Blog
Foot, ankle and lower-limb health advice from Sydney's leading podiatrists - injury prevention, treatment options and expert tips from the team at Podiatry First.
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General
The Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy For Foot Pain: Expert Advice From A Podiatrist In Miranda
Living with ongoing foot pain can affect how you move, work and enjoy daily life. Activities like walking the dog, climbing stairs or returning to exercise can become more challenging and less comfortable. If you’ve already tried rest, stretching or…
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How A Podiatrist In Sydney Can Help Treat A Hairline Fracture
An ache in your foot might seem harmless at first. Maybe it followed a long walk, time in unsupportive shoes or a new workout. But when that discomfort lingers or sharpens with each step, it could be more than general…
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Why Choosing A Podiatrist In Sydney CBD Is Key To Swift Wart Removal
Warts are a common and often troublesome foot health issue affecting individuals of all ages. These growths can cause discomfort and may spread without proper treatment. While there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments and home remedies available, professional care is…
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Shockwave Therapy Explained: Revolutionising Pain Relief
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), can help treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Utilising acoustic waves that stimulate the body’s natural healing process, this noninvasive therapy can help support patients experiencing chronic pain and soft tissue injuries. Here’s…
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The Importance Of Custom Orthotics In Managing Foot Pain
Foot pain is a common affliction that can significantly impact the quality of your life, limiting your ability to perform daily activities and reducing overall mobility. The discomfort can range from mild annoyance to debilitating pain, whether due to long…
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Pediatric Clinic
Foot Care For Kids: Teaching Good Habits Early
Teaching your child proper foot care habits from a young age can have a lasting impact on their overall health and wellbeing. Feet are the foundation of mobility, and healthy feet ensure your little ones can explore the world without…
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Key To Optimising Athletic Performance With Biomechanical Assessment
Athletes, regardless of their sport, are constantly striving to optimise their performance, improve efficiency and reduce the risk of injuries. While strength, endurance and skill development are vital components, there is another powerful tool that can provide significant insight into…
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Understanding Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Chronic knee pain and stiffness can be debilitating, especially when caused by osteoarthritis — a degenerative condition affecting the joints. Common among older adults and those who’ve experienced knee injuries, osteoarthritis is the most widespread form of arthritis and can…
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News
Advancements In Podiatry On Laser Technology For Fungal Nail Infections
The field of podiatry has witnessed significant advancements with the introduction of laser technology, particularly in the treatment of fungal nail infections. Among the various laser therapies, cold laser therapy stands out for its efficacy and patient-friendly approach. The Lunula…
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News
When To See A Podiatrist For Your Foot Problems
Our foot health is often overlooked — but that shouldn’t be the case. Think of all the things your feet help you do every single day, from simply getting from A to B to being able to work, play and…
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News
Basic Footcare Tips For Diabetics
Living with diabetes requires diligent attention to various aspects of your health. An area that demands special consideration is foot care. It may surprise you to learn that the feet can be significantly affected by diabetes, even causing daily discomfort…
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News
Common Foot Problems Podiatrists See
Whether it’s due to injury, overuse or a medical disorder, painful foot conditions are common, and many people turn to podiatrists for relief. Podiatrists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle issues, ranging from minor concerns like…
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News
Do I Need A Referral To See A Podiatrist?
Foot pain is a common problem that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Population-based studies show that approximately 24% of individuals who are 45 years or older experience foot and ankle pain. Additionally, various foot conditions, including nail disorders,…
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Mortons Neuroma
A Mortons Neuroma is a painful condition that leave some people absolutely unable to weight-bear on the affected foot. The condition was first diagnosed by Morton Root (a figurehead in the world of Podiatry) but is not a true neuroma.…
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General
Shin Splints
Shin splints is the general name given to pain at the front of the lower leg. Shin splints, also known as tibial stress syndrome, are a common name for pain that affects the lower leg when it’s been subjected…
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Callus, Corns and Heel Fissures
Common to many athletes and everyday people are calluses (hyperkeratosis). Callus is the thickening of skin in response to pressure and is the body’s natural way of protecting sensitive areas of skin from repetitive trauma. Callus is usually a diffuse…
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What is a hairline fracture?
A hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture, is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone. This injury is most common in athletes, especially athletes of sports that involve running and jumping. People with osteoporosis can also develop hairline…
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Plantar Fasciitis
What is it? The Plantar Fasciia is a tough piece of connective tissue that lives on the bottom of your foot. It connects the calcaneus (heel bone) to the metatarsals (ball of the foot) and the tip of your toes.…
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Shock Wave Therapy
What is Shock Wave Therapy, and how does it work? Shock Wave Therapy, also known as Extra Corporeal ShockWave Therapy (ECSWT) is an evidence-based treatment modality, providing a treatment option to patients suffering from a range of chronic conditions such…
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General
What is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles Tendinopathy occurs when the achilles tendon degenerates and becomes inflamed. The tendon can swell and may cause pain. This condition is common in athletes, runners and patients who have calf tightness or improper foot mechanics. Achilles tendinosis may occur in…
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The 5 most common running injuries, how to prevent them, and when you need help
Why do YOU run? Is it to regulate your weight? Do you want to compete in an ultra-marathon? Or maybe somewhere in-between? Maybe you like the solidarity, or the sense of belonging if you run in a group? No matter…
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General
Painful joints when exercising? Maybe it’s your shoes…
Most of us have experienced how our footwear choices affect our daily lives. For women its likely high heels, which will probably have you kicking your shoes off at the end of the day and asking your partner to massage…
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General
Constant aches and pains? Maybe your out of alignment?
Sore ankles? Knees? Hips? Back? Nearly everyone can identify with one or more of these issues, at some point in their life. And most of the time, a little bit of rest seems to cure the issue. The reasons for…
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General
Pain, numbness and tingling in the leg when exercising?
Getting tired or fatigued due to exercise is expected of your muscles, especially if they haven’t’ yet been conditioned to the load you are putting them through! But if you consistently get the same deep seeded aching, tightness and numbness…
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Summer is over; what to expect from your feet!
Its true, the warmest time of the year (if your from “Down Under!”) is behind us now. That also means we begin the process of transitioning into the winter. No more beach, shorts, skirts or sun! We long ago evolved…
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General
Pain at the back of the ankle? Maybe Achilles is to blame!
No, I don’t mean the mythical Achilles of the Greek army who singlehandedly won the Trojan war! I speak of your Achilles tendon (which is appropriately named because that was his downfall). The Achilles tendon (Calcaneal tendon) is located at…
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Ankle Sprains: Their long term cost
I’m sure most people (especially considering you have clicked on this article) are aware of what a sprained ankle is. If not, you know when you step on the edge of a gutter and roll your ankle? Or playing basketball/netball/any…
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General
Sore neck, headaches, weight gain, back pain, cankels, sore feet – does this sound familiar?
As a male I’m lucky enough to not have to consider the implications of pregnancy on my body, but my partner will (when it comes time!). Yes as wonderful as the news and reality of being pregnant is, it is…
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Heel cracks – callous management and complications
Cracked heels refers to a condition produced by the occurrence of fissures in abnormally hard, dry skin over the heels of the feet. If left untreated, they may cause complications and discomfort. In this condition, the skin around the heels…
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I’ve got Plantar fasciitis – Should I get an injection?
Many of our clients in our Sports Podiatry clinic often ask if they should get an injection for Plantar Fasciitis. So we thought it would be a good idea to bust a few myths and bring a bit of clarity…
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SWIFT microwave – The new gold standard for eliminating warts
What is a plantar wart or verruca? There are about 150 known strains of the virus, human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus infects the skin. Most common warts have a rough surface with an appearance of a ‘cauliflower’, typically found…
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Summer is over; what to expect from your feet!
It’s true, the warmest time of the year is behind us now. That also means we begin the process of transitioning into the winter. No more beach, shorts, skirts or sun! We long ago evolved to not have so much…
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General
Why Did I Get Fungal Toenail Infection?
Why Did I Get Fungal Toenail Infection? Nail fungus can be picked up almost anywhere. It likes warm, moist places, and can get in through cracks in the nail or small cuts in the skin around or under your nail.…
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Knee osteoarthritis and strengthening
Knee Osteoarthritis; Strengthening and how to improve function and reduce pain Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease and contributes greatly to knee pain in the wider community. Treatment is frequently aimed to reduce pain, reduce further degeneration and…
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Sore ankles? Knees? Hips? Back?
