hamiltonpodiatry Archives - Waikato Podiatry

Forefoot Changes

Understanding Forefoot Conditions: Bunions, Hammer Toes and Structural Changes While heel pain is one of the most common complaints we treat, a significant number of foot problems originate in the forefoot. Structural changes in this area can lead to pain, deformity, and difficulty with footwear. Understanding how the forefoot functions helps explain why these conditions…

Bunions

What is it? A bunion, 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 even a slow dislocation of the joint. This condition presents as a deviation of the angle within the big toe and the ball…

Footwear features to reduce your risk of falls

Most slips, trips, and falls occur due to a loss of traction, in other words, there isn’t enough friction between the sole of your shoe and the surface you’re walking on. While this might sound simple, the consequences can be significant. In fact, over 20% of all workplace accidents fall into the slips, trips, and…

A Ripple Effect: How Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy came to Podiatry

If you’re suffering from ongoing foot or heel pain, we may recommend Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This treatment has been used successfully around the world for many years, but it’s only in more recent decades that high-quality scientific research has confirmed its clinical effectiveness for musculoskeletal conditions. Shockwave therapy is…

Blisters

Blisters: causes, treatment, and how to prevent them Blisters are one of the most common foot problems we see, particularly after long periods of walking, running, sport, or wearing new or ill-fitting footwear. While the body may recover from general aches and pains in a few days, blisters can remain painful, slow to heal, and…

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…

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…