Hanan Kane – Perform Podiatry

Shockwave vs Laser For Heel And Foot Pain: Which Is Best?

Foot and heel pain, especially in the form of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, can be debilitating and significantly impact a person’s daily life. Heel pain is one of our specialities here at Perform Podiatry, and we offer innovative treatments to support your recovery in ways that many clinics don’t have on offer: with the addition of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Shockwave Therapy as part of your overall management plan.

Both shockwave and laser therapy offer unique benefits, and can be used to enhance and optimise treatment outcomes, depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Here’s a look into whether these therapies may help you get the results you want in the shortest timeframe.

Low-Level Laser Therapy For Foot Pain

What is laser therapy?

Laser therapy uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate healing in the body. The specific laser we use, called the Nu-Tek laser, emits a precise kind of light that penetrates the skin and underlying tissues. This light is monochromatic, coherent, and polarised, meaning it is focused and aligned in one direction, which maximises your benefits.

How does laser therapy work to help with foot pain?

We’ve detailed everything you need to know about the low-level laser here, but to sum it up, when the laser light (which is produced by the device at a very specific beneficial wavelength) reaches the tissues, it triggers a series of beneficial biological processes. These include helping improve blood flow and enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues. These actions speed up the natural healing process. Additionally, laser light stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), boosts enzyme activity, and alters the levels of various chemicals and hormones in the body to reduce pain and inflammation – which is why many people notice a reduction in pain from the first session.

Benefits of LLLT

Laser therapy offers several significant benefits:

Pain relief – the effects of laser help to numb nerve cells, reducing pain quickly (and in some cases, almost immediately).
Reduced inflammation – the effects of laser decrease swelling and redness in tissues, which also improves a person’s function and mobility.
Faster and enhanced healing – by stimulating cell growth and repair, laser therapy speeds up the healing of injuries so you can return to doing the things you love.
Non-invasive and painless – laser treatment is safe, non-invasive, and painless, making it the preferred option for many patients.
Versatile – laser helps with treating a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, arthritis, muscle and ligament injuries, and chronic pain conditions.

Shockwave Therapy For Foot Pain

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy involves the application of high-energy sound waves (referred to as ‘shockwaves’) to an injured area. These shockwaves are generated by a handheld device placed strategically over the skin (so it stays non-invasive), with the waves penetrating the tissues to stimulate healing. We’ve detailed everything you need to know about shockwave therapy here.

How does shockwave work to help with foot pain?

When the shockwaves penetrate down into the tissues, they create microtrauma (controlled damage) in the targeted tissues. This stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by increasing blood flow, breaking down scar tissue, and promoting the regeneration of tendons and other soft tissues. The therapy also triggers the release of growth factors and the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing the repair and healing of tissues. Simply put, your body repairs better and faster.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave provides several key advantages:

It offers significant pain reduction, especially in chronic (longstanding) conditions.
It promotes and supports the regeneration of tendons and soft tissues, making it effective for conditions like tendonitis.
Like laser therapy, shockwave is non-invasive and does not penetrate the skin or require surgery.
Patients often experience faster relief and improved function in fewer treatment sessions.

Laser Therapy vs Shockwave: Which Is Best?

When deciding between shockwave therapy or laser treatment and which could be best for your pain or injury, there are a few things to consider:

The mechanism of action of the device

Laser uses light energy to penetrate tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote cell regeneration. It is particularly beneficial for acute inflammation and pain in conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy, among other chronic conditions, including arthritis. On the other hand, shockwave uses mechanical sound waves to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and stimulate healing processes. It is highly effective for treating tendon and ligament injuries, specifically longstanding injuries, such as Achilles tendinopathy, and conditions involving calcification.

The treatment experience

Laser therapy is painless and can be used frequently with no known side effects, making it a gentle option for patients with low pain tolerance. Shockwave may cause mild discomfort during treatment, but it has great benefits, such as faster results, and usually requires fewer sessions.

Effectiveness

Laser therapy is effective for reducing pain and inflammation, both in acute and chronic conditions. It is becoming a go-to for the time frame immediately following an injury, too, helping our patients manage their injury process much more comfortably. Its gentle approach is also suitable for patients where some minor discomfort may be a factor or deterrent to treatment. Shockwave therapy is proven to be highly effective for conditions involving calcification and chronic (ongoing) tendinopathy. It shows quicker results in reducing pain and improving function in these cases.

