PodCo Podiatry in Avondale Heights, Victoria | Podiatrist

PodCo Podiatry

Locality: Avondale Heights, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 9337 8737

Address: 336 Milleara Rd, Avondale Heights 3034 Avondale Heights, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.podcopodiatry.com

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• Podiatrist

24.01.2022 Since we are coming into spring now a lot of us are excited to get out there and go for a wholesome run in the warm sun! PodCo is here to remind you to warm up before and after your run/walk and ensure you are wearing the correct footwear. Dont forget you can customise your shoes to fit your feet using a few different lacing techniques. Look through our uploaded videos to find the method that suits you. The video below will be helpful for those experiencing heel slippage and friction blisters around the heel/ Achilles region!

24.01.2022 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING YOUR NEXT PAIR OF WORK BOOTS: A strong heel counter: push down on the back of the shoe, if its folds then you will probably want to give it a pass, not much support there! Fixation: either laces, zip or a Velcro strap over the middle of the foot to reduce discomfort and stop your toes from jamming... Bend at the toes! The shoe should only be very flexible at the base of the toes, NOT through the middle of the sole. Your toes should have free range, but the rest of your foot needs to stay in place. The shoe must be right for you: try them on at the end of the day, when your feet are the largest and consider the materials (waterproof, heat proof etc) for your job-type

24.01.2022 ATTENTION NURSES How well are you looking after your feet? We know that you spend countless hours on your feet helping others and often the burning pain coming from them is the last thing on your mind! However, your pain is NOT normal. It is one thing to have tired and exhausted muscles, but radiating pain and swelling is a cause for concern. ... Here are some tips to reduce discomfort and pain during and after a long shift: Stretching before, during and after. We have posted a few videos of different stretches you can complete in less than five minutes. Follow along to reduce muscle stiffness and prevent muscle injury STOP wearing unsupportive footwear! Those comfy shoes may feel good when you first put them on, but if it is all foam and no support, it will likely get worn out much quicker, making you susceptible to injury and muscle aches. Get new shoes that are comfortable with high amounts of support and change your shoes every ~6-12months Soak your feet in warm water in the evening to help relax, then elevate to reduce any swelling Stay tuned for some quick stretches that help with heel, calf and plantar fascia related pains

23.01.2022 As podiatrists we have seen A LOT of warts in our time, but more interesting than that is the strange myths we hear relating to warts. So today we would like to share some FACTS about plantar warts! Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Even if a wart is cleared the HPV remains in the body but can lie dormant ... Warts do NOT have roots they are more like a pebble sitting in the top layers of the skin The black dots often found in warts are blood vessels Feel free to ask us any wart-related questions, we are here to share our knowledge!

22.01.2022 TREATING HEEL PAIN IN CHILDREN Now that we know how to spot Severs Disease, lets talk about why children get it and some treatment options. Often with calcaneal apophysitis, the treatment will directly correlate with the cause. This is because the aggravating factors need to be either eliminated or managed for the symptoms to subside or, go away. This condition is believed to be due to multiple factors in young athletes which can be a combination of 2 or more of the follow...ing: Flat feet Tight calf muscles Rapid growth spurts Poor training methods Poor footwear The main aim of treatment is to encourage continual sports involvement and prevent your child from feeling negatively about participating in activities. While creating a management plan, your podiatrist will address the cause and depending on the stage of the Severs Disease, you may be asked to implement RICE (rest, ice, compress and elevate) for a certain period. A change in footwear and modifications of the innersoles can also help reduce symptoms by offering support to the painful area. If your child has tight calf muscles, an appropriate stretching and strengthening regime will be put in place. See more

22.01.2022 IMPORTANT UPDATE DURING STAGE 4 LOCKDOWN We feel it is important to continue to be available to our community so have decided to remain open during the 6 weeks of S4 lockdown. However our scope of treatment and clinic hours will be reduced. DHHS directives mean we are no longer able to treat patients who do not present as urgent or at-risk. Basically, is the condition life or limb threatening or unable to be deferred?... Clear as mud? If you feel you need to see a podiatrist, please call the clinic and we will consult with you about your issue. It may be that we consider you non-urgent or more suitable for a Telehealth consultation, in which case we ask for your understanding and patience. Believe us, we would much rather be able to see you all and keep you on your feet! However we must all make sacrifices in order to slow the spread of coronavirus for the next 6 weeks. If we work together now, the sooner we can get back to normal. We urge all of you to take care of each other. If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health, please, please seek help. Contact your GP or LIFELINE 13 11 14. Thanks to all of you for your continued support and understanding. See you on the other side! X The PodCo Team

