There are a numerous of conditions a podiatrist will treat. For example ankle and foot injuries, deformities, foot complaints such as ingrown toenails, calluses and corns, fungal infections and foot and lower leg problems that are associated with diabetes.

Depending on the presenting symptoms diagnosis may involve a visual and physical examination and other diagnostic procedures such as X-rays or ultrasound. Podiatrists will also use various equipment to assist with assessing your gait and the distribution of weight through your feet.

A range of treatment options are able to be offered by qualified podiatrists. For example corrective shoe inserts called orthotics can be fitted or custom made to adjust the position of your feet and improve foot function. For some conditions, treatment will involve anti-inflammatory medication, rest and/or specific strengthening exercise. In the case of fracture injuries, podiatrists are able to prescribe braces to help with fracture healing. Braces may also be recommended to help correct foot deformities, particularly in children.

At Entire Podiatry we have a team of qualified and experienced professionals, and we are focused on providing quality podiatry assessment and treatment options that are based on your individual needs. We have clinics located in 8 locations around Brisbane and the Gold Coast and our hours of operation are tailored to suit our patients with evening and weekend appointments available.

Choosing a pair of socks is often something that people give little thought to, but not wearing proper socks can increase your risk of foot related problems such as foot pain, blisters, fungal infections and foot odour.

Here are some tips from the team at Entire Podiatry, to keep in mind when choosing your next pair of socks:

• Look for socks that are made of synthetic fibres, which are more effective at keeping your feet cool and dry than natural fibres such as cotton. One of the problems with cotton is that if it gets wet, it stays wet, which can cause problems with sweaty feet, blistering or fungal infections. Synthetic fibres have a better wicking capability, drawing moisture away from your skin.
• Socks that have thicker padding will be more effective at preventing blistering. This is particularly important for socks that you are wearing to exercise for long periods.
• If you have a condition such as diabetes, look for socks with a flat, soft toe seam, moisture wicking capability, and anti-fungal or antibacterial properties. Dr Comfort are an example of socks made specifically with the diabetic foot in mind.

At Entire Podiatry, we recommend Dr Comfort socks to maximise your foot health. These socks are great for anyone who wants their feet to be comfortable, and are also suitable for people with diabetes, arthritis, oedema, neuropathy or circulation issues. Dr Comfort socks include Nano Bamboo Charcoal Fibres which help to promote blood circulation and are also a natural deodoriser. Dr Comfort socks come in a range of men’s and women’s styles and sizes.

This month, Entire Podiatry are offering a special deal on our range of Dr Comfort socks…. at your next consultation, you can purchase any two pairs of Dr Comfort socks and pay only $30 (that’s a saving of $14). Bring a copy of this article to your consultation at any Entire Podiatry clinic, and you can take advantage of this fantastic offer. Your feet will thank you for it! (Offer valid until 31 May 2012).

Did you know that research has shown that going for a jog can increase the force on the bodies supporting joints by up to six times? With this incredible force it’s no surprise that exercise can sometimes cause damage, particularly on the lower limbs and joints of the body. Today’s blog post will analyse some of these forces, and investigate how sports orthotics Brisbane can be effectively used to support your body during your activities.

Anatomy 101

Just as Da Vinci suggested in the opening quote of this article, the way the foot and ankle is constructed with its 26 bones and 33 joints is truly amazing. However, even its brilliant design cannot completely protect it from the strain that can quite often occur during exercising. There is really no specific category of people that experience issues, as foot and foot related problems can occur in anyone ranging from casual walkers to elite athletes.

How orthotics can help

Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that are created to reduce the stress and fatigue that is placed onto our feet and ankles. Quite often this stress and fatigue can be caused by incorrect formation of the foot, which means the orthotic is created specifically to counterbalance this formation. In sports however, these orthotics are created as a support to cradle your foot during impact and ensure that you have proper body alignment. This in-turn has the potential to increase your agility, allow you to control your motions more fluently and provide a heavy-duty anchor point to drive power through to your legs and body.

In today’s blog post, we have explored why many active people choose to wear orthotics Brisbane and investigated the improvements they can create to the wearer’s athleticism. If you are interested in getting a set of orthotics for yourself or a family member, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Entire Podiatry today on 1800 436 847.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition that usually involves generalised knee pain, particularly around and under

If you are experiencing patellofemoral pain, initial treatment to help relieve symptoms may include resting from high impact activities, ice and anti-inflammatory medication. However, in order to really address the cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome, a thorough physical assessment of your foot and lower limb function is recommended.
Depending on the Podiatrist’s assessment of your condition, your treatment regime may include exercises such as quadriceps strengthening to help stabilise the kneecap (patella), and stretching of hip muscles, hamstrings and calf muscles to help improve biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint. To reduce the chance of patellofemoral pain becoming a longer term problem, orthotics may also be recommended to address factors such as over-pronation or rolling in of the feet, which has often been found to contribute to poor biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint. We can also provide you with specialised advice regarding appropriate footwear to help reduce any abnormal foot motion and to provide good support to the arches of your feet.

If you have patellofemoral pain syndrome or any other knee pain, make an appointment with one of our Podiatrists in Brisbane, Logan, Redcliffe or on the Gold Coast. We are specialised in treating patellofemoral pain and will provide you with a comprehensive assessment and choice of quality treatment options to not only address your symptoms but also to help prevent problems from recurring (such as orthotics to improve foot function). Early treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome is always recommended to prevent future complications. Call us on 1800-4-ENTIRE to make an appointment today.

The Feet

One of the most obvious areas of the body that Podiatrists deal with is the feet. Conditions of the foot can significantly vary, ranging from musculoskeletal disorders to skin conditions. Some examples of musculoskeletal disorders of the foot are heel and arch pain or a fracture to a foot bone. Alternatively, an example of a skin condition of the foot includes nail infections and warts. Podiatrists are highly trained to be able to provide effective treatments for all kinds of foot related problems.

The Lower Leg

Another common area of the body that Podiatrists are specialists in is the lower leg. Issues in the lower leg can be related to a sporting injury (such as a sprained ankle) or it can be referring to an issue caused by the degeneration or constant wear and tear on the body, such as arthritis.

Associated conditions

Quite an unknown fact about Podiatry is that Podiatrists are able to deal with conditions that are associated with the lower body. These issues can include lower back pain, as well as hip pain. These conditions can be quite complex, so treatment by a professional Podiatrist is highly advised.

If you feel that you are suffering from any conditions that are related to the lower body, don’t hesitate to give your local Podiatrist Brisbane a call. With 8 clinics in the greater Brisbane area, Entire Podiatry has gained a great reputation due to our professionalism and effectiveness when dealing with our patients. If you would like to enquire further about what our Podiatrists can do for you, simply give our friendly team a call today on 1800 436 847 3.