Andrew, Author at Waikato Podiatry

The Healing Power of Shockwave Therapy

What are RPW shockwaves and how do they work? It is probably easiest to think about this modality as a “tissue reboot”, not unlike rebooting a computer system. The tissue involving collagen in our bodies has a tendency to become disorganised and confused in the healing cascade, much like an overloaded computer. If we reboot…

What is the best Netball Shoe?

The Asics net burner range of shoes go with netball like fish go with chips. Netburners have been around for 20 years now and having a sports specific shoe has been a real game changer for a lot of netballers. The transition from the running shoes (traditionally used) to a netball specific shoe wasn’t always…

Plantar Plate Injuries

Plantar Plate Injuries fall under the category of forefoot pain problems, but they make up a significant percentage of forefoot problems so I have decided to discuss this condition exclusively. What Is the Plantar Plate? The plantar plate is a fibrous structure that has a cartilaginous plate that makes the tissue stiffer than normal ligaments…

The Risks of Getting Your Nails Done

Getting your Nails Done Nail bars have significantly increased in their number and popularity in recent years. It is now commonplace to see them in shopping centres and on your local high street. Hygiene in nail bars is super important, as bacteria, fungi and viruses can be easily transferred from client to client if hygiene…

Warts – Let Us Help You!

Oral Zinc for Treatment of Warts Plantar warts are always a challenge for a clinician, and recently, taking zinc orally has been suggested as an adjunct whilst undergoing wart treatment. The first study on the effectiveness of oral zinc was published in 2002, in the British Journal of Dermatology (BJD). It was based on 80…

Fungal Foot Infections – The Ongoing Battle

Fungal Foot Infections are Common: Fungal foot infections are one of the most common reasons for patients coming into the clinic. Tinea Pedis is the most common fungal foot infection, and there are currently many topical applications that are suitable to treat this, like clotrimazole, miconazole and terbinafine. However, there is a new player in…

Runner’s Knee and Hip Pain

What is Runner’s Knee and Hip Pain? The Iliotibial band (ITB) is a large fibrous structure which runs from high up on the hip, down the outside of your leg, to insert into the lower leg (tibia), just below the knee joint. The ITB can be felt by bending the leg and running your fingers…

How to Treat a Verruca

What is a Verruca? A Verruca is a small viral skin lesion or (plantar wart) found on the bottom of the foot or toes, which closely resembles, and is often confused with a corn. Its size is usually under 1cm in diameter but can grow larger and can also occur in clusters (mosaic warts). Children…

Shin Splints – How Can We Help?

What is Shin Splints? Shin splints is a common but very general term used to describe pain coming from the shin or lower leg area. Shin splints is not a specific diagnosis, and a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan should be established to be most effective. Different tissue will respond to different treatments, so…

Two Feet Away from Better Golf

Foot Positioning Matters for Golf So, you’ve bought yourself a golf bag and buggy, clubs, plenty of balls for the water hazards, golf shoes and even decided to have a few lessons to prevent that horrible slice into the trees. However, even after a number of lessons your game is still not right. You know…