Sunshine Coast Podiatrist

Hip Pain

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

The hip is an extremely important and complex component of the lower extremity. With age and use, cartilage can wear down or become damaged. Muscles and tendons attached to the hip can succumb to overuse. Bones of the hip can fracture due to a fall or sporting injury. Any one or a number of these conditions can cause you to suffer from hip pain.

Common causes of hip pain

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of arthritis that can cause hip pain
• Hip fractures: Trauma such as falls or sporting injuries can cause the bones of the hip to fracture
• Tendinitis: Overuse including overloading, dysfunction or poor technique can lead to inflammation or microscopic damage to tendons of the hip
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid filled sacs found between tissues such as bone, muscles and tendons, e.g. trochanteric hip bursitis
• Muscle strain: Repetitive actions or excessive loading can put strain on the hip muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Labral tear: This is a rip in the ring of cartilage - the labrum - that runs on the outside rim of the hip joint

Even sitting in an awkward position or lying on your side for a prolonged period can cause temporary hip pain.

It is important to understand the underlying cause of your hip pain in order to form an effective treatment plan.

Have you been suffering from hip pain? Click here to book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists for an assessment today.

Knee Pain

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

The knee joint is used every step that you take, so knee pain can quickly become a debilitating condition. Pain can arise from the knee joint itself, or the many soft tissue structures around the knee.

Common causes of knee pain

• Injuries e.g. ACL injury, fractures, torn muscles, bursitis, patellar tendonitis
• Mechanical problems e.g. iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, loose cartilage, dislocated kneecap, compensation due to hip or foot pain
• Arthritis e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis

How we can help

Your Podiatrist at Footpoint will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the factors contributing to your knee pain. They can offer:

• Custom orthotics to reduce mechanical problems
• Footwear advice, tailored solutions for your unique needs
• Manual Therapy, including percussive therapy for any soft tissue tightness
• Photobiomodulation Therapy, to reduce inflammation, swelling, pain, and promote tissue repair
• Dry Needling/Cupping Therapy, targeted, longer term relief for muscular tightness and trigger points

Don’t just put up with knee pain! Click here to book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists to get you moving again.

Numbness of the Foot

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Numbness in your foot may be a temporary condition or the result of a chronic underlying condition such as diabetes. Symptoms may also change or become progressively worse with time. Seeking advice for numbness in your foot may help slow or delay its progression, so don’t put off your assessment.

What are the symptoms?

The chief symptom of numbness in the foot is the loss of sensation, which affects your sense of touch and balance, making it difficult to feel the position of your foot against the ground. You may also experience the following:

• Prickling
• Pins-and-needles sensation
• Tingling
• Weakness

Causes of numbness of the foot

There are many diseases and conditions that can cause foot numbness. Here are just a few:

• Diabetes
• Chronic alcohol abuse
• Morton’s neuroma
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• Chemotherapy
• Sciatica
• Frostbite
• Herniated disc
• ..plus many more

Click here to make an appointment if you have diabetes, or if you think the numbness in your foot is getting worse.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Peripheral Neuropathy refers to weakness, numbness and pain from nerve damage in the hands and feet. We often encounter this condition in the feet when caring for our patients with Diabetes, however it can also be caused by injuries, infections or exposure to toxins.

How can we help

It’s important to understand that treatment can help peripheral neuropathy, however currently this condition can’t be cured. Treatment options available at Footpoint that may assist you include:

• PBM Therapy: Photobiomodulation Therapy can be used to alleviate pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, and promote tissue repair
• Dry Needling: to generate localised inflammation and prompt tissue repair
• Footwear: we can guide you on the best shoes to help protect your feet, particularly for those with a marked reduction in sensation
• Professional socks: we stock a range of high quality, professional socks that have great features to help patients with Peripheral Neuropathy, such as extra cushioning and anti-blister socks

Do you suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy in your feet? Click here to book a time with one of our Podiatrists to see if we can assist you.

Gout

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Gout is a complex form of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation when too much uric acid crystallises and deposits in the joints.

