Blog Archives - Waikato Podiatry

Fallen Arches

Fallen Arches and Flat Feet A fallen arch, commonly referred to as a flat foot, is a condition where the arch on the inside of the foot appears lowered or completely collapsed. While many people associate flat feet with foot pain alone, the reality is that fallen arches can contribute to a wide range of…

Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs and Heel Pain: What you need to know Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek podiatric care, and heel spurs are often blamed. In fact, heel spurs are present in approximately 20–40% of the population. However, the presence of a heel spur does not automatically mean pain, and this…

Causes of Forefoot Pain

Forefoot pain can come from many different structures, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, and soft tissues. All of which work closely together every time you stand, walk, or push off the ground. Because these structures are small and tightly packed, even a slight change in alignment, footwear, or loading can lead to significant discomfort. This is…

Achilles Tendon Pain

Understanding Achilles Tendon Pain: causes, risks & how a podiatrist can help Around 30% of people who experience Achilles tendon pain don’t regularly participate in sports or structured exercise. In fact, Achilles tendon issues are extremely common in adults over the age of 35. As we age, the collagen fibres within the tendon naturally change,…

Knee Pain

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): causes, symptoms & how a Podiatrist Can Help Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of pain at the front of the knee. Often referred to as “runner’s knee”, it affects people of all ages — from active teenagers and runners to adults who spend long hours…

Tendon & Ligament Problems

Understanding tendons, ligaments & foot injuries and how a podiatrist can help Ligaments and tendons play a major role in keeping your feet and ankles stable, strong, and capable of handling everything from daily walking to intense sports. When something goes wrong with these structures, it can lead to pain, instability, and long-term issues if…

Ankle Pain

Ankle Instability – understanding weak or unstable ankles Do you often twist or roll your ankle? Does your ankle feel loose or wobbly when walking or exercising? You may be experiencing chronic ankle instability, a common condition where the stabilising structures around the ankle become weakened or overstretched, leading to recurring ankle sprains and long-term…

Running an international Marathon without sight!

Training for a marathon demands dedication, consistency, and resilience, but guiding a visually impaired athlete adds an entirely different layer of responsibility. Injuries suck for any athlete, but this moves to a whole new level when someone else is relying on you, and when pain strikes, it doesn’t just impact your performance; it affects the…

What is a Verruca?

What Is a Verruca (Plantar Wart)? causes, symptoms, and treatment A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a small, rough skin lesion caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Verrucae usually appear on the bottom of the foot or toes and can easily be mistaken for a corn or callus. While they are typically…

Fungal Toenails

Fungal Nail Infections, causes, treatment, and prevention Fungal infections of the foot are very common — affecting around 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. One of the most persistent forms is fungal nail infection (onychomycosis), which can cause thickened, discoloured, or brittle toenails that are difficult to manage without professional care.…