Happy Feet Podiatry Newcastle

08/11/2025

08/11/2025

We’re always learning.

Our team had the incredible opportunity to learn directly from Dr James O’Sullivan, one of Newcastle’s most respected foot and ankle surgeons. With decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge, he shared some fascinating insights and complex cases with us.

We feel so lucky to have such a close working relationship with Dr O’Sullivan, and we’re constantly building on our expertise so that every patient who walks through our doors benefits from world-class care.

At Happy Feet Podiatry, we don’t just keep up we keep growing!

03/11/2025

Permanent, Part-time (Thursdays) with potential for a second day in future
Award: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027).
minimum Level 3 (as per Award)

We’re proud to deliver outstanding foot and lower-limb care in a fast-paced, dynamic clinic environment. Our team is upbeat, positive and always ready to support one another. Work here doesn’t feel like work because we genuinely enjoy the people we go to work with. We’re known for our high-quality treatment, strong reputation and seamless team-based culture. We’re looking for a like-minded team player who thrives in a busy environment and takes pride in representing our brand.

You will be joining us as our dedicated podiatry receptionist on Thursdays (with scope to increase to a second day later). In this role you’ll work autonomously during your shift. You must be confident in managing all reception tasks independently yet remain part of our collaborative, supportive team network.

Your key responsibilities include:
Answering phones, greeting and processing patients, managing appointment bookings and cancellations.
Taking payments, processing health fund and private claims, working with Medicare Australia claims, EPCs (Enhanced Primary Care), TCA (Team Care Arrangements) and allied‐health billing protocols.

Instrument sterilisation, cleaning and preparation of treatment rooms, maintaining strict hygiene standards.

Ensuring reception area and clinic flow remain efficient, accurate, and high-quality—reflecting our clinic’s standard of care.

Previous experience in allied health reception (highly preferred)

We want someone who has a smile and friendly approachable demeanour. Our patients are loyal, valued and long standing and we want someone who is respectful of the relationships we develop with them.

Email admin@happyfeetpodiatry.net
Attn: Recruitment for a full Job description to be emailed to see if we are the right fit for each other 😊

Thank you for considering joining our team. We are excited to meet someone who will help us maintain our high standards, share our positive energy and support our mission to provide outstanding patient care.

30/10/2025

Bunions: What You Need to Know 👣

Bunions (Hallux Abducto Valgus) are more than just a bump on your big toe. They can cause pain, affect your gait, and lead to other foot problems. Let’s clear up some myths.

Facts About Bunions:

💠 Genetics & Foot Structure Matter
- Bunions are influenced by inherited foot shape and biomechanics, not just shoes. Family history and certain foot types increase the risk.

💠 Footwear Can Worsen, Not Cause Bunions
- Narrow or unsupportive shoes can aggravate pain but aren’t the main cause. Choose wide-fitting, stable footwear to reduce pressure and improve comfort.

💠 Conservative Podiatry Care Works
- Custom Orthoses: Support the structures of the feet, offload pressure, encourage joint mobility, and delay progression.
- Footwear Guidance: Ensure shoes fit well, offer stability, and accommodate the bunion.
- Exercises: Stretching and strengthening for the big toe and calf.

💠 Early Management Is Key
- Bunions progress slowly. Early care can reduce pain, improve function, and slow worsening symptoms.

Takeaway:

Bunions are not just cosmetic. Your feet deserve expert care. A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics, recommend targeted interventions, and help keep you moving comfortably.

Book a podiatry assessment to protect your feet and prevent discomfort from progressing.

30/10/2025

We celebrated Mel this week! It was her Birthday 🎈
Happy Birthday Mel from all of us the cake is as bright as you!
Wishing you nothing but the best 🎂🎂🎂

29/10/2025

Around 70% of people wear shoes that don’t fit properly. Tight shoes can lead to corns, calluses, and nerve irritation. Always ensure your shoes fit well to maintain foot health!

👟Tips for Finding the Right Fit

Measure both feet — One foot is often slightly larger! Always fit to the bigger foot.

Shop later in the day — Feet naturally swell as the day goes on.

Leave a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Check width as well as length — Your foot shouldn’t spill over the sides or feel squeezed.

Heel fit matters — The back of the shoe should hold the heel snugly without slipping.

Test them while standing and walking — Your foot spreads under weight.

Bring your orthotics (if you use them) — Shoes should comfortably accommodate them.

Avoid “breaking them in” — Good shoes should feel comfortable straight away.

Choose the right shoe for your activity — Running, walking, or work shoes each have different support needs.