How can we help

If you suffer from chronic gout, affected joints often become enlarged and lose their normal range of motion. We can provide you with:

• Custom orthotics to help improve foot function and alleviate pain associated with restricted joint range of motion
• Customise your footwear, to accommodate lumpy, enlarged joints
• Provide footwear advice, and recommendations to reduce irritation of sore joints

Want to learn more about gout? Read our blog Gout: Things that go Ouch! in the night

Have you suffered from gout in the past? Let us help improve your comfort with custom orthotics and help finding the right footwear for you. Click here to book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists to assess your gout.

Claw Toes

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

A claw toe is a toe that is contracted at the PIP and DIP joints - the middle and end joints in the toe. They can occur in any toe except the big toe.

How we can help

• Footwear: let us help you find and fit the right shoe for your foot. Inappropriate footwear is the most common cause of toe deformities. We measure both the length and width of your feet to ensure the best fit
• Corns/Calluses: we can treat painful corns or calluses that develop due to Claw Toes. Regular routine care with one of our Podiatrists will keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of further complications
• Custom orthotics: we can perform a comprehensive Biomechanical Assessment to see if your toe deformities are caused by your foot function. We will then be able to fabricate custom orthotics for your shoes to improve your gait
• Protective sleeves: we stock a range of cushioning sleeves and devices to help keep you comfortable between visits

Want to know more? Read our blog Hammer Time! The difference between Hammer Toes and Claw Toes

Concerned you may have Claw Toes? Click here to book an appointment with one of our friendly Podiatrists to assess your feet.

Hammer Toes

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

A Hammer Toe occurs when the middle (PIP) joint becomes flexed or bent downwards.

Common causes of Hammer Toes

• Injury: a traumatic toe injury
• Arthritis: usually osteoarthritis
• Footwear: wearing shoes that don’t fit properly
• Tendons: tight, imbalanced tendons in the foot
• Bunions: pressure from a bunion pushing the 2nd toe out the way
• Cavus foot: a high arch foot can be prone to developing hammer toes

How can we help

• Footwear: Inappropriate footwear is the most common cause of Hammer Toes. We measure both the length and width of your feet to ensure the best fit
• Corns/Calluses: we can treat painful corns or callus that develop due to Hammer Toes. Regular routine care with one of our podiatrists will keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of further complications
• Custom orthotics: we can perform a Biomechanical Assessment to see if your Hammer Toe is caused by your foot function. We will then be able to fabricate custom orthotics to improve your gait
• Protective sleeves: we stock a range of cushioning sleeves and devices to help keep you comfortable between visits

Want to learn more? Read our blog Hammer Time! The difference between Hammer Toes and Claw Toes

Does this sound like you? Do you already suffer from painful Hammer Toes? Help is not far away. Click here to book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists today.

Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

As we get older we are at higher risk of developing arthritis. This is because joints wear down over time, we lose the smooth “cushioning” cartilage on the inside of the joint. Then your bones start to rub and wear against each other, yikes.

There are many types of arthritis (more than 100 diseases!) but today we’re going to talk about the most common - Osteoarthritis - the so called “wear-and-tear” arthritis.

How do I know I have Osteoarthritis in my Foot / Ankle?

Careful examination of the foot and ankle by one of our Podiatrists can determine if you have Osteoarthritis. They will take a thorough history and look for

• Pain and stiffness in the joint
• Swelling in or near the joint
• Difficulty walking or bending the joint
• Osteophytes, or bone spurs around the joint

They may also refer you for an x-ray to evaluate the extent and severity of the disease, and to help guide your treatment.

How we can help

• Custom orthotics: to provide support and improve the foot’s mechanics, as well as cushioning to help minimise pain
• Footwear: tailored advice on what shoes are best to help preserve joint function and provide the best support and cushioning
• PBM Therapy: Laser / LED light therapy to reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with osteoarthritis
• Dry needling: can be a useful additional therapy for longer lasting relief of midfoot osteoarthritis
• Prolotherapy: to reduce pain and stiffness, improve function and mobility of the joint, and increase the strength of surrounding ligaments and soft tissues

Have you been suffering from Osteoarthritis in your foot or ankle and don’t know what to do about it? Click here to book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists to hear how we can help you.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness and damage throughout the body, including the foot and ankle.

