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All The Gear And No Idea?! Sport Specific Shoes - How Important Are They?

It’s that time of year again where we see a change in sports season and unfortunately an influx of injuries. The ‘modern’ sports shoe has developed from an all purpose shoe or ‘cross trainer’ to a plethora of sport specific shoes.

The choices are abundant! High profile athletes and social media can influence our footwear choices, coupled with our own aesthetic and brand preferences. However it’s important to select a shoe that’s right for you. (Image below courtesy of Mizuno)

Mizuno image

Why?

Wearing the correct shoes for your sport, not to mention in combination with adequate strength, conditioning and sport specific training, reduces the risk of injuries significantly.

The foot moves differently during a run when compared to the side-to-side movement whilst playing netball, basketball or tennis to name a few. Running itself can even present different needs in a shoe. For example sprinting as opposed to trail running, presents different terrain.

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Whilst a lot of younger players will wear cross trainers or running shoes for sports such as football, soccer, hockey or touch, these sports all require quick, sharp movements when played on grass. These shoes were not specifically made for this and therefore expect accelerated wear & tear.

Of course in Tassie we often need footwear with more grip on the soles to combat wet weather! In this case, a younger player may have the option of wearing a trail running shoe or more sport specific boots. Even boots have subcategories: moulded, hybrid or studs…but we won’t go into that in this blog!

And don’t get us started about other requirements when playing on turf or we’ll be here all day!

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What Does This Mean?

We need our footwear to act against different forces and terrains. Cross trainers act against the side-to-side forces whilst a running shoe is designed with forward motion in mind.

A cross trainer will generally fit the bill for someone who plays a multitude of sports at low intensities. However, if you’re at a high competitive level or playing/participating regularly then it makes sense to wear sport specific shoes.

The priority should be selecting a comfortable shoe that fulfils the needs of the individual, with consideration for current and past injuries. If you’re currently injury free and happy with your performance wearing your current sports shoes, then you might already have the right shoes for you!

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The Wrap-Up

The reality is there isn’t one shoe (or brand for that matter) that is right for every person. There are so many variables that one must take into account when purchasing an athletic shoe, that to answer this question in any other way would be simply disingenuous. Hopefully you’re not in the position now with all the gear and no idea!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the footwear options, book an appointment with us to discuss any questions you have about sport specific shoes and allow us to help you reach your best performance!

Questions? Concerns?

Call us on: 6331 4885 for an appointment, or book online:

https://balancefootstudio.com.au/make-a-booking/

Come and chat with our friendly Podiatrists if you have any questions. 

 

 

Children / Footwear / General Foot Care / Sport - 04/12/2022
School Shoes

Back To School? TOP TIPS To Find The Perfect School Shoe Fit!

We’re here to provide some TOP TIPS to help find the perfect school shoe fit!

Have you checked whether last year’s pair of school shoes are worn to smithereens?! Will they even fit?!

 

Preparation:

  • It may go without saying…but take your child with you when shopping for new school shoes!
  • Make sure you pack your child’s school socks and orthotics (if they wear them). 
  • Shopping at the end of the day allows the feet to be fitted when they are at their largest. The feet naturally swell throughout the day. 
Back To School

Ensure The Best Fit:

  • We all know just how quickly children’s feet can grow! Ensure you have your child’s feet measured each time you go shoe shopping. 
  • It’s also important to have EACH foot measured for length and width as there is always one foot bigger than the other.
  • Always ensure to buy the shoes to fit the bigger foot. 
  • The widest part of the foot should correspond with the widest part of the shoe. Also check the material on the top part of the shoe is comfortable, it shouldn’t be too tight or loose. It should be “Just right” like in Goldilocks and the Three Bears…
  • The fastening mechanism (shoe laces, velcro strap, buckle) should hold the heel firm, yet comfortable in the back of the shoe. A secure fastening mechanism will prevent the toes from sliding forward into the front end of their shoes and mitigate common issues such as toes curling/clawing and skin and nail changes such as blood blisters or ingrown nails.
  • The back of the shoe (heel counter) should be strong and stable. Check it doesn’t look like there’s too much movement up and down or slipping of the heels when walking in the shoes - to avoid blisters.  
  • Flexibility in the toe area of the shoe. This allows the toes to bend when propelling forward.

Consider “The Rule of Thumb”:

Check the space in between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe. Keep in mind, this may not be the big toe! Ideally keeping 1.5cm, or the width of a thumb space at the end of the shoe. 

Lastly, test performance!

Can your child put them on themselves? Can they walk, run, jump or play in them comfortably? 

Measuring foot

Once you’ve purchased new school shoes, is there anything else you should be aware of?

YES!

Note any changes in your child’s feet after wearing the new school shoes. Similarly, watch if their walk (gait) changes.

See your Podiatrist if you notice any of the following:

  • Redness, irritation, blisters, or hardened skin 
  • Pain or bruising around the toes
  • Leg and/or foot pain. Your child may or may not speak up if they’re experiencing discomfort, so keep an eye out for any limping or obvious changes in gait
  • Trips or falls, any more than usual
  • Withdrawal from normal activities
Legs

Questions? Concerns?

Call us on: 6331 4885 for an appointment, or book online:

https://balancefootstudio.com.au/make-a-booking/

Our Podiatrists are here to discuss any questions or concerns and hopefully help you find the perfect school shoe fit and avoid any headaches!

 

 

Children - 01/09/2022
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Do you have unsightly or uncomfortable warts that refuse to go away despite previous treatment?

Swift Wart Therapy is an effective Wart Treatment with proven results!

