podiatryhamilton Archives - Waikato Podiatry

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Heel Cracks

Andrew here from Waikato Podiatry Clinic with another tip to keep you active and healthy and on your feet this summer. Heel cracks are something that we see a lot of at this time of year. Usually heel cracks or heel fissures are they’re sometimes known come about because during the winter, you’ve spent most…

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…