How can we help?

• Custom Orthotics: Orthotics are tailor made onsite to accommodate any deformities that may have occurred due to RA. Their primary function is to stabilise the joints in a resting position, which may help reduce inflammation
• Footwear: We stock a range of supportive, orthotic friendly shoes, many with fully adjustable straps for your comfort and fit

Do you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis? Click here to make an appointment to see how we can help keep you moving.

Sever’s Disease

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Sever’s Disease causes pain at the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the heel bone in adolescents. Sadly it is often mistakenly brushed off as “growing pains”.

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease (also known as calcaneal apophysitis) is a type of bony injury where the growth plate at the back of the heel bone becomes inflamed and causes pain. It is the most common cause of heel pain in children between the ages 8 - 14 years, particularly those who are active or participate in a lot of sports on a regular basis.

How can we help

• Custom orthotics: to improve foot function and reduce stress and strain on the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the growth plate in the heel
• Footwear: guidance on what shoes will provide the best support for your child
• Activity modification: we can educate you and your child on how to approach their training and activities to better manage symptoms and flare-ups
• Home care: there are many simple and effective strategies such as cold packs and massage that can help alleviate symptoms, we will explain these to you

Is your child active and has been complaining of heel pain? Click here to book a time with one of our friendly Podiatrists to assess your child today.

Bunions

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

“My Grandma had bunions”. We’ve heard it a thousand times. Don’t feel you’re destined to end up with feet like your Gran, prevention is key.

What are bunions?

A bunion develops when the first metatarsal bone of the foot drifts outward and the big toe points inwards towards the other toes. Most people first notice a bony lump developing on the side of their big toe joint. We refer to bunions as hallux valgus. Fancy.

How we can help

• Footwear: we have professional fitting services and a range of wide options that can help accommodate all those lumps and bumps. Gone are the days of frumpy “Grandma shoes” (no offence Gran), there are plenty of stylish options that you can dance out of the clinic wearing
• Custom orthotics: bunions are sometimes caused by inherited foot types. We are specialists at designing and developing custom orthotics to help slow down the progression of your bunions
• Pain relief: sometimes bunions can get red, swollen and painful. We have treatment options such as PBM Therapy, Dry Needling and Prolotherapy that can help settle down that cranky bunion
• Specialised socks: for those with mild bunions, we stock BR4 Bunion Relief Socks, innovative bunion therapy in a performance sock
• Custom Otoform Toe Wedges: for severe bunions where toes overlap, we can fabricate a custom reusable toe wedge to help stop painful rubbing
• Footwear modification: our onsite laboratory has the ability to modify your existing shoes to replace areas of irritation with soft flexible discreet materials

Think you have a bunion that needs our help? Click here to book an appointment now with one of our Podiatrists.

Metatarsalgia

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Metatarsalgia is a general term used to describe pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. The metatarsals are the long thin bones in your foot that your toes are attached to.

How can we help

• Diagnosis: As there are many causes of Metatarsalgia, the most important step is diagnosing the underlying cause of your pain
• Footwear advice: apologies ladies, high heel shoes are notorious for aggravating Metatarsalgia. Let’s consider saving them for date nights while we talk about your next best go-to shoes
• Custom orthotics: we can design custom orthotics to help address underlying causes of your Metatarsalgia
• Manual Therapy / Dry Needling: if tight calf muscles are contributing to your Metatarsalgia we can help with Manual Therapy +/- Dry Needling
• Activity modification: it’s important to establish any aggravating factors, we will discuss how to approach your daily routines to keep you on track

Are the balls of your feet agony by the end of the day? Click here to book a time to come see us, we’d love to help you.

