<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>simplyfeet</title><description>simplyfeet</description><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/blog</link><item><title>Painful Cracked Heels?</title><description><![CDATA[Do you wish you had baby smooth heels on your feet?Are you embarrassed about your cracked heels? Are you frustrated from having tried multiple home treatments that haven't worked? Have you tried a Pedi-roller on your rough heels with high hopes of having baby smooth heels only to find it didn't perform like you hoped? Or perhaps you have had a chemical peel with your beauty therapist and you still have unsightly heels? We understand that it can be so frustrating!Cracked heels are not only<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/JXzogWMAtP4/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Michelle Hansen</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2019/11/25/Painful-Cracked-Heels</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2019/11/25/Painful-Cracked-Heels</guid><pubDate>Sun, 24 Nov 2019 23:12:02 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Do you wish you had baby smooth heels on your feet?</div><div>Are you embarrassed about your cracked heels? Are you frustrated from having tried multiple home treatments that haven't worked? Have you tried a Pedi-roller on your rough heels with high hopes of having baby smooth heels only to find it didn't perform like you hoped? Or perhaps you have had a chemical peel with your beauty therapist and you still have unsightly heels? </div><div>We understand that it can be so frustrating!</div><div>Cracked heels are not only unsightly but are often very painful. The condition is caused by dryness or thickening of the skin, which loses its elasticity so that simply pressures, such as walking, can cause it to split. Your heels may split if you constantly walk barefoot or stand for long periods; they might also become cracked during pregnancy or as a result of excess weight. Anyone who suffers from cracked heels will tel you they can be both sore and embarrassing. </div><div>Summer in jandals and open backed sandals can dry out our heels and they can be painful, unsightly and a source of embarrassment. When the skin around the heel becomes thickened it becomes less supple and loses its elasticity and the pressure of walking can cause cracks or splitting of the skin. Walking barefoot, prolonged standing, pregnancy, excess weight, fungal infections, hormonal conditions, circulation problems, cold or hot climates, and genetics can all play a role in causing cracked heels. </div><div>Imagine how it would feel to be able to get into bed and not have your heels catch the sheets. Or put summer sandals on knowing your feet look great! </div><div>At Simply Feet Podiatry Clinic, we understand that cracked heels can be really frustrating, painful and embarrassing. We also know that we have the solution! </div><div>Cracked heels are something that we see in our practice daily… and we’d love to help you.</div><div>Our Podiatrists, Corey and Michelle, are experts in treating cracked heels and may surprise you with their ability to gently and effectively pare back the layers of dead and dry skin from your heels leaving them feeling comfortable and looking great in just 20-30 minutes. </div><div>To <a href="http://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/appointments">book your baby smooth heels</a>, call the team at Simply Feet Podiatry clinic or book online today!</div><div>Watch this video to find out more:</div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JXzogWMAtP4"/><div>Before and After Treatment:</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/49d6f5_e73fb4ee38724f1f82e55aeeabf2d835~mv2.jpeg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/49d6f5_414742440d6743648f93b0fd668d39e2~mv2.jpeg"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Podiatrist winter boots advice, what's hot &amp; what's not</title><description><![CDATA[With cold wintery weather boots are a popular footwear choice. Winter boots are about on-trend styles and luxe comfort, with so many boots to choose from, the team at Simply Feet Podiatry is here to help you navigate towards the best choice for your foot!Heel HeightLook at the gradient from the heel to the toes and ideally choose a boot which has less than a two-inch heel.Toe WidthWide shoes allow your toes, crucially your big toes, to provide a stable base of support. Tapered narrow shoes<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/3d84ed44c9cc43d39c3ec961dd5f0a73.jpg/v1/fill/w_257%2Ch_385/3d84ed44c9cc43d39c3ec961dd5f0a73.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simply Feet</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/06/28/Podiatrist-winter-boots-advice-whats-hot-whats-not</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/06/28/Podiatrist-winter-boots-advice-whats-hot-whats-not</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2018 04:57:13 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/3d84ed44c9cc43d39c3ec961dd5f0a73.jpg"/><div>With cold wintery weather boots are a popular footwear choice. Winter boots are about on-trend styles and luxe comfort, with so many boots to choose from, the team at Simply Feet Podiatry is here to help you navigate towards the best choice for your foot!</div><div>Heel Height</div><div>Look at the gradient from the heel to the toes and ideally choose a boot which has less than a two-inch heel.</div><div>Toe Width</div><div>Wide shoes allow your toes, crucially your big toes, to provide a stable base of support. Tapered narrow shoes reduce stability and restrict the natural splay and recoil of toes weakening the muscles and foot function. Long term wear of narrow shoes is the prime cause of bunions!