sports Injury Plans

Sports injuries come in all types with the most common being plantar fasciitis , shin splints , Achilles tendonitis , knee pain , and ankle sprains . Podiatrists are trained to assess your biomechanics and to identify potential problems to reduce any risk of injury in the future.

Whether you have injured yourself playing sport or have painful feet in general, a biomechanics assessment can specify the bony or soft tissue structure involved in causing the pain in your feet or legs. After an initial consult assessment, a video gait analysis and physical examination is typically needed.

Video gait analysis is performed on a treadmill with the use of specific video analysis software, and we’re more than happy to discuss exactly how this works and the different phases of the gait cycle in your assessment, or contact us for more information.

If you believe you require one of our plans, checks or assessments, one of our podiatrists in Darwin will assess your feet and make recommendations on how to put your best feet forward.

Author

Cable Mills

Plantar Fasciitis Stretches to Help Ease Pain

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:32:54 GMT

Inflammation to the ligament, under the sole of your foot, which connects your toes to your heel can result in a painful foot injury that is known as plantar fasciitis . In this condition, the arch of the foot and the heel can both be affected by the ligament inflammation, and although it can often resolve by itself, some people struggle with it for longer periods. If you have been diagnosed with this condition and are seeking treatment, Swan Podiatry can suggest some simple exercises to help you.

Causes of the inflammation

This tenderness of the ligament tends to be caused by overuse. It may commonly occur in people who are overweight, old or worn out footwear, poor foot biomechanics, or in those who run regularly. It may also have some effect on surrounding muscles, extending the pain beyond the heel. Simple ways to help resolve this problem is to begin with stretches.

Simple stretches for the calf

The first stretch that you should perform is designed to ease tension in the surrounding muscles. Start by putting your hands against the wall, and then straightening the knee of your affected side, bending the other knee in front. Both feet should be flat on the ground and pointing straight ahead to the wall, you should feel stretching sensations in the calf itself whilst pushing against the wall. Repeat this two or three times for ten-twenty seconds.

Using rolling tools

There are several devices on the market designed for people suffering with plantar fasciitis, and they are designed to help you to roll your foot. Rolling back and forth will loosen foot muscles, and help you to alleviate some of the pain. Sitting upright in a chair, place the rolling object beneath the foot arch, and roll for two or more minutes.

Stretching the ligament

Sit down in a chair, and cross the affected heel onto the other knee. Take the foot in the hand, and gently pull your toes up. Repeat this two or three times.

Curling the toes

These toe curls can help you to relieve tension in the ligament by strengthening the surrounding smaller muscles. Place a hand towel beside a chair and sit down. Place one foot on the towel, and then try to pick up the closest edge of the towel using only your toes, moving the towel towards you. Pull the full towel back three times on each side.

Need further help?

If you have not been able to overcome the difficulties of your plantar fasciitis within a few weeks, you may decide to turn to a podiatrist . Swan Podiatry can offer you assistance at our Coconut Grove clinic, so contact us today to talk about booking a slot, or call 0428 976 360 to ask questions or book an initial appointment.

Author

Cable Mills

How to Avoid Running Pains: A Podiatrist Explains

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:43:03 GMT

Running is a great source of cardio and promotes good fitness. However, like all types of exercise and sport, there comes the risk of overexertion and injury. In this article, we go over some of the most common running injuries and ways to prevent them.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the fibrous band, which is located in the bottom of the foot and extends to the heel bone, right through to the toes. It generally becomes inflamed from placing too much stress on your feet, and of course running can be a contributing cause. One of the best ways to prevent plantar fasciitis is by stretching before and after every run. Remember, stretching should not be a painful experience. You should also ensure you run with shoes that offer adequate support.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the large tendon that’s located in the back of the lower calf that runs right down to the back of the heel. Contributing factors generally include overexertion and lack of flexibility. Similar to plantar fasciitis, the best way to prevent Achilles tendonitis is by stretching regularly – particularly before and after exercise. Wearing custom orthotics also works well to correct foot mechanisms that are out of place.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a burning/stinging pain in the forefoot. The pain is generally localised to the third and fourth toes of the feet. This is generally caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes and overexertion. In order to prevent Morton’s neuroma, it’s important to wear shoes that fit properly and allow enough breathing room for the toes. Ensure you don’t lace your shoes too tightly and always wear cushy socks when running.

Stress Fracture

A stress fracture can occur in the lower limbs from repetitive strain. Typical symptoms of a stress fracture include pain and swelling that can occur over a period of days, weeks or perhaps even months. If you believe you have a stress fracture, contact our podiatrists today .

Shin Splits

Shin splints , also known as tibial stress syndrome, is shooting pain along the front or sides of one or both shins. Ways you can prevent shin splints include stretches, such as shin stretches, and toe raises before and after each run. Also ensuring you are wearing running-appropriate footwear will help lower the risk of shin splints.

Running pains aren’t always avoidable – but they’re certainly preventable and treatable. If you believe you have one or more of the above problems, call Swan Podiatry & Orthotics today . One of our podiatrists in Darwin will assess your feet and make recommendations on how to put your best feet forward.

Swan Podiatry and Orthotics

FAQ: Appointments | Swan Podiatry and Orthotics

Sore Pinky Toe? When To Get It Checked Out

Fracture

Dislocation

Sprain

Tailor's bunion or bunionette

Corns

Get in touch

Author

Cable Mills

How Diabetes Can Affect Your Feet

What to look for

Healthy feet tips

Contact Swan Podiatry

Author

Cable Mills

Do I Need Orthotics?

What are orthotics?

Orthotics can be used to help treat a number of foot conditions, including:

How do I know if I need orthotics?

1. You’re experiencing foot pain

2. You feel unstable on your feet

3. Your shoes are wearing unevenly

4. You're experiencing heel pain first step in the morning

5. You’ve had a previous injury

Author

Cable Mills

How Dry Needling Can Help Relieve Foot Pain

What Is Dry Needling Therapy And How Does It Work?

What Benefits Can Dry Needling Provide?

What Conditions Can It Be Used For?

What To Expect During Treatment

Author

Cable Mills

When You Should See A Podiatrist For A Biomechanics Assessment

When Should You See a Podiatrist for The Assessment?

How Does the Assessment Work?

1. Non-Weight Bearing

2. Weight-Bearing

3. Gait Assessment

4. Muscle Strength

Treating The Issues

Author

Cable Mills

Flat Feet In Children: When You Should See A Podiatrist

What are flat feet?

What causes flat feet in children?

There are two main reasons why this happens

Are flat feet normal or should I see a podiatrist?

Contact your Podiatrist in Darwin ﻿

Author

Cable Mills

What Are The Benefits Of 3D Foot Scanning For Custom Orthotics?

What is a 3D foot scan?

What are the benefits of a 3D foot scan?

How 3D foot scans are used in orthotics

Get in touch

Author

Cable Mills

How To Diagnose And Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Author

Cable Mills

Can Custom Orthotics Help With Back Pain?

What are custom foot orthotics?

What is your natural gait?

Evidence

How they work

Author

Cable Mills

How Orthotics Can Help Endurance Runners

Author

Cable Mills

Welcome Stella to the Swan Podiatry team!

How Torn Ligaments Affect Sport

Why ligaments heal slowly

Exercise affects healing

Contact your Podiatrist in Darwin