Sesamoiditis

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Sesamoid bones are curious things. Rather than being connected to other bones forming a joint, they are connected to muscles by tendons. The largest sesamoid bone in the body is the kneecap, also known as the patella. Did you know there are also tiny sesamoid bones in your foot too? Lets talk about them today, as they can become inflamed and painful, a condition known as Sesamoiditis.

What are the symptoms of Sesamoiditis?

Diagnosing Sesamoiditis starts with taking a thorough history and examination of your foot. Sesamoiditis usually occurs from overuse of the tendons around the sesamoids; activites such as running, basketball, ballet and any activity that require a lot of pressure to be placed on the ball of the foot place you at higher risk. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness under the ball of your foot - particularly near the big toe joint
• Restricted / painful range of motion

How can we help?

• Custom orthotics: We can design custom orthotics to alleviates the pressure on your big toe joint. They can be moved between different shoes to keep you comfortable and assist your rehabilitation
• PBM Therapy: Photobiomodulation Therapy is used to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling
• Activity modification: It's important to stop or modify the activity that caused Sesamoiditis. We can chat to you how to go about your daily business without aggravating the condition

Has the ball of your foot become increasingly more and more painful? Click here to book and appointment to get assessed by one of our Podiatrists and start on your road to recovery.

Shin Splints

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Shin Splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) refers to pain along the inner edge of your shin bone, what we call the tibia. It is a common exercise-induced injury that is often associated with running, but can also occur with any vigorous sports activity or if you have started a new fitness program.

How we can help

• Custom orthotics: to help improve mechanical function and stabilise your foot and ankle, taking the stress off your lower legs
• Footwear: let us help guide you on how to find the right shoe for your foot and the activities you enjoy
• Manual Therapy: massage and percussive therapy can help reduce muscular tightness and trigger points that have occurred due to overuse
• Dry Needling: an effective adjunct to Manual Therapy for longer lasting relief
• PBM Therapy: acute injuries respond very well to early Photobiomodulation Therapy
• Home care: we will advise you on simple effective measures you can do at home to help alleviate your symptoms such as cold packs and stretching exercises

Don’t put up with painful lower legs. Click here to book a time to see one of our Podiatrists and get you back on track.

Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Most people have either had or know someone who has had Plantar Fasciitis. Heel pain can make your life pretty miserable and stop you from enjoying many aspects of your daily routine. Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the sole of your foot, that connects the heel to the base of the toes. It is often characterised by a stabbing pain near the heel, and pain may be worse in the morning or when standing after a period of rest.

How we can help

• Compression Sleeve: we stock a range of professional compression socks; our FS6 Performance Foot Sleeves and FS4 Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks are incredibly effective at relieving the pain of Plantar Fasciitis by providing medical grade orthopaedic support
• Custom Orthotics: Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by poor foot function; custom orthotics will provide better cushioning, support and address any underlying mechanical function that may be contributing to your heel pain
• Footwear: we will assess your current footwear and provide you with tailored advice on what shoes are best for your feet and activities
• Manual Therapy / Dry Needling: Plantar Fasciitis is inextricably linked to tightness in the posterior muscle chain. Manual Therapy +/- Dry Needling can start to unwind that tightness, providing a more holistic approach to your problem
• PBM Therapy: Photobiomodulation Therapy helps reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling associated with heel pain. It has the added bonus of promoting tissue repair, for a more rapid return to your usual self
• Home care: there are a lot of simple tricks you can do at home to assist your recovery. Do you have a golf ball lying around at home? That will certainly come in handy.

Do you suffer from heel pain? Look no further, Click here to arrange an appointment so we can help get you out of pain and back to the activities you enjoy.

Forefoot Pain

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

The forefoot - commonly referred to as the ball of the foot - is an extremely complex area, and is critical for normal and efficient movement.

There are many causes of Forefoot Pain which require careful judgement and assessment to confirm a diagnosis and form an appropriate treatment plan.