</div><div>Inner sole</div><div>Check the inner sole of the boot. Does it come out? While the innersole is out stand on it and look down, if your foot hangs over the edges then this shoe is too narrow or short for you….</div><div>Comfortable upper</div><div>Check the material of the boot. Is it firm? Does it hold well when under the pressure of your hand? You want to find a boot that is strong enough to support your foot and not buckle under your weight.</div><div>The winter boot brands we generally recommend are:</div><div>BARED Footwear</div><div>Ziera Shoes</div><div>Frankie4</div><div>Vivobarefoot </div><div>Lems Shoes</div><div>If you have any questions please feel free to call Simply Feet Podiatry on 03 437 9025 and book a consultation with our specialist podiatrists, we are here to help!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Cracked heels? How to fix them…</title><description><![CDATA[Cracked and flaky heels or “fissures” can affect nearly everybody including children and adults throughout all seasons, and often they can be quite painful, as well as aesthetically unpleasant.Cracked or flaky heels are a symptom of very dry skin. Cracks can penetrate through the epidermis exposing the fragile dermis and hypodermis, the resultant break in the skin can be painful and increases risk of bacterial infection such as cellulitis. There is a range of preventative options available today<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/49d6f5_a10814d2eeff485a9bd16fe65480c2e5%7Emv2_d_3264_2448_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_326%2Ch_247/49d6f5_a10814d2eeff485a9bd16fe65480c2e5%7Emv2_d_3264_2448_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simply Feet</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/06/22/Cracked-heels-How-to-fix-them%E2%80%A6</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/06/22/Cracked-heels-How-to-fix-them%E2%80%A6</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2018 02:53:52 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/49d6f5_a10814d2eeff485a9bd16fe65480c2e5~mv2_d_3264_2448_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Cracked and flaky heels or “fissures” can affect nearly everybody including children and adults throughout all seasons, and often they can be quite painful, as well as aesthetically unpleasant.</div><div>Cracked or flaky heels are a symptom of very dry skin. Cracks can penetrate through the epidermis exposing the fragile dermis and hypodermis, the resultant break in the skin can be painful and increases risk of bacterial infection such as cellulitis. There is a range of preventative options available today to ensure you do not develop fissures, or that you minimise the risk of them developing, but which is best…</div><div>Here are our top 5 tips to prevent cracked heels:</div><div>1. Stay hydrated</div><div>To maintain optimal health, adequate water intake is essential. Dry skin can often be a sign of dehydration. Your daily water intake should at the minimum be 2 litres per day and increases depending on your usual day to day activities or exercise levels.</div><div>2. Moisturise regularly</div><div>Certain systemic medical conditions can affect hydration levels of the skin. Therefore using a specific urea based foot moisturiser; like ‘Walker’s Urea25 Heel Conditioner’ or ‘Scholl Eulactol Heel Balm', is very effective at adding moisture to the skin and increasing elasticity of callus therefore reducing the risk of fissures developing.</div><div>3. Use a pumice stone or emery board</div><div>Callus development is a natural skin response at sites of increased loading, friction, and shearing forces. Callused skin has low elasticity and is a common site for fissures to develop. Using a pumice stone/emery board to reduce the thickness of callus reduces your risk of fissures.</div><div>4. Medication check</div><div>Medications have varying positive and negative effects on the body, a possible side effect of your current medication, may include dryness of the skin. If you think this is the case, then have a talk with your Doctor or Pharmacist.</div><div>5. See a Podiatrist</div><div>The above 4 tips are helpful ways prevent to prevent fissuring but if a fissure is already present then you’ll need to see a Podiatrist. The specially trained Podiatrists at Simply Feet Podiatry will reduce the depth of the fissure and provide you with an individualised management plan to prevent any further cracks from developing.</div><div>If you have any questions, please call Simply Feet Podiatry on 03 437 9025 for further information or make an appointment online or via phonewith one of our expert Podiatrists.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Cold days, cold feet &amp; chilblains</title><description><![CDATA[Every year when the cold hits we see a worrying increase in feet suffering from a range of conditions, the most common complaint being chilblains particularly on the toes. Chilblains are an uncomfortable and often painful skin condition that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. Symptoms typically include a burning or itching sensation in the affected areas, affected skin may swell and colour may change from pale pink/red to dark blue. In more severe cases the surface of the skin may break<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/bba32c8486bc4596a99f61d320c20d4f.jpg/v1/fill/w_200%2Ch_137/bba32c8486bc4596a99f61d320c20d4f.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simply Feet</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/05/29/Cold-days-cold-feet-chilblains</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/05/29/Cold-days-cold-feet-chilblains</guid><pubDate>Tue, 29 May 2018 04:31:55 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/bba32c8486bc4596a99f61d320c20d4f.jpg"/><div>Every year when the cold hits we see a worrying increase in feet suffering from a range of conditions, the most common complaint being chilblains particularly on the toes. </div><div>Chilblains are an uncomfortable and often painful skin condition that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. Symptoms typically include a burning or itching sensation in the affected areas, affected skin may swell and colour may change from pale pink/red to dark blue. In more severe cases the surface of the skin may break and sores or blisters can develop. Chilblains rarely cause permeant damage but they are uncomfortable and do require treatment to prevent ulcers.