Choosing The Right Therapy: The Final Verdict

Thankfully, the choice between laser therapy and shockwave isn’t one that you have to make on your own. At your first appointment, your podiatrist will discuss your available treatment options (which will depend on your specific condition, your circumstances, goals and the like) and whether shockwave, laser, or both may be an option. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, and get the information you need to make the best decision, including what your podiatrist would recommend.

Generally speaking, for acute inflammation and pain, laser is a gentle and effective option. For tendon and ligament injuries or conditions involving calcification, including longstanding injuries, shockwave may provide faster and more significant relief.

Still trying to figure out where to start with getting relief from foot and heel pain? Book with our podiatry team by following our online booking system, or give us a call at (09) 523 2333 and speak with our receptionist team. We’re here to help.

Does Your Ingrown Toenail Have A Fungal Nail Infection?

We treat a lot of ingrown toenails here at the Auckland Ingrown Toenail Clinic. So, with approximately 10% or more of the adult population harbouring a fungal nail infection, it’s not uncommon that we see many ingrown toenails where a stubborn nail fungus has also infiltrated the nail. So how can you tell, what can you do, and what complications can arise in terms of treatment when you have both an ingrown toenail and nail fungus? Here’s the low-down from Remuera’s leading podiatry team.

How Can You Tell If You Have A Fungal Nail Infection?

A few key giveaways show you that you may have a fungal nail infection. These include:

Spots on the nails

In the initial stages of a fungal nail infection, you’ll see changes to the free nail edge (at the tip of the nail), cuticle damage, or changes to the sides of the nail. It’s common to notice white or yellow spots or streaks down the nail. This is usually where most people will wonder why their nail has changed and what could be going on, but are hoping that it will go away on its own just like it appeared, so don’t take any action to treat it (yet).

Unfortunately, it is uncommon for fungal nail infections to clear up without treatment. This is because the fungus has everything it needs to continue growing and thriving on the toenails – it has a big nail to invade paired with warm and moist temperatures when enclosed in footwear. As a fungal nail infection is at its early stages here, it’s actually the simplest to treat, before the damage becomes more extensive.

Changes to the nail colour (discolouration)

As the infection progresses, the colour of the nail tends to change. You may see more yellow, white, or sometimes even brown areas. These are all signs of the very real damage that the fungus is inflicting on your nails, and these changes tend to be irreversible – aside from treating the fungus and letting the nail grow out healthy and clear.

Crumbly, brittle, thick or moth-eaten-looking toenails

As the fungus infects the area beneath the nail, thick nodules are produced, and the nail-thickening process begins. Soft keratin (which has a nail-like texture) can build up between the nail plate and nail bed, ‘islands’ on the nail surface can form, and the nails develop a moth-eaten appearance. These nails are prone to crumbling and splitting and can have jagged edges that catch on socks.

Thickened nails can be tricky to trim without the right tools. They can also cause ingrown toenails! The thickness may create pressure in shoes that can cause pain and discomfort to the toes. This is the stage where we see many of our patients for fungal nail treatment, and ingrown toenails if they have them.

Loose, distorted nails

As the fungus causes the nail to thicken, the shape of the nail may become distorted as it separates from the nail bed. You may find yourself with bumpy, curly and oddly shaped nails that have partially or fully separated from the nail bed. This can create a ‘cave’ beneath the nail, where the fungus can continue growing and where traditional creams cannot reach.

At this stage, most patients we’ve treated tend to hide their nails in enclosed shoes and socks. They may have the thickness or the ridges of their nails reduced by a podiatrist (this can help with the appearance temporarily!), but this does not restore the appearance of their nails, it only makes the nails more comfortable until they grow further.

Fungal Nail Infection Treatment Options

So how are fungal nail infections treated safely and effectively? The thing with fungal nail infections is that, traditionally, they’ve been challenging to treat. When working with living fungal cells and applying the standard creams to the nails daily, it’s easy for things to go wrong – whether that’s forgetting to use the creams or lacquers, or them not penetrating the nail enough or getting under that ‘nail cave’ we described above.