Common causes of Forefoot Pain:

• Overuse: Pain from overuse in athletes and those that participate in sports
• Toe deformities: Those who suffer from Hammer Toes or Bunions are more prone to forefoot conditions such as Metatarsalgia
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis causes inflammation and pain of the joints, and commonly affects the big toe joint as well as the lessor toes
• Gout: A painful form of arthritis that causes redness, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The big toe joint is the most commonly affected joint.
• Stress fractures: Repetitive activities such as running or walking can cause stress fractures resulting in Forefoot Pain.
• Morton's neuroma: A painful condition that affects the nerves that run between the toes - the interdigital nerves.
• Sesamoiditis: Inflammation and associated pain of the sesamoid bones below the big toe joint. A common injury in people who participate in high intensity sports (e.g. runners) or jarring activities (e.g. boxing, basketball)
• High arch feet: This foot type places excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, increasing the risk of forefoot injuries and pain.
• Loss of fatty padding: With age, the protective fat pad under the forefoot thins out increasing susceptibility forefoot pain and injuries.
• Poor footwear: Wearing tight, narrow or high-heeled shoes puts constant strain and pressure on the ball of the foot.
• Overweight: Excess body weight tends to put more pressure on the metatarsal bones and can cause pain.

If you are experiencing Forefoot Pain seek professional advice from Footpoint Podiatry to achieve the best outcome. Click here to book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists.

Diabetic Foot Care

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Diabetes over time and with inappropriate control leads to the deterioration of peripheral nerves and blood vessels in legs and feet. These conditions are referred to as Peripheral Neuropathy (loss of feeling in your feet) and Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation in your legs and feet).

If you have Diabetes, you are at risk of developing these conditions and it is recommended you see your Podiatrist for annual neurological and vascular assessments. By doing this you can stay informed and keep track of your lower limb health.

Comprehensive services offered at Footpoint for Diabetic patients:

• Annual neurological & vascular assessments: To detect any neurological or vascular changes for early intervention and better outcomes.
• General foot and toenail care: regular preventative maintenance of the feet has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of foot complications in diabetics.
• Footwear advice: Professionally fitted quality footwear are crucial to keep the feet protected and well supported.
• Diabetic wound care: Management of acute wounds and injuries.

Click here if you have Diabetes and would like to see one of our Podiatrists and keep your foot health a priority.

Leg Pain

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Our legs work hard to meet the demands of our day-to-day activities and commitments. This doesn't mean you should be in pain, though. Here are some common causes of Leg Pain:

Bones, Joints, Muscles

• Muscle cramps: sudden, tight, intense lower leg pain, usually happens when your muscles are tired or dehydrated
• Muscle strain: when a muscle gets pulled or stretched too far, the pain is intense and the area tender to touch
• Shin splints: when the muscles and tissue around your tibia (shin bone) become inflamed and painful, especially during walking, running or jumping
• Tendinitis: usually the Achille's tendon, although the tendon attachments of other muscles that have succumbed to overuse can also become inflamed
• Broken bones or sprains: Ankle sprains can be mild, only requiring minimal intervention, up to severe where you may have a broken bone, or avulsion fracture. Repetitive activities such as running, combined with poor footwear or function can lead to stress fractures - a small crack in the bone

Blood Vessels and Clots

• Blood clot: most deep vein clots happen in the lower leg or thigh, commonly caused by prolonged periods of inactivity like on a long flight or car ride, but also due to being overweight, smoking or certain medications
• Varicose veins: superficial twisted, dark blue or purple veins caused by weak valves and vein walls. Varicose veins may cause a dull ache, especially after standing
• Peripheral arterial disease: when the arteries in your legs become damaged and hardened, the arteries narrow or become blocked, reducing blood flow to the legs.

Nerves

• Narrowed spinal canal (stenosis) and sciatica: A common causes of stenosis is arthritis of the spine when the spaces in the spine become narrowed. Neural symptoms in the leg can also be caused by a herniated disc, which puts pressure on the nearby nerve roots leading to symptoms of sciatica.
• Diabetic neuropathy: Nerves can become damaged from prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels, causing pain in the legs along with numbness and less sensation in the feet

Click here if you suffer from Leg Pain and would like to get it assessed, diagnosed and treated by one of our Podiatrists.

