Anandi van Heerden Podiatrist

29/08/2025

Ready for our Podiatry Association of South Africa congress in Gauteng

Only 2 weeks until we gather for !

This is where the podiatry community meets to share ideas, discover innovations, and celebrate our profession.

📅 12–14 September 2025 | 📍 Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg
🎪 Night Market: 13 Sept
🎟 Book now: pasacongress.co.za

07/08/2025

We are excited to announce that our practice will now be open on Saturdays! This added availability is perfect for parents who are unable to bring their children to therapy during the week due to work commitments, as well as for children with busy weekday schedules filled with school and extracurricular activities.

Book now!
079 522 1003
carina@ctspeech.co.za

24/07/2025

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗱𝘂𝗲?

The Keystone Radiology Breast Cancer Screening Unit is at Nautica Mall Langebaan from 𝟮𝟭 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 - 𝟴 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱!

💗 World-class service
💗 Mammography & Breast Ultrasound
💗 All-female professional staff

Convenient. Confidential. Compassionate.
Early detection saves lives — don’t delay.

📍 Where: Nautica Mall, Langebaan
📅 When: 𝟮𝟭 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 - 𝟴 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱!
📱 Book via WhatsApp: ‪+27 76 199 9849‬
🔗 www.ks-med.co.za

Medical Aid & Private Fees Apply

24/07/2025

Need to see a doctor over the weekend? Dr Leon D. Louw will be available for consultations on selected Saturdays in St. Helena Bay.

📍De Agterbaaier Pharmacy, 36 Stompneus Street.
🗓️ Selected Saturdays (dates for August below).
🕘 09:00 - 11:00

*No bookings will be taken, only walk-in consultations.
*Only acute consultations, no chronic consultations.
*Cash or card payments, patients will have to self-claim from medical aid.

18/07/2025

Hallux valgus, commonly referred to as a bunion, is a progressive deformity that affects the alignment of the big toe. In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery becomes necessary. Recent innovations include minimally invasive techniques that reduce soft tissue trauma and improve recovery times.

Procedures such as the minimally invasive Chevron or scarf osteotomy have gained popularity in the UK and Australia. These approaches offer reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to function when compared to traditional open procedures.

In South Africa, such procedures may not yet be widely available due to training limitations or equipment costs. However, podiatrists can play a crucial role in pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care, ensuring that patients are referred appropriately and rehabilitated correctly.

Keeping abreast of international surgical advancements allows South African podiatrists to advocate for improved services and guide patients in understanding their options, even when surgical care is referred externally.

While surgical scope remains outside podiatry in South Africa, podiatrists are central to managing bunion cases pre- and post-operatively. Awareness of modern surgical techniques supports better patient education and outcomes.



Source: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hallux Valgus: A Review – Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. https://f.mtr.cool/zmsoygdiwf

12/07/2025

Pediatric flatfoot is a common condition where the medial longitudinal arch is reduced or absent. Flexible flatfoot is often asymptomatic and resolves with age, but in some cases, it can cause pain or affect mobility, necessitating podiatric intervention.

Assessment tools such as the Foot Posture Index (FPI) and gait observation are used internationally to determine the need for treatment. A 2018 study recommended the use of objective measurement tools to ensure consistent and accurate diagnoses in paediatric populations.

In the South African context, access to such tools may be limited, but clinical assessment remains invaluable. Education for parents is also essential, especially in rural or under-resourced areas, to distinguish between normal developmental variation and symptoms requiring treatment.

Interventions may include foot strengthening exercises, orthotic devices, or footwear modifications. These can often be implemented at a low cost, making them suitable for public sector clinics or school-based screening initiatives.

Early and accurate assessment of pediatric flatfoot can prevent complications and unnecessary interventions. South African podiatrists can lead in developing community-focused screening and education efforts.



Source: Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot: Clinical Aspects and Algorithmic Approach – PMC. https://f.mtr.cool/pfsnhqxhjo

20/06/2025

Teen feet are under pressure, literally. Rapid growth, school sports, and hormonal changes can all lead to aches and injuries if ignored.

The teenage years are full of change and feet are no exception. As teens grow, their bones lengthen quickly, sometimes faster than tendons and muscles can keep up. This can cause stiffness, heel pain, and even conditions like Sever’s disease.

Add sports into the mix, and the pressure multiplies. Whether it’s soccer, netball, or running, repeated impact on growing feet can cause strain if not properly supported. Worn-out shoes, overtraining, and ignoring pain are common culprits.

Shoes matter more than most realise. Teens need footwear that supports the arch, cushions the heel, and fits properly, especially during growth spurts. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to long-term issues like flat feet, bunions, or tendon problems.

Watch for signs like limping, refusing to participate in sport, or complaining of pain in the morning. These aren’t just growing pains, they might be signs that something deeper needs attention.

If there’s swelling, persistent pain, or a change in the shape of the foot, a podiatrist can assess for underlying problems. Early intervention makes a big difference and can prevent future complications.

Teen feet are a work in progress. Support them through growth, protect them in sport, and don’t ignore the signs when something feels off. Because healthy adult feet start with care in the teenage years.

11/06/2025

First time seeing a podiatrist? Knowing what to expect can calm nerves and help you get the most out of your visit.

There’s no need to feel anxious. A visit to the podiatrist is more straightforward (and more helpful) than most people imagine. Whether you’re struggling with pain, injury, or simply need a check-up, the process is built around your comfort and mobility.

Start by jotting down any foot-related issues you’ve noticed: pain, swelling, numbness, or changes in skin and nail appearance. Bring a list of medications and medical history, especially if you have diabetes, arthritis, or circulatory issues.

Wear shoes you use often, including trainers or work shoes, and bring any orthotics if you use them. These provide valuable clues about your walking pattern and foot mechanics.

During the visit, your podiatrist will examine your feet, ask questions, possibly perform gait analysis, and may check your footwear. If needed, they might suggest further scans or refer you to a specialist, but in most cases, treatment or advice can begin straight away.

Don’t worry about grooming. Your podiatrist isn’t there to judge unpainted nails or calluses. In fact, leave the feet natural, it helps us see what’s really going on.

Think of it as a tune-up for your feet. With the right prep, your first podiatrist visit can set you on the path to pain relief, better mobility, and long-term foot health.

09/06/2025

Great shoewear for those small footsies.

27/05/2025

Those tiny toes hold big responsibility—they're developing the foundation for a lifetime of mobility. Infant feet aren't just smaller versions of adult feet; they're primarily cartilage that gradually ossifies into bone as children grow.

Forcing babies into shoes too early can interfere with natural development. Barefoot time is crucial for strengthening muscles and developing sensory awareness. When shoes become necessary for protection, choose flexible options with room for growth and proper toe movement.

Flat feet are completely normal in babies and toddlers! Their arches are hidden by fat pads and typically become visible between ages 2-5 as they develop more muscle tone. Excessive concern about flat feet in young children is usually unnecessary.

Regular gentle stretching during diaper changes promotes flexibility, while allowing plenty of crawling and floor play helps develop foot strength naturally. Be attentive to developmental milestones like crawling and walking, but remember that the normal range for these achievements is quite broad.

Watch for unusual wear patterns when walking begins, persistent in-toeing or out-toeing, or asymmetrical development—these may warrant professional assessment. Otherwise, trust that those perfect little feet usually develop best with minimal intervention, plenty of freedom, and lots of tickles!

27/05/2025

21/05/2025

Phone today for your consultation. Tel: 022 713 5340 🦶🏽👣

Podiatrist