This is why we highly recommend PACT treatment for toenail fungus – a safe and effective treatment that produces the best results for nail fungus that we’ve seen in our years of practice. PACT stands for Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy and uses a high-powered LED light paired with a unique gel sensitive to the LED light. Together, they produce antifungal effects that kill the nail fungus (and fungal spores that spread the infection). Better yet, they do so without causing any damage or harm to your toenail or the surrounding skin.

Research on the effects of PACT has found success rates of up to 100% for mild to moderate infections and 63.5% for severe infections. This is significantly better than the range of traditional treatments currently on the market (which can be as low as 7% in some cases).

We love that PACT:

Is effective against a wide range of fungal species, and has shown to be effective against fungal strains that are resistant to conventional antifungal drugs. This means you have a higher chance of success even if you’re battling a tricky fungus or traditional treatments haven’t worked in the past.
Is not invasive, only involving the application of a photosensitising agent followed by exposure to light. This keeps you maximally comfortable and safe.
Only targets the infected area instead of risking the tissues surrounding the nail.
Has a lower risk of side effects compared to oral antifungal medications, meaning it’s more suitable for a greater range of people. As it’s not medication you ingest, there’s also no risk of drug interactions from other medicines that you’re taking.
Leads to the rapid destruction of fungal cells, providing quicker relief from symptoms. This makes it suitable for even severe fungal infections.
Is effective against a wide range of fungal species, making it a versatile treatment option for various types of fungal infections.
Involves the physical destruction of fungal cells, which reduces the likelihood of resistance development compared to conventional antifungal drugs that often face resistance issues.
Can be used in combination with other antifungal treatments to enhance overall efficacy
Makes a genuine difference in improving the quality of life (and comfort) of our patients

Want to learn more about PACT? Visit our treatment page here.

How Does Nail Fungus Affect Ingrown Toenail Treatment?

In some cases, having your ingrown nail infiltrated by fungus may complicate ingrown nail treatment as toenail fungus weakens the nail structure, making it more susceptible to further damage and infection. A nail with changes to its appearance and texture, such as when it is thickened and ridgy, can make the ingrown toenail more painful and difficult to treat. With this said, as Auckland’s leading ingrown nail clinic, our podiatrists have you covered.

We are confident in treating ingrown toenails and fungal nail infections, together or separately, with great results. At your assessment, we’ll discuss all of your options and any complication risks so you stay fully informed. Most people have no issues enjoying a life free of ingrown toenails after their PNA procedure—as well as healthy and clear nails with PACT.

Book your appointment online with our team here, or call us on (09) 523 2333.

References

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/1201/p762.html

Shockwave Therapy For Injury Recovery & Pain Relief

Shockwave therapy is a gold standard treatment used to help achieve the best clinical outcomes for musculoskeletal injuries and pain – and we’re very proud to now offer it to our patients here at Perform Podiatry. Shockwave has strong clinical evidence and proven efficacy across a range of pains and problems, from knee osteoarthritis to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and much more. Here’s what you should know.

What Is Shockwave?

You may already know that there’s a great demand for shockwave therapy in Auckland at present due to the benefits it offers – but it’s actually not a “new” treatment. Shockwave has been used in medicine since back in the 1980’s, where it was used to break down kidney stones in the body. In the 1990’s, it started being used for musculoskeletal problems – in a similar way to how we use it today. Except, the shockwave machines have definitely become a lot more accessible, versatile and affordable.

Referred to as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the studies (with ‘extracorporeal’ simply meaning ‘situated outside of the body’), shockwave treatment works by directing specifically calibrated, high-energy acoustic (sound) waves at a site of musculoskeletal injury, by applying the shockwave handpiece (pictured) over the damaged area, such as the heel bone or the shins. These sound waves then stimulate the body’s natural healing process in the area by increasing the blood flow locally, and stimulating the production of growth factors and stem cells that support the growth of new blood vessels and tissues to help repair the damage. Shockwave also works to reduce the inflammation markers in the targeted area, which means less pain for our clients – many of whom can feel a reduction in their symptoms after their first appointment, almost like an analgesic effect.

Our particular form of shockwave therapy is radial pressure waves (as opposed to focused waves) meaning that the radial waves spread to treat larger areas, allowing us to move the handpiece over a wider injury site instead of having to focus in on very specific locations to get the desired effects.

What Are The Benefits Of Shockwave?