Flat Feet / Fallen Arches

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

People with Flat Feet - also known as Fallen Arches - have either no or a very low arch on the inside of their feet.

The arches provide a spring to our step and helps distribute body weight across the feet. The structure of the arch often determines how a person walks. Arches need to be both sturdy to propel us forward, as well as flexible to adapt to the ground and different surfaces.

Flat feet often run in families, however they can also arise from foot or ankle injuries, arthritis, weak arches, aging, excess body weight, damage or dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, or be caused by systemic conditions that affect nerves and muscles.

How we can help

• Diagnosis: comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying cause of your Flat Feet and form an appropriate treatment plan
• Custom orthotics: we have the latest technology to assess your biomechanical function and prescribe custom orthotics made right here in Noosa in our onsite orthotic laboratory
• Footwear advice: we will assess and provide tailored footwear advice to further improve foot function
• Prolotherapy & more: depending on the cause of your Flat Feet we offer an extensive range of additional services to get you back on track, such as Prolotherapy, Shockwave Therapy, Photobiomodulation Therapy (Laser Therapy), Dry Needling and Paraffin Wax Treatment.

Do you have Flat Feet? Click here to book an appointment to see one of our friendly Podiatrists for an assessment today.

Ingrown Toenails

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of your nail grows into the skin next to it. It can often very rapidly progress into a painful condition.

What causes Ingrown Toenails?

Common causes of Ingrown Toenails

• Cutting toenails incorrectly
• Irregular, curved toenails
• Tight narrow footwear or socks
• Toenail injury / trauma
• Improper foot hygiene
• Certain sports (e.g. ballet, football, kickboxing, soccer)

At Footpoint we encourage early professional intervention, to remove the cause of the Ingrown Toenail to get you out of pain and healing well. During your appointment we will also apply a dressing and advise you on appropriate home care.

For stubborn, recurring ingrown toenails, we also offer Nail Surgery at Footpoint. Click here for more information about Nail Surgery.

Do you have a painful ingrown toenail that just isn't going away? Help is not far away! Click here to book a time now and let us get you out of pain and back to enjoying your life.

Ankle Pain

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Ankle Pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort in the ankle joint and its surrounding tissues.

The most common cause of Ankle Pain is the humble ankle sprain - estimated to be around 85% of all ankle injuries. A sprain occurs when your ligaments (the connective tissue that helps support the ankle joints) tear or are overstretched.

Other common causes of ankle pain include:

• Arthritis: multiple types of arthritis can cause ankle pain, but osteoarthritis is the most common
• Gout: when uric acid builds up in the body and crystals are deposited in the joints, causing sharp pain
• Nerve pain: such as sciatica or tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Blocked blood vessels: peripheral arterial disease, where the arteries become narrowed and reduce blood flow to the limbs, can cause pain in the feet and ankles
• Infection: bacterial infections are the most common causative organisms of ankle osteomyelitis

Given the complexity of the ankle, it is recommended you seek professional advice from a Podiatrist to ensure the cause of your pain is correctly diagnosed and managed. Click here to book an appointment now.

Achilles Tendon Pain

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Achilles Tendon Pain (Achilles tendinopathy) is a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness at the back of the heel. The Achilles tendon has a fundamental role in lower limb function as it is the tissue that connects our calf muscles to the heel bone. Pain can come on suddenly, particularly in the event of an acute injury, or slowly over a period of time due to overuse or poor function.