22.01.2022 One of the most common overuse injuries we see come through the clinic is heel pain. But what is it exactly and how does it occur? Pain in the bottom of the heel is usually the bodies perception of inflammation in a thick band of tissue that originates from the heel called the Plantar Fascia. Inflammation of this structure is called Plantar Fasciitis, which Im sure many of us have heard of before in relation to heel pain. So what causes the inflammation of the Plantar F...ascia? As it is most likely an overuse injury, the cause is just that, overusing the tissue structure by either placing increased loads on your feet while at work when standing long hours and/or wearing unsupportive footwear for the majority of the day in combination with intrinsic contributors such as bone and muscle positions and strength. Once this tissue is inflamed, it is very difficult to heal as we are constantly adding load while we walk and stand. Therefore, the healing period can take anywhere between 12-18months. Early intervention is absolutely necessary in reducing pain and discomfort. And remember, just because the shoes are spongy and comfortable does not mean they are doing their job of supporting your feet properly!

21.01.2022 Are chilblains *really* a cause for concern? Chilblains usually occur in the winter due to drastic temperature changes and often appear as patches of mild discolouration on the toes that can be sensitive to touch. However, in some cases, chilblains can break down into wounds, leaving the broken skin susceptible to a nasty infection and must be seen immediately by either your GP or Podiatrist for treatment. Who is at a greater risk?... Chilblains are especially concerning for people with compromised blood flow due to diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or peripheral vascular disease as they will have a prolonged healing period and have a higher risk of infection and ulcers that may turn into chronic wounds. Our next post will highlight some tips on keeping your skin intact and how to reduce the likelihood of developing chilblains. Stay Tuned!

21.01.2022 WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Picture this, you are on your morning run through a beautiful park when you take an unfortunate tumble. Your ankle looks red, hot, and swollen so you hop on home. Once you have reached to the safety of your house, you decide to inspect your ankle, which is still quite painful and swollen. You reach for a pack to help ease the symptoms. Let us know what you would reach for and comment below telling us why you have made that decision.

19.01.2022 Lockdown Update - https://mailchi.mp/92f5ddbe4ae7/lockdown-update

19.01.2022 A quick reminder to check your feet DAILY for unknown bumps and lumps, hard patches of skin, cuts, or bruises and most importantly any areas of pain or tenderness. Our feet do so much for us, so its only fair we give them some TLC. If you see something concerning or unusual, your podiatrist can help figure out what is going on!

19.01.2022 Now we have all heard about corns MULTIPLE times. But why are Podiatrists so adamant in managing them? Well, here is what can happen if you leave a corn* unattended: PAIN! It can be incredibly uncomfortable and often feels like walking on a stone, ouch! Can cause inflammation of the surrounding tissue... Tissue beneath the corn may breakdown overtime and form an enclosed wound Alter the way you walk as your feet avoids placing pressure on the corn ultimately leading to other problems such as muscle aches and pains If you are in a Higher Risk category meaning you have altered sensation and blood flow to your lower limbs, there is a possibility of infection and ulceration. *Bumps on the skin should be viewed by a professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

18.01.2022 Not sure when to replace your training shoes? Old shoes can be the cause of many problems, including injury and muscle pain. But how do we know when they are TOO old and need to head out the door? ... Some general advice would be: If you have been a mild to moderate exerciser (2-3 times a week) and maybe worn your trainers a little outside of exercise time, you should look at changing your shoes every 12 18 months. If you do a little more, say 3-6 days a week, then you should really change your footwear every 8 12 months. Everybody wears out shoes at different rates, so inspect your shoes regularly to see if they are still structurally sound.

18.01.2022 Hi Everyone Your Podiatrists at PodCo will be wearing face masks during the entire consultation, including the moment we greet you, as per the instructions given by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Michael Kidd. If you have any questions please feel free to send us a message or call our reception on (03) 9337 8737. ... Stay Safe!

16.01.2022 As per our last post, we now have reduced clinic hours and will be open for urgent appointments from: MONDAY: 9:00am - 6:00pm TUESDAY: 2:00pm - 6:00pm WEDNESDAY: 9:00am - 6:00pm... THURSDAY: 9:00am - 6:00pm FRIDAY: Closed SATURDAY: Closed We appreciate your understanding during these times and hope you are all staying safe!

