At Natural Foot Podiatry we love helping you understand the reason for your lower limb pain and gain great satisfaction helping you to overcome it. 
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Conditions we treat may include but are not limited to:
PictureDiabetes
Diabetes
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What’s the big deal about having Diabetes?
Having higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels can cause your blood vessels to contract, narrowing the space for blood to pass through. When this happens, it makes your heart work harder to push the blood through the vessels, causing higher blood pressure and placing more stress and damage to your heart. When blood vessels contract, it makes it difficult for your organs, nerves, muscles and skin to get the blood flow they require to function correctly.

Signs and Symptoms
Have you ever felt tingling, burning, heightened sensitivity, numbness or other strange sensations in your feet or legs? Ever had a cut or scratch that took longer than usual to heal? Have you noticed any changes in your foot structure? Did you know that diabetes makes a person more prone to infection, gangrene and amputation (usually in the lower limbs)?

What can you do about it?

Step 1: Your Doctor
Limit the damage of diabetes by seeing your doctor to make sure your blood glucose levels (BGL’s) are well controlled. A dietitian may also be helpful.

Step 2: Podiatry
Contact our team for assessment, education and assisted management of your condition. As your feet are the furthest body part away from your heart, early signs and symptoms are often present here. This is why regular podiatry visits are so important for you. It is important you become educated on how diabetes affects your feet, and understand how to avoid the risks of further complications. We will also provide feedback to your doctor regarding your current lower limb condition.

Step 3: Your role
  • Self monitor your Blood Glucose Level (BGLs) regularly,
  • Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
  • Maintain a regular exercise routine and inspect your feet daily for any issues.

Following this type of supported health care may help keep you on your feet, prolong quality of life and promote the best possible outcomes.

Important lower limb assessments we perform for diabetics:
  • Blood flow (vascular assessment)
  • Nerves (neurological assessment)
  • Joint range of motion and foot structure assessment
  • Skin condition and footwear assessments.

Plantar Fasciitis

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The Plantar fascia 
From the back to the front our feet are shaped like an arch. The plantar fascia attaches to the heel and stretches up to just short of the toes. It works with other muscles to hold the arch in place and provide shock absorption and stability while we’re active. 

​What is Plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of foot pain. Essentially, it involves tiny micro-tears in the fascia's supporting structure, resulting in inflammation and discomfort, typically centred around the heel. This pain and inflammation act as the body’s natural response to prevent further strain on the foot and protect it from larger tears or more severe injury.

Common ways Plantar fasciitis is caused:
Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by factors like changes in training duration, technique, or terrain; increased time spent on one’s feet; weight-bearing with the heels lifted (such as when crouching for childcare or working on ladders); weight gain; and changes in footwear. It can also develop when people switch to desk jobs or spend more time commuting.

The plantar fascia has limited blood flow and thus only minimal elasticity or flexibility. While seated, our legs and feet require very little blood circulation. However, when active, blood flow to the area can increase by up to 20 times, which helps muscles work harder and stretch as needed. For the plantar fascia, this surge in blood flow improves flexibility and lowers the risk of injury.
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Challenge: continuing to walk on the injury during recovery. Unlike a wrist or shoulder injury that can be rested in a sling, plantar fasciitis affects the feet—essential for daily movement—making rest challenging. Without the right guidance, plantar fasciitis can take years to heal and may lead to increased scar tissue and chronic problems.

False information: Following the wrong information can increase the severity of the injury and lead to prolonged healing time.

If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, please AVOID these traps until you speak with a Natural Foot Podiatrist:

  1. Stretching by dropping your heel off a step 
  2. Ice bottle massage
  3. You may not need more supportive footwear. 
  4. It is also rare to need orthotics for this

Learn from a professional so you can treat it yourself and save money.