Common causes of Achilles tendinopathy:

• Overtraining, excessive intensity or increase in distance/volume
• Unaccustomed use, “weekend warriors”, “too much, too soon”
• Change in training surface e.g. grass to bitumen
• Lack of training variation
• Excessive hill running
• Jobs that require long periods of time on your feet
• Poor footwear
• Poor foot and lower limb function

How we can help

• Diagnosis: we will speak to you and complete a comprehensive assessment of the area of concern. Your Podiatrist may also refer you for some scans to investigate any damage or injury to your Achilles tendon
• Relative rest: you will be advised on how to manage your training load and other commitments during your rehabilitation
• Custom orthotics: to improve function and allow the damaged connective tissues to heal
• Footwear advice: we will provide you with tailored footwear advice for a stable, supportive foundation
• Physical therapies: Footpoint is equipped with the latest technology to help you get back to enjoying your life as soon as possible. We offer Shockwave Therapy, Prolotherapy, Laser Therapy, Theragun PRO percussive therapy, Manual Therapy, Dry Needling and Cupping Therapy to aid in your rehabilitation.

Have you been suffering for Achilles Tendon Pain? Click here to book an appointment with one of our Podiatrists to begin your journey towards recovery.

High Arch Feet / Supinated Feet / Rolled Out Feet

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

High arch feet (Pes Cavus) is a condition where the arch or instep remains very high even when standing. Some people may have heard of it referred to as supinated feet (the opposite of pronated feet) or rolled out feet.

This type of foot can lead to a variety of symptoms including:

• Pain: when walking or standing
• Instability: frequent ankle sprains
• Hammer toes / Claw toes: bent toes, or toes that are difficult to straighten
• Calluses: particularly on the ball, outside or heel of the feet

How can we help?

• Custom Orthotics: we can assess your feet and fabricate custom orthotics to provide you with the support you need. Off-the-shelf devices rarely fit the unique needs of high arch feet
• General care: callus is often quick to develop as the high arched foot is unable to absorb the shock of heel strike during gait. We provide comprehensive foot and nail care to keep you comfortable
• Compression Socks: for those susceptible to ankle sprains, we stock compression sleeves that can provide additional support and stability for your activities.

Do you have high arch feet? We have plenty of solutions to help keep you doing the things you love. Click here to book a time for your foot assessment.

Childhood Conditions and Growing Pains

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

At Footpoint, our friendly Podiatrists are trained at treating a wide range of foot and lower limb concerns, including childhood conditions (Paediatric Podiatry). We work together with parents and children to find the underlying cause of the problem and establish a treatment plan to ensure the best outcome.

Long term solutions for children are best achieved by regular checkups and ongoing education as your child grows and develops. Our advanced gait assessment technology - Sensor Medica 3D Pressure Plate Mapping - records postural and biomechanical data, allowing accurate diagnosis and quantifiable measures of your child’s progress.

Why should my child see a Podiatrist?

We see many paediatric patients at Footpoint, and many foot problems which occur in the adolescent and adult are attributable to the abnormal mechanics of the individual during their early years. If these changes are identified in the pediatric patient population, early recognition and conservative management of gait abnormalities can help to improve the overall lower extremity development and function of the child as he or she matures and develops into an adult.

What to look out for

• In-toeing (or pigeon toed)
• Toe walking
• Flat feet
• Balance problems
• Foot, heel, knee or hip pain
• Hypermobility
• Early fatigue in the legs and feet

Prevention is key!

The focus of Paediatric Podiatry at Footpoint is to help educate children and parents about the importance of establishing ideal habits and functional patterns as this has a lifelong impact on lower extremity development and movement. We aim to redirect children during this critical age to help prevent pathologies from developing later in life. Annual checkups prior to the start of the school year to assess walking patterns, foot positioning and shoe wear are recommended.

Click here to book your child's assessment today.

Leg Length Discrepancies

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Do you always seem to wear one shoe more than the other? Do you find your hips hang on one side? You may have a leg length discrepancy.

Leg length discrepancy is a difference in the length of the legs. Some people are born with legs of different lengths or surgery like a hip replacement may be the cause. In other cases, injuries, illnesses, or dysfunction can cause a discrepancy to develop over time.

Did you know

• It is important to establish whether you have a structural or functional leg length discrepancy
• The Podiatrists at Footpoint Podiatry can perform a Leg Length Assessment to determine if you have a discrepancy and if it is likely structural or functional in nature, and guide you through your treatment options

Do you think you have a leg length discrepancy that’s causing you pain or keeping you from performing at your best? Click here to book a consult with one of our Podiatrists for an assessment today.