</div><div>Factors that increase your risk of chilblains include:</div><div>Poor circulationA family history of chilblainsSkin that is exposed to cold, damp conditionsLack of appropriate warm clothing - not enough layers or wearing cotton Females are more susceptible to chilblains Low body weight Raynaud’s phenomenon - a condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body, usually fingers and toes</div><div>To prevent chilblains:</div><div>Dress appropriately for the weather with several layers of woollen or synthetic clothing Dry shoes between wearChange socks as soon as they get damp Apply Vicks Vapour rub to feet - aids circulation Limit exposure to cold If your feet are cold warm them slowly under warm water </div><div>If you are concerned you have Chilblains or would like more information to prevent/treat them don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our Podiatrists at Simply Feet Podiatry.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>My child has pigeon toes, what should I do?</title><description><![CDATA[Noticed your child has pigeon toes or is intoeing, read on to find out why it happens and what you should do...Typically our feet point straight ahead or slightly outwards, but in some people, due to a range of causes their feet point inward. This is called intoeing or "pigeon toes”. Intoeing is very common in many young children, with most children under the age of two years having some degree of intoeing as part of their normal development, however this should reduce with time. Children that<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1066a9eb08648af84d93bbf889062d7.jpg/v1/fill/w_332%2Ch_222/b1066a9eb08648af84d93bbf889062d7.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simply Feet</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/04/30/My-child-has-Pigeon-toes-what-should-I-do</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/04/30/My-child-has-Pigeon-toes-what-should-I-do</guid><pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2018 01:07:23 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1066a9eb08648af84d93bbf889062d7.jpg"/><div>Noticed your child has pigeon toes or is intoeing, read on to find out why it happens and what you should do...</div><div>Typically our feet point straight ahead or slightly outwards, but in some people, due to a range of causes their feet point inward. This is called intoeing or &quot;pigeon toes”. </div><div>Intoeing is very common in many young children, with most children under the age of two years having some degree of intoeing as part of their normal development, however this should reduce with time. Children that intoe may have difficulty sitting in a cross-legged position and tend to “W” sit on their knees with their feet flared out behind/beside them. Intoeing may cause your child to stumble, trip, appear clumsy and/or have difficulty running. You may also be experience difficulty getting their shoes to fit correctly and some children may be concerned about their feet looking different.</div><div>Intoeing can run in the family and is typically due to three main causative conditions including Metatarsus adductus (curved foot), Femoral torsion (twisted thighbone) or Tibial torsion (twisted shin). Causes of intoeing can spontaneously resolve through early childhood with bone development and not require treatment. However, if the degree of intoeing is severe or it does not resolve over time an appointment for your child with us at Simply Feet Podiatry will be beneficial where we can assess intoeing severity and formulate a subjective treatment plan. Treatments may range from conservative gait plates, orthotics, exercises and footwear to referral for surgical correction for severe late stages cases depending on causative factors. </div><div>If you are concerned about your Childs physical development it is important to seek Podiatric assessment to ensure early detection of any underlying issues. For further information just click the “Contact” button above and with specialist assessment from our Podiatrists so they can assess and determine the best way to help your Child. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How to fix ingrown or painful toenails?</title><description><![CDATA[Do you have recurrent ingrown or painful toenails?Squeezing feet back into winter shoes is a timely reminder that we may need to seek help if we have recurrent ingrown or painful toenails.Ranging from simple issues to situations needing immediate medical care, toenail pain is often ignored until it can no longer be tolerated. Prompt treatment and identification of the underlying causes are key to quick healing and reduction of the pain. The team at Simply Feet are experts at providing instant<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/9d8dbdaacdadb6e439fdfb72ade1836b.jpg/v1/fill/w_188%2Ch_188/9d8dbdaacdadb6e439fdfb72ade1836b.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simply Feet</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/04/20/How-to-fix-ingrown-or-painful-toenails</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/04/20/How-to-fix-ingrown-or-painful-toenails</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2018 02:42:15 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/9d8dbdaacdadb6e439fdfb72ade1836b.jpg"/><div>Do you have recurrent ingrown or painful toenails?