The benefits of shockwave include:

Its non-invasive approach, meaning that shockwave does not require surgery or any incisions to be made in the skin to achieve long-lasting results. It also does not require any medicines to be consumed or anaesthetic to be administered.
A fast recovery time following the treatment, with most patients experiencing little discomfort and no downtime required following the treatment session, meaning they can return to their daily activities immediately.
Its high success rate in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions
Long-term mechanism of action, meaning that instead of acting like a ‘band aid’ for temporary symptom relief for example, it promotes healing and recovery for long-term repair and symptom relief.
Many people experience improvements in function and mobility by reducing pain and inflammation.
Shockwave has few complications or adverse effects reported. Any side effects are fairly mild, such as redness at the treatment site, bruising, short-lived discomfort during the treatment, tingling or numbness in the area, or a temporary increase in symptoms immediately following the treatment.

What Injuries Or Problems Can Shockwave Help With?

Based on the growing body of high level evidence that supports shockwave, it is currently being used extensively worldwide in the management of:

Plantar fasciitis heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy (both insertional and mid-portion)
Knee osteoarthritis
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
Myofascial trigger points
Muscle stiffness (spasticity)

What Will Happen When I Come In For Shockwave?

Before shockwave can be booked for you, your podiatrist will need to have completed an assessment so that we understand what your diagnosis is, the cause of your pain or injury, and whether or not shockwave can actually help you in your circumstances – or if there’s another treatment pathway that will be more effective in helping you get the results you want. Once we have confirmed your suitability for shockwave (and made a plan for your overall management and recovery), your shockwave session may look like:

We’ll examine the target (injured) area, identify our key spots to focus the shockwave on, and then we’ll apply the ultrasound gel.

We select the appropriate settings on the RM Shock machine based on your injury, circumstances and clinical recommendations. We maintain full control over the device throughout the entire treatment.

Compressed air moves through the handpiece which moves a bean-like piece within the shockwave handle at a rapid rate. This causes the shockwaves to radiate out of the handpiece, through the gel and into the targeted area.

One round of shockwave lasts for approximately 60-120 seconds, and we may complete 2-3 rounds per treatment area, all depending on your unique circumstances.

After your shockwave session, we will complete any complementary therapies as per your management plan, such as dry needling or strapping.

We’ll let you know when to return for your next round of shockwave. The number of sessions required will vary from person to person, and we expect to see notable improvements in your symptoms each week.

Is Shockwave Painful?

Despite the name ‘shockwave’ making it sound like a painful course of treatment, shockwave sessions are generally well tolerated by our patients. Any discomfort or pain tends to arise from the shockwave handpiece being positioned directly over your existing injury, which is already tender. Once the acoustic waves are administered (over several ‘rounds’ at just a few minutes per round), the reparative and pain-relieving benefits begin – and being able to experience these benefits over the coming weeks is likely why our patients keep coming back, being able to see and feel their recovery process accelerated – and for many, seeing progress and results in longstanding injuries where nothing else that they have tried has really worked.

Learn more about shockwave and how it can help you here. To book an appointment, call us on (09) 523 2333 or book online here.

Charlotte Bosley

We’re thrilled to introduce Charlotte, our enthusiastic and dedicated receptionist who joins us every Wednesday. She brings a positive, enthusiastic, and kind demeanour to our patients and our clinic. With a genuine passion for assisting others, she is always eager to lend a hand wherever needed. Charlotte is currently pursuing a degree in Design/Commerce at the University of Auckland. Beyond her studies, Charlotte values quality time with her flatmates and friends, enjoying movie nights, baking, gym sessions, and leisurely walks. Charlotte’s vibrant spirit and commitment to exceptional customer service make her a valuable asset to our team.

Chiemu Iioka BHSc (Pod)

Chiemu brings over three years of clinical experience in podiatry gained at Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT) inter-professional health clinic. He has a strong passion for musculoskeletal podiatry and enjoys assisting individuals with sports-related or other injuries. Chiemu is dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient. His warm and engaging personality ensures that each individual feels at ease and valued in his care, fostering a supportive environment. Outside of his professional pursuits, Chiemu is a dedicated karate and kickboxing competitor. He has competed in prestigious international competitions across locations such as Chile, Turkey, and New Caledonia. This athletic background inspires him to work closely with patients striving toward specific goals, ensuring they are optimally prepared to achieve their objectives.

The Best Medical Pedicure In Auckland?

