Frequently Asked Questions About Podiatry

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You asked podiatrists listened, and now we’re here to give you answers to some of our clinician’s most frequently asked questions!

Today we will be addressing some of the most commonly asked questions from our patients. If you have a  question which is not answered below, simply shoot us an email at [email protected], send us a direct message on socials or contact us on 6269 2038, so that we can include it in our next edition of FAQ’s.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Why do people get Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis refers to a condition where the Plantar Fascia (the structure which runs along with the ball of the foot up to the heel), becomes inflamed. This tissue supports the arch of the foot. Whilst the foot is on the ground, all footwear is placed on this tissue, forcing it to stretch as the arch becomes flatter. In turn, the plantar fascia becomes strained, which can result in small tears where the tissue connects to the heel bone. While such small tears are usually recovering with time, if our body experiences reoccurring stress in this area, it can cause disruption of healing which may result in bone spurs. Such strain injury can be due to excessive running or walking, jumping injury from landing or inadequate footwear. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by certain diseases, including reactive arthritis and diabetes.

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Is it bad to go barefoot majority of the time?

In short, it depends. Whilst there are many advantages to walking barefoot, there is also some risk involved in doing so.

Some of the advantages of going barefoot majority of the time include

  • Walking barefoot more closely resembles our ‘natural’ walking pattern or “gait”
  • Greater control of your foot position as it strikes the ground
  • Improved in balance, body awareness and proprioception, which can aid in relieving pain
  • Improved foot mechanics, which can contribute to improved hip, knee and core movements.
  • maintains a suitable range of motion in your foot and ankle joints
  • maintains and strengthens muscles and ligaments, contributing to enhanced stability
  • relief from inappropriate footwear, which can cause bunions, hammertoes, or other foot deformities
  • stronger leg muscles, which support the lower back region

Whilst going barefoot in the comfort of your home is usually endorsed, there are some drawbacks of going barefoot when walking outside. This includes

  • Your feet being exposed to the surface you’re walking on, which may be rough terrain, have sharp objects lying around or could be susceptible to high temperatures which can cause blistering.
  • Additionally, there is a risk of exposing your feet to harmful bacteria or infections
  • We recommend that diabetics should always consult their primary care physician prior to going barefoot. “If they have peripheral neuropathy, there is significant potential to sustain wounds on the bottom of their feet and not realize it.

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What types of people are most susceptible to bunions?

There are many reasons why some people are more prone to developing bunions. Commonly, people who wear high heels, ill-fitting shoes, have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis or have a genetic predisposition in terms of the structure may be more likely to develop bunions.

High heels: Wearing high heels puts pressure on the ball of your feet and toes, often crowding your toes.

Troublesome footwear: Footwear including undersized shoes that are too narrow or tight increase likelihood of developing bunions, as increased pressure causes bunion formation

Rheumatoid arthritis:  Having this inflammatory condition can make you more likely to develop bunions, as inflammation causes impairment of the ligaments and tissues that support your bones, which can then cause the ankle and back of the foot to move out of alignment, resulting in the development of bunions.

Heredity: Bunion development may be attributable to genetic predisposition in which an inherited problem with the structure or anatomy of your foot facilitates bunion growth.

Should all bunions be removed?

The general rule for bunion removal is if your bunion is not painful, you do not need surgery. While bunions often grow bigger over time, doctors don’t recommend surgery to prevent bunions from worsening, as many people can slow the advancement of a bunion with the assistance of appropriate footwear and other preventive care. It is also important to note that bunion surgery should not be done for cosmetic reasons.

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How to choose a good shoe for my child?

We get this question A LOT, so have made this helpful infographic to steer you in the right direction for choosing a good shoe for your child.

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Should I exercise if I am experiencing knee pain?

In short, yes; BUT ENSURE that you do the CORRECT TYPE OF EXERCISE. Participating in high impact exercise or over-extending yourself during workouts could worsen your knee pain. So below are some “Do’s and Don’ts” when exercising with knee pain.

What to do?

  • Exercise in water: When battling with knee pain or in rehabilitation, take the load off your joints, by utilising the buoyancy of water. This will allow you to ease back into exercise without aggravating your pain once more.
  • Walk: Walking is a relatively low impact activity, which helps rehabilitate muscles and joints, without adding extra strain to the injured area. It is recommended to start with short walks and over time advance to 20 minutes of walking per day. Additionally, this helps with losing weight – further alleviating stress from your joints.
  • Use knee-friendly exercise equipment. Gym equipment such as elliptical machines and stationary bikes help protect your joints from additional stress, whilst providing an excellent aerobic workout
  • Strengthen muscles: Stronger muscles help make up for weakened or injured joints, tendons or ligaments. The two main muscle groups supporting the knee (the hamstrings and quadriceps) can be rehabilitated by walking backwards to strengthen the hamstrings and doing straight leg raises to strengthen the quads.

What to avoid?

  • Avoid participating in high-impact activities which entail starting and stopping suddenly, jumping and landing, to avoid further risk of injury.
  • Avoid exercising on hard surfaces as they lack shock absorption, rather exercise on dirt paths, grass or treadmills.
  • Avoid excessive bending of the knees, (i.e. squats or leg- presses) as this pressure can cause severe staining on the knees.
  • Avoid over-doing it: Fatigued muscles won’t absorb shock as readily, placing extra pressure on the knees. Ease into your exercise program and ensure to vary exercises daily to prevent overuse or further injury. Think about alternating walking and swimming, for example.

How we can help!

Here at Podiatrist Perth, for your convenience, we have 19 locations throughout the metropolitan area. Each of our locations has an amazing team of podiatrists who are ready to help you return to the things you love doing most. If you are battling with any of the conditions mentioned above and would like to know more about how we can assist you on your road to recovery, simply contact us on 6269 2038, or click here to book your appointment today!

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