The treatment has an 83% success rate, currently higher than any other treatment on the market. Balance Foot Studio is the only Podiatry practice offering this state of the art verruca treatment in Launceston.

SWIFT Blog PDF

Firstly, What are Warts?

Warts are a viral infection from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that manifest as a growth on the skin. A wart that is present on the bottom of your foot is called a verruca wart or plantar wart. Verruca can be painful, are very contagious and are easily spread from person to person or other parts of your body, so it’s important to have it treated swiftly.

Come in for an appointment with one of our specialist Podiatrists to confirm whether or not you have a wart! Our Podiatrists are here to discuss any questions or concerns and to guide you through the best treatment plan based on your individual needs.

SWIFT Blog PDF

Why should I choose Swift Wart Therapy... and what Is It?

Swift is a revolutionary medical microwave technology that has proven highly effective at resolving warts, particularly stubborn warts that have resisted previous treatment.

A focused microwave signal is emitted into the skin to a predetermined depth to ensure only the wart is treated.

A process called Heat Shock occurs within infected skin cells. It rapidly heats the infected tissue to 42-45oC over 2 seconds and this is repeated 5-8 times. This sudden increase in temperature can cause some discomfort, however, as Swift treatments are very quick, discomfort only lasts a few seconds.

The treatment causes the wart tissue to release certain proteins into the circulatory system, allowing the immune system to recognise the infection and begin to fight the wart virus (HPV).

Effectively stimulating your own immune system to combat the virus!

What are the benefits of Swift Wart Therapy?

  • No dressings
  • No downtime - return to your normal activities
  • No home after care
  • No anaesthetic
  • No post pain treatment
  • Able to treat single or multiple warts
  • Fast results when compared with traditional treatments
  • Safe & Sterile procedure

As previously mentioned, it has a remarkable 83% success rate.

Proven to be the most effective wart treatment available!

The Treatment Process

At the initial appointment, your Podiatrist will confirm the presence of a wart and discuss various treatment options. If deemed appropriate and Swift is chosen, the first treatment can be performed on the spot.

Treatment is applied in timed bursts and can be applied to one or multiple sites, with a small pause in between applications.

A brand new sterile applicator tip is used for each appointment and this is used to apply the microwaves directly to the verruca. On occasion, your Podiatrist may chose to gently debride any overlying dead skin from the area prior to application to ensure a more effective treatment.

SWIFT Blog PDF

How many Treatments will I need?

This depends on how your body responds to treatment. The Swift is designed to promote a localised healing response to prompt the body to heal itself.

Most people only require 3 appointments, however sometimes more may be needed especially if the verruca are large or there are multiple lesions. Each appointment is administered 4 weeks apart until the wart is resolved.

Will I feel anything?

As with any skin lesion treatments, some discomfort, even pain may be experienced. Each treatment experience varies from person to person, but most people describe it as a quick needle like sensation.

Treatment lasts 2 seconds and any discomfort felt is usually only for the final second then quickly subsides & recedes. Treatment is repeated in one area 5-8 times depending on the strength of the microwave used.

In rare cases some minor discomfort or tingling may be experienced in the following 24 hours, however this will disappear.

What can I do after Treatment?

Unless you experience some minor discomfort - you can go about your day as per normal! You may return to your normal activities, whether that be swimming, running, dancing or jumping!

As an added bonus, there is no broken skin, no need for dressings and no requirement to keep the area dry!

SWIFT Blog PDF

What will my wart look like after Treatment?

There will be no immediate change to the wart following treatment.
Over the coming few days your immune system will develop a response to the treatment, sometimes this is an inflammatory response that may include minor blistering.

Inflammation is a normal immune response and the reason why Swift treatments are spaced apart. You may begin to see the wart tissue discolour, begin to shrink and de-bulk.

Normal ‘skin striations’ of the underlying tissue will gradually re-form once the verruca is resolved - your Podiatrist is trained to determine this and will let you know once it’s resolved.

Is Swift Wart Treatment safe?

Yes! Swift uses microwaves, which are a form of non-ionising radiation, which means they can not cause damage the DNA of living things, only infected wart tissue. Microwaves have been used in clinical practice over the past few decades. We use microwave technology for many uses in daily life, including WiFi, cordless Bluetooth ear buds and kitchen appliances.

Swift uses very low energy levels that are only able to vibrate the water molecules within skin cells.

Swift is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia.

Predominantly most of the population can receive Swift Wart Therapy. There are a few exceptions with certain medical conditions - your Podiatrist will be aware of these and will be happy to discuss further.

Suspect you have a wart and want to learn more? Book in to see one of our Podiatrists to discuss this modern technology.

Who can benefit from Swift Treatment?

Swift is suitable for most people with a few exceptions.

At Balance Foot Studio your Podiatrist will identify anyone who may not be appropriate during the consultation.

Precautions must be taken if the following apply:

  • Pacemaker
  • Metal pins, plates or replacements in the foot/ankle
  • Neuropathy or poor peripheral circulation
  • Immune suppression
  • Pregnancy or breast feeding
  • Low pain threshold
  • Young children (below the age of 10). Treatment may not be appropriate depending on a few different reasons, your Podiatrist will talk with you about this during the appointment and determine the best course of treatment

Should you wish to read any further information please visit     https://www.treatwithswift.com

Call (03) 6331 4885 for an appointment today.

Our Podiatrists are here to discuss any questions or concerns and to guide you through the best treatment plan based on your individual needs.

 

Children / General Foot Care / Medical Issues - 05/14/2021
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