When it comes to foot care, not all pedicures are created equal. While some just want a bit of colour on their toes, for those looking for more than just aesthetic improvement, medical pedicures performed by a podiatrist (who specialises in them) is an experience that leaves you feeling safe and secure about your foot health. Yes, this type of pedicure is well known not only for its ability to improve the appearance of the nails (even without using polish), but also to address a range of other foot-related health issues (pertaining to the nails and skin on the feet). Where others just put a cosmetic bandaid over the problem, we go a lot further to see what we can do to help prevent your concerns from returning, as well as addressing them on the day. Whether you are managing diabetes, suffering from nail disorders, or simply looking to maintain optimal foot health, understanding the importance and benefits of a professional medical pedicure is essential.

What is a Medical Pedicure?

A medical pedicure is a specialised foot care service performed by qualified podiatrists. Unlike a regular pedicure that focuses solely on cosmetic improvements, a medical pedicure targets the long-term health of your feet. During your service, your feet are first thoroughly examined to detect any underlying issues such as fungal infections, ingrown toenails, or excessively dry and cracked skin.

Your podiatrist will then get started using tools that are not only effective and of very high medical quality, but are sterilised and used in an environment that prioritises safety and hygiene. This aspect is particularly important for those with health conditions like diabetes, where maintaining impeccable foot hygiene is a key part of preventing serious complications.

One of the most important parts of medical pedicures is also the education component, in that our team provides comprehensive advice about how you can best support your foot health going forwards. We have just one pair of feet to last us a lifetime, so it’s always important to take the very best care of them.

Nail Restoration Addition To Medical Pedicures

As of 2024, we’re also proud to offer an ‘add on’ option to our medical pedicures with Keryflex nail restoration. Keryflex transforms toenails in one appointment from looking discoloured and damaged (or however your nails are looking now in their current state) to being clear and healthy-looking. It does this by creating an artificial nail over the existing nail that looks, feels and acts like a real nail. What we love is that it doesn’t cause any damage to the nail beneath, and it lets the original nail grow out while looking great.

Keryflex nails are light, flexible and natural – so they move naturally with the toes instead of rigid, damaging alternatives that you may find at a salon. The nail is non-porous and doesn’t allow moisture to penetrate between the natural nail and the Keryflex nail. This means it won’t irritate or cause further damage, and it won’t exacerbate any existing fungal nail infections or other conditions that you may have. In fact, Keryflex contains an antifungal (Piroctone Olamine) to help interfere with the growth of existing fungal infections. Read more about Keryflex here.

Best Medical Pedicure Clinic In Auckland

Here at Perform Podiatry, we take great care in offering high-quality medical pedicures that consider your range of foot health needs and priorities. With us:

Your medical pedicure is always completed by only qualified, registered and experienced podiatrists
You can feel safe knowing we uphold the highest standards of hygiene.
You know we go above and beyond from our 250+ reviews on Google that give us a 5-star average
If during your appointment we uncover other foot ailments or problems (like plantar warts), you know you’re in the best hands and place to have this treated too
We’re conveniently located inside the One Health building on Remuera Road

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you first enter the clinic, we’ll start with a consultation so your podiatrist is fully informed as to why you’ve come to see us, your medical history, all about any foot concerns you have or any changes you’ve noticed, and the like. This assessment helps identify any specific issues that need special attention – including any ones that you may not have picked up on.

We’ll then start by trimming your toenails using our German-made and individually steam-sterilised nail clippers, reducing any hard areas of dry, dead callused skin, removing any corns from the feet and toes, treating and reducing any cracks in the heels, and managing similar problems using a surgical-grade scalpel.

We make sure to remove any skin, dirt and anything else trapped beneath or down the sides of the nail with a sterilised file. When this build-up is allowed to remain, you can experience discomfort, pressure, and you may be more vulnerable to infection. Part of your treatment uses a precision burr to reduce the thickness of the nails where needed, while smoothing the ridges of the nails and removing overgrown cuticles and jagged nail ends. All our burrs are steam-sterilised and we have a large variety of different sizes, shapes and materials for each purpose – whether it be reducing a very thick, crumbly nail or polishing a delicate, thin nail.