Sore ankles? Knees? Hips? Back? Nearly everyone can identify with one or more of these issues, at some point in their life. And most of the time, a little bit of rest seems to cure the issue. The reasons for…
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General
“How do I get rid of Corns and Callus?”
Corns and callus are something podiatrists help people with on a daily basis. One of the most common questions we hear is “How does it happen?” The answer is simple, corns and callus build up from pressure. When there…
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What Are Orthotics?
The branch of medicine that deals with the provision and use of artificial devices such as splints and braces. Foot orthoses, rather referred to as orthotics are custom foot devices. They are designed to fit the shape of your foot…
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Forefoot Pain- Metatarsalgia?
We all place tremendous amounts of force on our lower limbs, with every step the foot endures forces up to twice your body weight! There are many areas in the foot where potential problems can arise, including the forefoot. In…
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HEEL PAIN: Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic Heel Pain & Heel Spurs.
Chronic plantar heel pain, plantar fasciitis, jogger’s heel…Call it what you will, persistent heel pain is one of the most common sports injuries affecting runners. Heel pain can be debilitating and severely hold you back from activities you love. Our…
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Achilles Tendinopathy
What is Achilles Tendinopathy? Achilles Tendinopathy occurs when the achilles tendon degenerates and becomes inflamed. The tendon can swell and may cause pain. This condition is common in athletes, runners and patients who have calf tightness or improper foot mechanics. Achilles…
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The 5 Most Common Running Injuries: How to Prevent Them and What Gets You Better
Why do YOU run? Is it to regulate your weight? Do you want to compete in an ultra-marathon? Or maybe somewhere in-between? Maybe you like the solidarity, or the sense of belonging if you run in a group? No matter…
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New Clinic- Have You Seen Our New Sydney CBD Clinic?
Are you one of Podiatry Firsts Sydney CBD clinics patients? If so have you seen our new clinic? “Podiatry First has just opened our new clinic on Pitt Street, right in the heart of Sydney CBD. Whether you come by…
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Bondi Junction & Sydney CBD Podiatrists- We Are Here To Help
“One of the biggest challenges to health is ACCESS TO ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS” Here in Sydney we do not think about access to health professionals all that much. We are lucky because no matter where you are in Sydney, health…
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Painful Feet!? Could it be Corns and Callus…?
A common cause of painful feet are often- Corns and Callus Corns and callus are areas of thickened and usually hard skin that develops in high pressure areas. They are one of the most commonly dealt with issues by a…
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Plantar Fasciitis- The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain.
Do you suffer from sore feet? Long days got your feet feeling like you’re walking on hot coals? Been back from your European holiday for a number of weeks and still have ‘holiday feet’? It sounds like you need a…
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Painful Knee?
Painful knee, why me? The knee is a common area of pain and can commonly be put down to mal-alignment. The motion the knee is heavily influenced by the both the biomechnical function of the foot and the hip. Issues…
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6 Quick & Easy Tips For Runners
Running is more than putting one foot in front of the other. Learning proper running form will maximise your efficiency so that you can run faster, harder, stronger, longer, and, more importantly, with less chance of injury. Any weakness or…
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Achilles Tendinopathy; What is it? What can I do about it?
What is Achilles Tendinopathy? It is a condition that affects the fibers of the Achilles tendon and is generally characterised by pain, thickening of the tendon, tendon breakdown and stiffness. There is usually no redness or warmth of the surrounding…
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General
Bunion- Hallux valgus
Hallux valgus, commonly referred to as “a bunion,” is a deformity of the big toe. The toe tilts over towards the smaller toes and a bony lump appears on the inside of the foot. (A bony lump on the top…
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How Do I Fix My Painful Bunions!?
Bunions A bunion or Hallux Abducto Valgus (HAV) is a deformity of both the big toe and the long bone connected to it, the 1st metatarsal. What creates the deformity, the “bunion”, is when the first metatarsal starts to move…
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Looking to increase your knowledge on Bunions?