27/10/2025

Understanding Thick, Discoloured, or Brittle Toenails

Why It Happens

Thick, brittle, or discoloured toenails can result from various factors. Identifying the cause is essential for maintaining nail health.

Common Causes

- Fungal Infection (Onychomycosis):
- Symptoms: Yellow, white, or brown nails; thick and crumbly texture.
- Common in older adults or those in enclosed footwear for prolonged periods (work boots)

- Trauma or Repeated Pressure:
- Causes: Injury or tight footwear.
- Effects: Thickened, cracked, or ridged nails.

- Psoriasis or Skin Conditions:
- Symptoms: Nail pitting, ridging, and discoloration.

- Ageing:
- Natural thickening and brittleness occurs over time.

- Underlying Health Issues:
- Conditions: Diabetes, poor circulation, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies.

Prevention Tips

- Trim Nails Properly:
- Cut straight across to avoid splitting or ingrown nails.

- Choose Proper Footwear:
- Ensure shoes fit well and allow feet to breathe.

-Maintain Foot Hygiene:
- Keep feet clean and dry; avoid walking barefoot in communal areas.

Treatment Options

- Fungal Infection:
- Assessment by a podiatrist is essential. Treatments may include fungal nail laser therapy, nail care, topical medications, or oral medications depending on severity and suitability..

- Trauma or Pressure:
- Seek nail care and consider protective footwear or orthotics.

- Underlying Conditions:
- Work with your doctor to address systemic health issues.

- Cosmetic Relief:
- A podiatrist can thin nails for comfort and improved appearance.

12/10/2025

Welcome Sarah Dederer to Team Happy Feet! 👣

We’re so excited to welcome Sarah Dederer to Happy Feet Podiatry at The Junction, Newcastle.

Sarah is a qualified Podiatrist and Nurse, bringing a unique combination of medical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients. She has a strong interest in minor surgical procedures, musculoskeletal injuries, and general foot health, with a focus on helping people stay active and pain-free.

Her calm, professional approach and genuine care for her patients make her a perfect fit for the Happy Feet team.

When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll find Sarah outdoors, staying active, and spending time with her family and her Golden Retriever. 🐾

We’re thrilled to have her on board — be sure to say hi when you see her around the clinic!

19/09/2025

Happiest of birthdays to our Carolyn 🥳 If you are in the clinic today wish her a happy birthday she deserves it 🎂 Wishing you nothing but the best and an extended birthday celebration for you this weekend. We appreciate you and hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend filled with love laughs and lots of cake 🍰 From the Happy feet gang ❤️

12/07/2025

Just like everything we do at Happy Feet we also give 💯 at our social outings 🥂😂

Carolyn was the clear winner at barefoot bowls. If you need any tips on how to play ask her 👌

Dani’s stamina outlasted all of us and we had trouble keeping up with her as always 🙌

Fun times and the service there was impressive. Thanks for looking after us 🥳

02/06/2025

If your child has been complaining about heel pain, it’s essential to consider Severs apophysitis, a common condition affecting young athletes.

Severs apophysitis is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, known specifically as the calcaneal apophysis. This condition is prevalent among children between the ages of 8 to 14, particularly those who are active in sports and physical activities. The growth plate is a soft area of cartilage where new bone is developing, making it more susceptible to inflammation and injury compared to other parts of the bone.

The primary cause of Severs apophysitis is repetitive stress on the heel bone from physical activities, often in sports that involve running and jumping. Some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition include:

High Activity Levels
Rapid Growth Spurts
Improper Footwear
Biomechanical Issues

Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage the symptoms and prevent further complications. Here are some recommended strategies:

Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that cause pain will allow the heel to heal.

Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Footwear: Ensure your child is wearing supportive shoes.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: These can help in relieving tension and preventing future issues.

Professional Care: Consulting a podiatrist can provide tailored treatment options, including orthotic devices and footwear recommendations to support the foot.

Understanding Severs apophysitis is crucial for helping your child remain active and healthy. By recognising the symptoms early and taking appropriate action, you can ensure a swift recovery and prevent long-term issues. Remember, protecting those young feet today ensures a lifetime of activity and joy tomorrow!

For more information and tips on managing Severs apophysitis, feel free to reach out to us at Happy Feet Podiatry we specialise in children’s foot health and heel pain.

SeversApophysitis

29/05/2025

Ever thought about those health benefits gathering dust? Time to dust them off!

It’s end of financial year and those benefits don't last forever.

Book that foot care session you’ve been putting off. Don't let those benefits slip away. Schedule that appointment today!