16.01.2022 We support our feet outside the house to prevent pain, so why wouldnt we do the same INside the house?

16.01.2022 Are you experiencing painful CORNS IN BETWEEN YOUR TOES that just dont seem to go away after youve scraped them?? There is a high likelihood that they are being caused by bad footwear. Here are a couple of footwear tips that may give you some relief and help prevent the recurrence of corns from forming after having them removed by your podiatrist: Tie your laces nice and snug before every wear poorly fixated shoes can cause toes to jam, creating friction and therefore ...forming corns Wear shoes with a lower heel A heel with even a slight incline can dramatically increase the load on the forefoot, intensifying pressure and contributing to the development of corns If symptoms persist see your podiatrist to consider biomechanical factors such as bony growths and irregular gait. See more

16.01.2022 Following last weeks post: Here is how you can avoid CHILBLAINS this winter! Dress Smart! Wear warm socks and shoes that keep the warmth in when youre out and about ... Wear warm slippers inside the house and avoid being barefoot on cold floors Gradually warm feet up with a gentle massage or stretching Slowly increase the water temperature inside the shower DONT sit too close to a heater keep a safe distance and never fall asleep near any type of heating device (electrical or otherwise) DONT place feet in HOT water or on other direct sources of heat such as hot water bottles, wheat bags or electric blankets Your Podiatrist can assess your risk of developing chilblains or wounds and will create a treatment plan according to your individual needs. Stay safe and stay warm!

15.01.2022 Majority of you are on the right track! However, there is a specific technique to ensure this is carried out in a safe manner: Cut your nails using sharp, clean instruments Cut the nail following the natural curve, slightly rounding the corners and gently filing any jagged edges Do not pick them Using a cotton bud with Tea Tree oil or antiseptic to wipe the sides and corners of the nail after cutting can help reduce the chances of infection... Wear shoes with a good-sized toe-box to prevent excessive pressure on the nails See more

15.01.2022 HOW TO SPOT SEVERS DISEASE IN YOUR CHILD! Severs Disease, or Calcaneal Apophysitis, is inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone caused by excessive pulling from the Achilles tendon. It is most common in young athletes aged 8-14 years. If your child has been complaining of pain in their feet, here are a few signs it might be due to Severs Disease:... Random or ongoing heel pain Limp when walking or during activity Worse barefoot and in the morning Pain with a squeeze of the heel Stay tuned for a future post discussing causes and treatments.

12.01.2022 Sweaty feet are a common occurrence with people who are on their feet for long periods of time. However not everyone is aware of the type of socks that are most absorbent and better for sweaty/smelly feet. What would you wear to keep the moisture away?

12.01.2022 Our last laces tip received a lot of love so we thought we would start a little mini series on lace techniques that suit your foot type! This video demonstrates a method that can be used to accommodate a wider forefoot, bunions, or a bony exostosis on top of the foot. Ideally, your footwear should have enough space in the toe box, both width and depth, to prevent discomfort and pain. However, there are ways to adjust the shoes you currently have. ... A podiatrist will be able to assess your feet and recommend the shoes that would be the best fit for your foot type. Share with friends and family if you think they will benefit from this tip or tag them down below! SOUND ON

11.01.2022 TRAINING FOR A MARATHON? A number of clients we have seen recently have been seeking advice regarding preparation for marathons that are taking place over the next few months. Here are our most common tips:... Have your shoes professionally fitted before you start training: this will eliminate problems that may occur with shoes that are just not right for you and your body Blister prevention! Lace up those shoes nice and tight and carry extra blister patches during training sessions and the marathon itself ALWAYS complete warm ups and cool downs, even if you're not feeling quite up to it If you are experiencing tenderness or pain, seek professional advice immediately to avoid developing an overuse/acute injury Our podiatrists at PodCo can provide strapping techniques, footwear modification, advice on training methods/frequency and other managements to help you through this next marathon season. ________________ 03 9337 8737 [email protected]

09.01.2022 The third lace technique in our mini-series is here! In this video, we show you how to adjust your laces to accommodate for a broader foot-type. Share with friends and family if you think they will benefit from this tip or tag them down below!... SOUND ON

09.01.2022 Great News! PodCo is offering extended hours throughout the week. We are now opening the clinic from 9am - 6pm on a Monday and 9am - 4pm on a Friday. *open every second Saturday

08.01.2022 Foot health Australia has shared some great tips to take care of your loved ones who are at risk!

07.01.2022 One of our previous posts mentioned lacing for blister prevention when training for and completing marathons. Here’s a technique that will reduce friction in the back and side of the heels to knock those painful blisters on the head!

06.01.2022 Have you been experiencing sore, tight calves that have become quite bothersome? Watch the video below to see one of our Podiatrists demonstrate a few quick and easy stretches you can do to reduce stiffness and increase your muscle health. SOUND ON Disclaimer: this video is sped up for production purposes

05.01.2022 Previously we let you know how to safely cut your nails to avoid nail spikes or ingrown toenails. However, some nails are susceptible to recurring ingrown edges due to their curved nature even once cut back. So, is there is a permanent solution? Yes, there is! If the nail continues to cause problems, a simple procedure can be done to permanently remove the section of the nail that is misshapen which will resolve the issue. This procedure is called a Partial Nail Avulsion (P...NA), done by your podiatrist under a local anaesthetic. It is a non-invasive procedure completed without causing trauma to the skin. This means that there is only minimal discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off and it heals well, providing there are no complications post-operatively. It is much like getting a filling at the dentist - without the drilling! Often when a nail has been infected a number of times, the tissue becomes delicate and prone to flare up and a PNA is the best solution. If you suspect you may benefit from this procedure or are prone to infections and painful nails, contact PodCo Podiatry*. *Appointment times may be affected by the current Stage 4 restrictions.