Amongst the most common of foot disorders, bunions are often described as a bony lump on the side of the big toe joint. This lump is actually demonstrating an anatomical change of the big toe joint. The bunion begins with…
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Are you concerned about BUNIONS!?
Bunions! Ouchie….? Bunions most commonly effect women aged 40-60 but can effect anyone. Commonly hereditary (Yeah thanks folks!) bunions can cause discomfort, pain, deformity, OSTEOARTHRITIS and in severe cases require SURGERY! If you or someone you know is suffering…
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Footwear and Orthotics
Footwear and orthotics A well planned and solid foundation will create a good base for a house, same goes for our bodies. That is why equipping your feet with maximum support is vital. Choosing the right pair of shoes can…
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Does Your Child Have Sever’s Disease?
Calcaneal apophysitis is also known as Sever’s disease, although it is not a true “disease.” It is the most common cause of heel pain in children and can occur in one or both feet. It usually affects boys between the…
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What is Callus?
Callus or hyperkeratosis is the superficial formation of hard skin found at locations of high pressure or friction. Common sites for callus formation is the plantar metatarsal area, the heel, and over the joints of toes or inside of web…
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A New Treatment for Knee Pain!
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative arthritis; it is a widespread, slowly developing disease, with a high prevalence that increases with age. The most commonly affected large weight-bearing joints are the knees, where the disease is particularly…
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Hard Skin or Shoes Causing Pain? The Solution is Simple!
As the weather cools down, we start to see a big change in footwear. For some that means pain. Tight boots, or last years shoes that may now be a little worn… As we come into these colder months podiatrists…
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Suffering from Heel Pain? 6 Easy Treatments to help.
Do you get pain under your heel when you get out of bed? Do you find it hard to walk because of heel pain? Have you stopped exercising because of heel pain? Are you missing out on fun activities like…
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Back to School – Back to Sports!
For some children, the ending of the holiday season and the return to school means one thing – their return to organised sport. Getting a child ready to return to sport and often a more active lifestyle can be a…
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Back to School- Find the right shoe for your kids
Fun fact- Did you know school kids can take up to 16,000 steps per day in their school shoes, which is equivalent to approximately 5km per day for a child! A weak foundation influences the whole body, and that is why correct…
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What is Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome occurs when excessive pressure builds up inside an enclosed muscle space in the body. The high pressure in compartment syndrome impedes the flow of blood to and from the affected tissues, causing pain, numbness and tingling. There are…
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Squats leading to Knee Pain!?
George Milner Podiatrist at Podiatry First. Whenever a patient presents to the clinic complaining that squatting hurts their knees, I ask them to demonstrate to me how they perform a squat. More often than not I will sit back in my…
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7 Quick and Easy Tests for Knee Pain.
Daniel Graham Podiatrist at Podiatry First Here we are about to go through some common orthopaedic tests for knee injuries. Please keep in mind these are purely for educational purposes. Assessing knee injuries without any kind of training and experience…
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The Long-Term Cost of Poorly Rehabilitated Ankle Sprains.
Daniel Graham Podiatrist at Podiatry First I’m sure most people (especially considering you have clicked on this article) are aware of what a sprained ankle is. If not, it is when the ankle either rolls in (inversion), or rolls out…
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I’ve been told my running pain is “Shin Splints”. What does that mean…?
Daniel Graham Podiatrist at Podiatry First What are “Shin Splints”? Shin splints are an overuse or repetitive-stress injury characterised by inflammation of the muscle, tendon and bone tissue near the tibia bone in the lower leg. Known as medial tibial…
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The cost of prevention vs. the cost of doing nothing.
Daniel Graham Podiatrist at Podiatry First “I never thought it was bad enough to do something about it.” Usually when a patient books in to see me for the first time, it is because an issue has developed and more…
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What is Shockwave Therapy? How does it work?
What is Shockwave Therapy? Shockwave therapy was originally used in urology back in the 1980s for the treatment of kidney stones, and has now found other uses in orthopaedics, physiotherapy and sports medicine over the past 21 years. Shockwave therapy has been…
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5 Tips to Better Running Form.
If you’ve been running for years without injury or aches and pains, you’re probably doing it right and don’t need to alter how you run. If it isn’t broken, why fix it right? Changing up your running technique is not…