Your dry, flaky and uneven skin will be smoothed and reduced and a disposable nail file is used to smooth out any final edges that may catch on your socks or stockings. The nails are then cleaned with a clear antiseptic spray, followed by tea tree oil – a natural antifungal and anti-bacterial. Finally, we apply the appropriate moisturiser to your feet to make you feel great on your feet.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Giving you the right information to support your foot health for the long-term is a key part of what we do here at Perform Podiatry. We’ll advise you on the best things you can be doing for your specific circumstances, which may include:

Regularly applying a foot-specific moisturiser to help keep your skin soft and prevent cracks or dryness.
Keeping your toenails trimmed straight across to avoid issues like ingrown toenails. Also, avoiding cutting too close to the skin.
Choosing shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Avoiding tight shoes that could cause pressure points or contribute to foot deformities.
Regularly inspecting your feet for any changes or signs of problems, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions that affect foot health.
Scheduling follow-up visits as recommended by your podiatrist to keep your feet in optimal condition and prevent future issues.

FAQs

Is a medical pedicure covered by health insurance?

Your coverage will vary depending on your health insurance policy and the nature of the treatment. We highly recommend checking in with your insurance provider for specific details regarding your coverage prior to booking your appointment as we don’t have access to any information about your specific policy.

How often should I get a medical pedicure?

The frequency depends on your specific foot health needs. Generally, a medical pedicure every 6 to 8 weeks is sufficient for maintaining healthy feet, but your podiatrist may recommend a different schedule based on your conditions. Some people stretch their appointments out to 16 weeks, and others come in every 4 weeks if their toenails or corns grow quickly and they have a difficult time managing them otherwise.

Can anyone have a medical pedicure?

Yes, medical pedicures are suitable for most people, especially those with specific foot health concerns or conditions like diabetes. They are also greatly beneficial for elderly individuals who might struggle with foot care at home.

What should I bring to my medical pedicure appointment?

You don’t need to bring anything specific to your appointment, though we do ask that you remove your nail polish before coming in.

What Makes Hip Dysplasia Worse In Babies?

Hip dysplasia in babies can be a concerning condition for parents. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly, leading to hip instability and potential dislocation. In infants, this condition can either be present at birth or develop during the first few months of life. Signs of hip dysplasia may include clicking or popping sounds in the hip joint, limited range of motion in the legs, and asymmetrical thigh folds. In many cases, it’s not the parent that first notices anything unusual related to the hips, but a health provider (like a doctor or midwife) that points out the need for further investigation in the form of an x-ray.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

While the exact cause of hip dysplasia is not always clear, certain factors can increase the risk. These include breech positioning in the womb, a family history of hip dysplasia, and being a firstborn child. Additionally, tight swaddling or prolonged positioning of the legs in a straight position can contribute to hip dysplasia.

What Should You Avoid With Hip Dysplasia?

To prevent exacerbating hip dysplasia in your baby, it’s crucial to avoid certain practices. Firstly, refrain from swaddling your baby tightly with the legs straight. Instead, opt for swaddling techniques that allow for natural hip movement. Avoid using baby carriers or devices that force the legs into a straight position for extended periods. Ensure that your baby spends ample time in positions that promote healthy hip development, such as lying on their back with their knees bent and hips spread apart.

How Can I Improve My Baby’s Hip Dysplasia?

If your baby has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, there are steps you can take to help improve the condition. Your doctor may recommend using a special harness or brace to keep the hips in the correct position. These devices help to gently guide the hip joint into place as your baby grows. Additionally, engaging in activities that promote hip flexibility and strength, such as supervised tummy time and gentle stretching exercises, can aid in improving hip dysplasia.

When Is It Too Late to Fix Hip Dysplasia?

Early detection and intervention are critical for effectively managing hip dysplasia in babies. In most cases, treatment initiated during infancy can lead to successful outcomes. However, the window for non-surgical interventions narrows as a child grows older. Generally, if hip dysplasia is not addressed promptly during infancy, it can lead to long-term complications and may require more invasive treatment options later in life.

During infancy, the hip joint is still developing and can be more easily guided into the correct position with non-invasive methods such as harnesses or braces. These interventions work by gently coaxing the hip joint into place as the baby grows, taking advantage of the body’s natural growth and development processes.

As a child gets older, the hip joint becomes more established, and the bones start to harden. This makes it increasingly challenging to correct hip dysplasia without surgical intervention. While surgery may still be an option for older children and adolescents with hip dysplasia, it often involves more complex procedures and longer recovery times.