04.01.2022 A quick reminder to watch out for CHILLBLAINS. An easy way to prevent chilblains is to stretch your feet to increase blood flow and place feet in a warm foot bath (a bowl containing warm water), dry feet and immediately wear thick socks with slippers to avoid the warmth escaping. Wearing enclosed footwear at all times will help keep your feet toasty warm while avoiding the need to follow through with bad habits such as placing feet in front of a heater for prolonged periods.

04.01.2022 One of our earlier posts spoke in depth about the effects of DIABETES on the lower limbs. A podiatrist is trained to assess your risk of developing chronic wounds and identifying any impairments in your blood flow or sensation. The video below is showing a few tests conducted by your podiatrist during a full diabetes foot assessment. You may also be asked a few questions about your diagnoses and diabetes management. The results are then relayed to your general practitioner fo...r a further follow up if needed. SOUND ON *All assessments have been slightly modified for filming purposes.

03.01.2022 At PodCo, we understand that hearing your health care provider say words youre unfamiliar with can be quite strange! So, weve decided to start a new series discussing and explaining lower-limb related medical terminology to help increase your health literacy. The first word we would like to discuss is SUBUNGUAL. COMMENT below what you think this word means and HOW you would use it in a sentence!... HINT* it is underneath something

02.01.2022 While we are on the topic of chilblains, PodCo offers Paraffin Wax Baths as a relaxing (and satisfying) way to treat and prevent them! In an earlier post, we spoke about how paraffin wax baths work and discussed their benefits, one of them being promoting blood flow to the toes and feet immediately, and over time with ongoing treatment. The temperature at which the bath is set encourages the smaller blood vessels to open slowly and will gradually warm the feet without shoc...king the system to help avoid chilblains. It can also be claimed on your Private Health Insurance! * (* You will need to check with your provider to see whether you are covered. The code for paraffin wax treatments is F121)

02.01.2022 Have your heard of BURSITIS? Bursitis in the ball of the foot is a common problem caused by ill-fitted shoes, worn during daily activities or during training. So what is bursitis?... A bursa is a small fluid filled sac that is positioned in-between bone and tendons to reduce friction. When there is high amount of pressure and rubbing, the sac becomes inflamed and is referred to bursitis. What are the common symptoms of bursitis in the ball of the feet? Burning/ numbness Pinching Sharp pain Feels like walking on a stone or rock Stay tuned for our next post describing how our Podiatrists at PodCo can help heal and manage bursitis!

01.01.2022 TAPING As a follow up on our last post, we thought we'd share an extra tip to keep your feet supported when training for a marathon! Taping or strapping the foot and ankle using various tapes and techniques can facilitate healing and add comfort for many issues including but not limited to:... Plantar Fasciitis Achilles tendonopathy Big toe joint pain Lowered/raised arches Inner and Outer ankle instability / pain If you are experiencing any of the above issues and believe you may benefit from strapping then contact one of our podiatrist today! ________________ 03 9337 8737 [email protected]

01.01.2022 An interesting read for all the Runnners out there!

01.01.2022 NEW IN STOCK PodCo now has Vionic slippers for the cold winter weather Here are some of the reasons we recommend VIONIC slippers:... Footbed is covered with 100% polyester terrycloth and terry upper/lining features an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off. Podiatrist-designed, biomechanically contoured arch support and deep heel cup to realign your stride and help prevent moderate to excessive pronation. Flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock, reducing stress on feet, ankles and knees. Footbed is treated with anti-bacterial, odor-resistant Ecofresh. Call up to order or grab a pair at your next visit to PodCo! Other styles and colours are also available to purchase. ________________ 03 9337 8737 [email protected]

01.01.2022 Do you know the signs of a BACTERIAL INFECTION? It is important that all skin breaks or cuts be cleaned and monitored to make sure they are healing appropriately. This is because an open wound is a gateway for bacteria to get past the bodys line of defence and make itself at home bringing with it a whole lot of other problems. But how do we know there has been a bacteria breach?... These are the signs of an infection to look out for: Redness (Erythema) Swelling (Oedema) Unpleasant smell (Malodour) Heat Tenderness Pus (Purulent exudate) If you have one or more of these symptoms, its best to have the area looked at by a trained professional. Either a GP or if lower-limb related, a podiatrist, can assess the area and determine the right course of treatment.