Happy Feet Podiatry Newcastle

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.

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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!

22/05/2025

Why Does Morning Mean More Pain for Plantar Fasciitis?

As a podiatrist, I often hear from patients puzzled by the increased heel pain they experience first thing in the morning. This discomfort is a hallmark of plantar fasciitis. But what triggers this painful start to your day?

The Science Behind Morning Pain

When you sleep, your body enters a state of rest and repair. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, also takes a break, often contracting and becoming tight overnight. When you wake and those first steps stretch this already-tight tissue, it can lead to the sharp pain commonly associated with plantar fasciitis.

Managing Morning Discomfort

Pre-Bedtime Routine: Incorporating a few foot stretches before you sleep can help keep the fascia flexible.

Morning Warm-Up: Spend a few moments stretching your feet before getting out of bed. This can gently wake the plantar fascia, reducing the severity of that initial stretch.

Supportive Shoes: Keep supportive shoes by your bed and slip them on as soon as you wake. This can help cushion your steps from the start.

Early Podiatry Intervention: Podiatry care plays a crucial role in managing symptoms over time before they get debilitating. The earlier we can treat the symptoms the quicker the recovery.

Understanding and addressing the reasons behind your morning heel pain is the first crucial step toward healing. Sometimes, it’s as simple as having your footwear assessed. If that’s identified as the cause, we can provide a prescription for the best footwear suited to your foot type.

At Happy Feet, we prioritise prevention. Even if you’re not currently experiencing these symptoms, we are proactive in ensuring you don’t develop heel pain by offering a comprehensive biomechanical assessment.

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FootFitness

08/04/2025

25/03/2025

Lets add to your trivia knowledge with another Fun Fact ....

11/03/2025

Fun Fact ....

26/02/2025

Babies have flat feet when they are born and as your child grows their foot continues to grow and develop! If you have any concerns about your children's feet at any stage - give us a call at Happy Feet Podiatry👣

19/02/2025

👣 Walking Through Arthritis: Understanding Its Forms and Effects on Your Feet 👣

Arthritis isn't just about achy joints - it can target your feet, impacting mobility and comfort. Let's take a closer look at the different forms:

1️⃣ Osteoarthritis (OA): Wear and tear on joints, causing pain and stiffness. Think bunions and hammertoes.

2️⃣ Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune attack on joints, often leading to swelling and deformities, even in your feet!

3️⃣ Gout: Crystals in joints, especially the big toe, causing sudden, intense pain and redness.

4️⃣ Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Accompanying psoriasis, this can cause swollen, sausage-like toes and tendon inflammation.

5️⃣ Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Primarily affects the spine but can lead to heel pain and tendonitis in your feet.

Early detection and management are key! If you're experiencing persistent foot pain or swelling, don't hesitate to see a podiatrist. Your feet will thank you! 👣💪

12/02/2025

Your feet have thicker skin on the soles for protection - how interesting! Our feet need to be tougher to help get us around!

05/02/2025

Foot Anatomy - the foot is a complex thing!!!🦶

👣 Let's explore your feet from a podiatrist's perspective! Here's what you need to know:

Foot Structure

- **Forefoot**: Toes (phalanges) and long bones (metatarsals).
- **Midfoot**: Arch bones (navicular, cuboid, cuneiforms).
- **Hindfoot**: Heel (calcaneus) and ankle connector (talus).

Muscles, Tendons, and Arches

- **Muscles**: Intrinsic (toes) and extrinsic (foot movements).
- **Tendons**: Achilles (calf to heel) and plantar fascia (arch support).
- **Arches**: Medial, lateral, and transverse for support and flexibility.

Common Issues

- 🚫 Plantar Fasciitis
- 🦶 Bunions
- 🔄 Flat or High Arches
- 🌟 Achilles Tendonitis

Understanding your foot anatomy is key to keeping them healthy and pain-free! Consult a podiatrist for personalised care. 🌟

29/01/2025

Our feet do so much for us, they are our main mode of transport! Make sure you look after them! If you are having any foot issues give us a call here at Happy Feet Podiatry👣