Can Infant Hip Dysplasia Cause Problems Later In Life?

While early detection and treatment of hip dysplasia in infants can often lead to a full recovery, untreated hip dysplasia can result in significant problems later in life. Adults who had untreated hip dysplasia as infants may experience chronic hip pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Therefore, it’s essential to address hip dysplasia early to prevent long-term complications, maximise the chances of a successful outcome and minimise the need for surgical intervention in the future.

What Is It Like To Have A Baby In A Hip Harness Or Brace

Having a baby in a hip harness or brace can be initially overwhelming for parents, but remember that these devices are designed to promote healthy hip development and prevent complications associated with hip dysplasia. The harness or brace may feel restrictive at first, and your baby may need some time to adjust to wearing it. However, most babies adapt quickly and continue with their daily activities without much difficulty. Parents may need to make some adjustments to clothing and diapering to accommodate the harness or brace, but with time, it becomes a routine part of caring for their baby. While it may be challenging emotionally to see your baby in a harness or brace, knowing that it’s helping to correct a potentially serious medical condition can provide reassurance and peace of mind.

FAQs

Can hip dysplasia be prevented?

While hip dysplasia cannot always be prevented, certain measures such as avoiding tight swaddling and ensuring proper positioning during infancy can help reduce the risk.

Is hip dysplasia painful for babies?

In most cases, hip dysplasia does not cause pain in infants. However, as the condition progresses, it can lead to discomfort and difficulty with mobility.

Will my baby need surgery for hip dysplasia?

Surgery is not always necessary for treating hip dysplasia in infants. Many cases can be managed with non-surgical interventions such as bracing or harnessing.

How often should my baby be screened for hip dysplasia?

Screening for hip dysplasia is typically performed during routine well-baby exams. Your paediatrician, midwife or doctor will assess your baby’s hip development and may recommend further evaluation if any concerns arise.

Can hip dysplasia affect my baby’s ability to walk?

In severe cases of hip dysplasia, mobility may be affected. However, with early detection and appropriate treatment, most babies can achieve normal walking milestones.

Who Is The Right Specialist To See For Foot Pain?

Foot pain can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts our daily lives – hindering our mobility, causing discomfort, and reminding us that our foot is injured with every step, literally. Most people will know that booking in with the right health professional fairly promptly can make all the difference in getting started on getting relief from your symptoms, as well as addressing the underlying issues that keep foot pain returning. So who should you be booking in with: a podiatrist, an orthopaedic surgeon, or a physiotherapist?

Podiatrists

Podiatrists are dedicated foot and ankle specialists that have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide array of foot conditions. They treat foot and leg pain exclusively, with all podiatry-related training and education focusing specifically on the complexities of the lower extremities. From biomechanics to foot pathology, podiatrists are generally regarded as the go-to health professionals for foot injuries, conditions and maintaining foot health.

Podiatrists are qualified to diagnose a wide range of issues such as bunions, plantar fasciitis heel pain, ingrown toenails, and everything in between. Whether it’s assessing gait abnormalities, prescribing custom foot orthotics, or performing minor surgical procedures for warts or ingrown nails, podiatrists offer a comprehensive range of treatments that are always tailored to your specific needs so you can get the best results for your foot health.

What sets podiatrists apart is their proactive approach to foot care. Beyond just treating existing conditions and giving you much-needed symptoms relief, they emphasise preventive measures to maintain optimal foot health for your lifetime. Through making simple and effective changes – like via muscle strengthening, footwear recommendations, lifestyle modifications and altering your gait using orthotics (where needed), they empower patients to take charge of their foot wellness and help prevent future problems from arising.

Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic surgeons are the go-to specialists for more complex and intricate foot issues that may require surgery, whether major or minor. Orthopaedic surgeons are doctors that then specialise in lower limb surgery. They are very highly skilled and trained, with a very thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal system and what’s going on ‘beneath the surface’.

Orthopaedic surgeons excel in surgical management of foot and leg pains, problems and conditions.

