Have your feet ever been so sore that you’ve thought it might be easier to just walk on your hands?  The average person will walk 128,000 kms in their lifetime, which is the equivalent to three times around the earth – it is no wonder that so many people suffer with sore feet.  As professional podiatrists, we can help.

Approximately 70% of New Zealanders experience foot pain at some stage in their life. Some people are even more likely to experience problems due to walking and running on uneven surfaces, and wearing boots most of the day, for example, farmers or those people whose work involves standing on concrete floors.

A very common problem is heel or arch pain (plantar fasciitis).   Heel pain can be found in all age groups. The condition is diagnosed with the classic symptoms of pain under the heel. Often the pain is most severe when you first stand on the foot in the morning. Pain often subsides quite quickly, but then returns after prolonged standing or walking.  Long standing inflammation can cause a spur to form on the heel.

Try icing the area of the heel in the afternoon and massaging the arch to relieve pain. If pain continues, see a podiatrist at our clinic in Whakatane. Podiatrists are tertiary qualified health professionals trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Heel pain is one of the most common problems we treat.

Most foot and leg problems are caused by the way your foot functions while walking or running. A sports podiatrist can prescribe an orthotic to correct foot function that causes injury.

The available research into the effectiveness of orthotic devices suggests that they can help solve injury problems with a success rate around 70-80%, so, if you have a foot or leg problem, consult the specialists.

What is a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are teritary qualified health professionals trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

The complex mechanics of feet (52 bones, a network of muscles, joints and ligaments) and the wide range of foot problems demand professional expertise.

All practising podiatrists must have a current Annual Licence from the Podiatrists Board.

Click for more information.