P: 9480 5522 F: 9480 5533 northernpodiatryhealthcare

Services

At Northern Podiatry we are confident we have the expertise and skills to treat the wide range of conditions and injuries that can walk through our doors through the various services we offer. Some common examples are:

PODIATRY:

  • General Care
    From the very young to the very old, general foot comfort is very important in maintaining enjoyable everyday activity. Corns, calluses, warts, ingrown nails, fungal nails, tinea infections and even cracked heels can all impair our foot function and lead to pain. Thankfully, in most instances, these conditions can be treated in one, or just a few, consultations and education provided to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
  • Ingrown Nails
    Ingrown nails can occur through trauma, poor foot care, bunions, tight footwear, or just badly shaped nails. Although they are painful for anybody who may suffer from them, ingrown nails present a greater risk to certain populations. Those with diabetes, poor circulation or impaired sensation are at greater risk of infection and further complications meaning specialist care is required. Often, simple conservative treatment by one of our podiatrists is enough to manage this problem; however, for those with more chronic cases we offer a permanent solution. A minor surgical procedure, performed in our clinic under local anaesthetic, is all that is needed for a lifetime of relief. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding this treatment or to make an appointment.
  • Diabetes Assessment and Care
    Diabetes is one of the more common conditions affecting Australians’ today. It has the potential to compromise foot health due to its negative effects on the circulatory and nervous systems of the feet. Patients with diabetes can often be at a greater risk of infection and ulceration of the feet due to this reduced sensation and poor blood supply. Therefore, it is recommended by health care professionals and Diabetes Australia to have a foot health check at least every 12 months. At Northern Podiatry we can provide a comprehensive health check, treat any relevant problems and provide education and advice to ensure the effects on your foot health is minimal.
  • Children’s Podiatry
    Children probably have the most active feet in the family, and they spend lots of time both in and out of shoes. There are many conditions which can affect normal development, activity and comfort in the lower limb of children, such as:
    • Pronated or ‘flat feet’;
    • pigeon toe and in-toe walking;
    • toe walking and running;
    • bow legs; and,
    • heel pain (commonly referred to as Severs disease).

    These conditions can place undue stress on the muscles, ligaments and bone structure of children’s’ feet, leading to discomfort with sport and general activity. In many cases, these conditions can be treated conservatively with load-management strategies, exercise and strength programs, and the use of orthoses and appropriate footwear. Several of these conditions have often been labeled as “growing pains” and correct diagnosis is necessary to help treat the issue accordingly.

  • Sports Podiatry and Gait Analysis
    Sports injuries can seriously affect the training and playing program of any athlete, from the amateur to the elite. Biomechanics is the study of human movement whereby, it is thought the more efficient our biomechanics, the less risk of overuse injury. At Northern Podiatry, sports injury assessment and rehabilitation has been a keen area of interest for all our clinicians. Our dedicated biomechanical assessment space, complete with treadmill and video gait analysis software, aids in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. We can advise on rehabilitation programs, pain management strategies, taping, footwear, and if necessary the use of orthoses. We work closely with sports physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and myotherapists, so we are always able to refer on for further assessment and management if needed.
  • Orthotic Therapy (including cycling specific orthotics)
    Orthotics are devices that act to improve cushioning, redistribute pressure and maximise foot function. Whilst their mechanism of action is not always agreed upon, they are a great way to reduce the stress/load on injured muscles, tendons and joints of the feet, ankles, knees and hips. The need for orthotics will be determined after a thorough biomechanical assessment and come in a variety of materials and designs, ranging from prefabricated (‘off the shelf’) insoles to fully customised devices. Our podiatrists are experts in determining the most appropriate device for each individual and always look at the most cost-effective solution for their patients.In recent years, custom cycling orthotics have become a valuable addition to the management of cycling injuries. Due to the mechanics of cycling, the forefoot is placed under more load than when walking/running so the design of the orthotic needs to be different. By altering the knee and hip position, and ensuring an even transfer of pressure across the foot, the power output and comfort of the cyclist can be improved dramatically.

MYOTHERAPY

  • Soft Tissue ManipulationMyotherapists specialise in the hands-on treatment of many conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints of our body. Through massage and stretching techniques, Myotherapists can help restore mobility and function to damaged tissues.
  • Joint mobilisationDysfunction and pain can arise from stiff joints and tension in the surrounding capsule and fascia. This can be alleviated through gentle mobilising of that joint but care needs to be taken to protect the surrounding structures (nerves, ligaments, bursaes etc). Myotherapists are best equipped to do this due to their extensive training in this area.
  • Trigger Point TherapyTrigger points are localised areas of hyperirritable tissue within a tight band of muscle. They can cause local and referred pain and can impact on sports performance and day to day activities if not treated appropriately. Myotherapists can reduce the tension in these muscles, leading to pain relief, through the application of direct pressure to these areas via thumbs, fingers or elbows in some cases.
  • Dry NeedlingDry needling is the process in which sterile, fine filament needles are inserted into tight muscles to release the ‘trigger point’, allowing greater mobility and pain relief. Myotherapists can treat a variety of conditions using this technique from back, shoulder and neck pain to plantar fasciitis, and everything in between. Through a thorough assessment, Myotherapists can determine whether dry needling would be beneficial in your treatment.
  • Rehabilitative exercisesWeak muscles contribute to pain and dysfunction so it is crucial to isolate and treat these deficiencies. Myotherapists can create a treatment plan focused on strengthening the muscles surrounding the injured site so that recovery of the damaged tissue can occur. These exercises can be done in the home or as part of a gym program and with regular monitoring can ensure that the injury does not become chronic in nature.