When conservative (non-operative) measures fall short, are unavailable, or don’t produce the desired results, orthopaedic surgeons step in with precision and expertise to correct deformities, remove masses, repair fractures, and work with a range of conditions to alleviate pain and dysfunction. From ankle arthroscopy to joint replacements, they offer a range of surgical options tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

If you have not yet seen anyone for your foot pain, an orthopaedic surgeon generally will not be your first port of call. This is because they do not perform ‘simpler’ treatments like removing a corn or prescribing some custom orthotics for heel pain. Surgery also takes a significant toll on the body and naturally carries risks, so is typically not considered a ‘first line’ treatment option, unless you have a very specific problem where no other options are available. Those that have surgery are generally in circumstances where the benefits will outweigh any risks in their unique circumstances.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the holistic management of foot pain, focusing on rehabilitation and restoring function. While they may not specialise exclusively in foot care, their expertise in musculoskeletal health makes them valuable allies in the journey towards pain relief and recovery.

When you consult a physiotherapist for foot pain, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your overall musculoskeletal function. They employ a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, exercise prescription, and gait analysis, to address underlying imbalances and weaknesses contributing to your symptoms.

While physiotherapists may not have the same level of eagle-eye knowledge in foot anatomy and pathology as podiatrists, they bring a unique perspective to the table given their knowledge on human movement and function. By addressing broader musculoskeletal issues and promoting overall mobility and function, they complement podiatric care and contribute to long-term foot health. We work very closely with physiotherapists and respect their work greatly. If we believe you could benefit from physiotherapy alongside your podiatry treatment, we will always refer you to one of our trusted physiotherapy partners.

Who Should I See For Foot Pain?

When experiencing foot pain, the generally recommended first point of call will be your podiatrist. Situations where this would differ was if you had a foot infection and needed antibiotics, in which case we’d recommend seeing your general practitioner. We haven’t included GP’s on this list because we find that most GP’s will simply refer to or recommend a podiatrist anyway, given that they do not provide any general musculoskeletal care or services.

Takeaways:

Podiatrists should be the first point of contact for most foot-related concerns due to their specialised training and focus on foot health. They can accurately diagnose conditions, provide tailored foot and leg specific treatments, and offer preventive strategies to maintain foot health.
Orthopaedic surgeons are valuable for complex cases requiring surgical intervention or when conservative treatments have been ineffective. Patients with severe deformities, fractures, or advanced arthritis may benefit from their expertise. Your podiatrist or GP typically tends to give you a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon.
Physiotherapists complement podiatric care by focusing on overall musculoskeletal function and rehabilitation. They play a vital role in enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and preventing recurrence of foot issues, especially in conjunction with podiatry interventions.

Narelle Swain-Smith BHSc (Pod)

After graduating in 2020 from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), I’ve gained extensive knowledge of disorders and injuries affecting the toes, foot, ankle, and lower extremities through my studies and experiences in podiatry. My experience encompasses a wide range of podiatric aspects, including wound care, diabetes management, musculoskeletal injuries, and various skin and nail conditions.

My clinical knowledge provides invaluable hands-on experience, allowing me to further enhance my skills and understanding of podiatric care. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from diverse patient cases, contributing to my comprehensive expertise in the field.

Being of Maori descent, I reign from the tribes Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, and Nga Puhi. I am deeply committed to the prosperity of my community. Having grown up in both Northland (Pawarenga) and West Auckland (Waitakere), I’ve had the privilege of interacting with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. This upbringing has instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and understanding for others.

I consider myself confident, kind, and approachable, I prioritize effective communication and patient-centered care in my practice. Organizing and prioritizing my busy schedule has become second nature, reflecting my dedication and efficiency in providing quality care to my patients.

Furthermore, my willingness to learn, resilience, and excellent problem-solving skills equip me to tackle challenges in the field of podiatry effectively. I am passionate about continuing my professional development and making a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals within my community and beyond.

Meha Singh BHSc(Pod.)

Meha is a motivated, passionate and caring podiatrist, always seeking to grow her knowledge and refine her skills when it comes to taking the best care of her patients. After seeing the impact that podiatry made on the lives of her close family members through both sports medicine and general foot care, her interest in podiatry was sparked and she has never looked back. Meha loves seeing what getting to know her patients and creating a completely tailored and unique evidence-based treatment plan can do for her patients in terms of their movement, pain, function – and importantly – their happiness and well-being. Her greatest reward is seeing patients walk out pain-free and ready to live their best lives. Meha comes from a small family, immigrating to New Zealand from Fiji at a very young age. Her friendly, bubbly and understanding personality means that she finds it very easy to relate to patients and build meaningful connections. Meha loves cooking for her family and friends and staying fit.