Andrew, Author at Waikato Podiatry

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? Plantar Plate The plantar plate is a fibrous structure that has a cartilaginous plate that makes the tissue…

Arthritis

Understanding foot arthritis and its management Foot arthritis is a degenerative condition that gradually wears away the cartilage in joints, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Initially, you may notice stiffness and aching in the affected joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, causing discomfort and eventually leading to…

The Healing Power of Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy? It is 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 the tissue, this then allows for…

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…

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…

Runner’s Knee

What is Runner’s Knee? Runner’s knee is a common condition affecting around 15-35% of the active population, and it is more common in women than men. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) affects the front of the knee joint, in particular, the patella (kneecap) and the distal end of the femur (thigh bone), hence the name. The…

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

What is it Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction? Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is where the large tendon joining the bones in the arch of your foot to a large muscle in your calf becomes stretched and loses its strength and ability to function properly.This all occurs with pain and often swelling in the area, particularly…

Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis? The plantar fascia (PF) is a bundle of strong connective tissue which runs the entire length of the sole of the foot. It fans out from the heel running towards the toes. The PF is important for maintaining strength and arch of the foot. Due to the huge forces placed on…

Help for Children’s Flat Feet

What is Flat Feet? This is a condition which commonly presents in children and adolescents. Foot shape and posture are mostly genetic and therefore mostly hereditary. At Waikato Podiatry Clinic, we assess every child individually with the aim of providing care that can improve foot function and posture, while addressing any concerns you may have…

Bunions – We can Help!

What is a Bunion? A bunion (Hallux Abductovalgus) or a bony prominence at the great toe joint, is a deformity that can often lead to difficulty with footwear as well as pain from osteoarthritis and a slow dislocation of the joint. This condition presents as a deviation of the angle within the big toe and the ball…