General Nail and Skin Care 

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Healthy feet are an important part of your overall wellbeing, and are important for people of all ages. Our Podiatrists can help you with a range of common foot problems such as painful corns and calluses, cracked heels, and nail disorders such as ingrown toenails or thickened deformed toenails that are difficult to cut. We also welcome anyone interested in a general tidy, or a special treat.

Why see a Podiatrist?

General foot and nail care by a Podiatrist ensures the strictest of hygiene standards as well as early detection of foot pathology such as fungal infections, warts or other foot disorders.

Pamper me!

For a luxurious add on, we recommend a Paraffin Wax Treatment following your General Nail and Skin Care, which perfectly compliments this treatment by increasing circulation and deeply hydrating the skin, making your treatment last longer. For optimal foot maintenance, most people benefit from professional care every 6 - 8 weeks.

Do you have difficulty cutting your own toenails? Feet in need of a tidy? Click here to book a time with one of our Podiatrists, it will feel like you're walking on clouds by the end of your appointment.

Fungal Nails

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Have you noticed one of your toenails looks a bit odd? Is it yellow or breaking apart? You may have a fungal infection.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail and is estimated to affect up to 1.6 million Australians, so you’re not alone.

What to look for

• Discolouration of the nail, often yellow or white
• A distorted nail that may lift off the nail bed
• A brittle or thickened toenail
• An odour coming from the infected toenail

Did you know

• Footpoint Podiatry has the latest technology to treat fungal toenails: PACT Nail Fungus Therapy. It’s safe, gentle and affordable
• The sooner you treat fungal toenails, the greater the chance of success; so don’t delay!

If you think you may have fungal toenails, Click here to book a appointment with one of our Podiatrist to assess your toenails and discuss your treatment options.

Warts

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

Plantar warts (plantar verrucae) are infections in the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be painful due to their position on weight-bearing skin, and can cause embarrassment for some people due to their cosmetic appearance. Plantar warts are common, particularly in childhood, and without medical treatment, some wart infections can spread to other sites or members of the family.

When should I see a Podiatrist?

• The lesion is bleeding, painful
• You’ve tried treating the wart, but it persists, multiplies or recurs
• Discomfort interferes with activities
• You have Diabetes or poor sensation in your feet
• You aren’t sure whether the lesion is a wart

How we can help

• Diagnosis: we will examine your skin lesion and confirm if it is a plantar wart and discuss appropriate treatment options with you
• Treatment options: We have Australia's most successful wart treatment here in our clinic, the Swift Wart Therapy. Swift is a medical microwave technology that is highly effective in resolving warts, verrucae or papillomas. The Swift therapy works by rapid heating of the wart and creating a Heat Shock reaction within the infected skin cells. This causes the wart to release proteins into the circulatory system allowing the immune system to recognise the infection and begin to fight the virus.
• Number of sessions: You may require between 1-3 treatments for full resolution of your wart.

Do you need help with a plantar wart (or 3) ? Click here to book a time with one of our Podiatrists to assess your skin and discuss your treatment options.

High-risk Foot Care and Ulcer Management 

Treatment Available At: Noosa, Gympie, Sippy Downs

We provide assessment, treatment and management of foot and lower leg wounds and ulcers. Ongoing care will be determined by the size, severity and complexity of your wound.

Patients with an active ulcer require regular wound care and re-dressing. Footpoint offers a convenient community based solution for local residents requiring this service.

Who is at risk?

Those at greater risk of ulceration are patients with chronic conditions affecting lower limb health such as:

• Diabetes
• Peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling in the feet)
• Peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation to the feet)
• Venous insufficiency (blood pooling in the feet)

When should I see a Podiatrist?

If you think you have an ulcer and are at risk of ulceration it is important you seek advise and appropriate management by one of our Podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have high-risk feet and require assistance with wound or ulcer management, Click here to make an appointment now to see one of our Podiatrists.