</div><div>Squeezing feet back into winter shoes is a timely reminder that we may need to seek help if we have recurrent ingrown or painful toenails.</div><div>Ranging from simple issues to situations needing immediate medical care, toenail pain is often ignored until it can no longer be tolerated. Prompt treatment and identification of the underlying causes are key to quick healing and reduction of the pain. The team at Simply Feet are experts at providing instant relief, with a range of conservative or surgical treatment options that cater to your individual needs. </div><div>Causes of painful nails can be varied and due to single or multiple factors such as repetitive injury, ingrown nails, fungal nail infection, thickened nails, involuted (curved) nails or repetitive pressure from poor fitting shoes. If you experience nail pain an assessment by our specialised Podiatrists to identify causative factors is required so we can then discuss treatment options.</div><div>The most common cause of pain from toenails we see is ingrown nails. An ingrown nail often has a small spike down the side of the nail that penetrates the skin causing a painful wound which often becomes infected. Depending on frequency and causative factors treatment typically involves removal of the nail spicule providing instant pain relief or nail surgery to prevent reoccurrence. Our specialised surgical process ensures quick healing and prevents nail regrowth having you back on your feet in no time. Nail surgery procedure involves local anaesthetic to numb the toe followed by removal of part or all of the toe nail. After the removal of the nail, a chemical is applied to the exposed nail bed to prevent nail regrowth. Healing then typically takes 1-3 weeks.</div><div>So if you are experiencing painful or ingrown toenails call the Simply Feet Podiatry Clinic today to a book an assessment where we can discuss treatment options of your painful or ingrown toenails.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How to prevent ankle sprains?</title><description><![CDATA[Ankle sprains often happen during rapid changes in direction in sports such as netball, soccer or rugby, or when walking on uneven ground. During these changes in direction multiple forces act on the ankle and supporting musculature requiring the ankle to adapt, support and then aid propulsion.The human foot and ankle unit are engineering marvels with thirty-three joints made up off twenty-six bones, thirty-three muscles (20 within the foot, 13 in the lower leg) and lots of connective tissue.<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/da4997e838fa4cff90f84a594e8d1fcd.jpg/v1/fill/w_263%2Ch_175/da4997e838fa4cff90f84a594e8d1fcd.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simply Feet</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/04/04/Avoiding-ankle-sprains</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/04/04/Avoiding-ankle-sprains</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2018 04:41:51 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/da4997e838fa4cff90f84a594e8d1fcd.jpg"/><div>Ankle sprains often happen during rapid changes in direction in sports such as netball, soccer or rugby, or when walking on uneven ground. During these changes in direction multiple forces act on the ankle and supporting musculature requiring the ankle to adapt, support and then aid propulsion.</div><div>The human foot and ankle unit are engineering marvels with thirty-three joints made up off twenty-six bones, thirty-three muscles (20 within the foot, 13 in the lower leg) and lots of connective tissue. When we have strong coordinated feet/ankles and appropriate footwear is worn risk of ankle sprains is minimal. When the ankles are weak and/or uncoordinated to minimise risk of injury, orthotics, strapping and/or ankle braces may be required. Somewhat like training wheels on a kids bike these support function until higher level strength and coordination are developed which is required for during these physically demanding activities.</div><div>To quickly check your quality of ankle function try these exercises (barefoot)… </div><div>1. Slow and smooth ankle circles clockwise for 10 repetitions and counterclockwise for 10 repetitions, if the movement is jerky or a tremor develops at a certain points through the circle then poor ankle coordination is indicated and you are at risk of ankle sprains. </div><div>2. Stand shoulder width apart with the feet parallel, drive the big toe into the ground and smoothly rise up into a calf raise taking 5 seconds to reach the top, hold at the top for 5 seconds, then take 5 seconds to slowly lower yourself down. Rest and repeat 5 times. If your feet roll in or outwards and loading comes away from the big toe during any of the movement then your ankles are weak and you are at risk of ankle sprains.</div><div>3. Stand on a wobble board or small cushion on one foot and have a friend throw a ball to your chest at first and progressively to your outer reach with a few high, low and wide throws, if you can balance and catch each throw and exercise 1. &amp; 2. where easy you've got strong ankles, good coordination and with appropriate footwear your risk of ankle sprains is low!</div><div>So ask yourself are your ankles strong or weak, co-ordinated or uncoordinated. For further information just click the “contact” button above and get a specialist assessment from our Podiatrists to determine the best way to prevent ankle sprains this sporting season.</div><div>Here at Simply Feet Podiatry we stock a wide range of ankle braces, custom made orthotics and offer tailored exercise programs to keep you injury free this year!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Acute ankle sprains, what should I do?</title><description><![CDATA[We’ve all stepped awkwardly slightly twisting an ankle at some point and thought that was a bit clumsy! But if you have immediate pain, swelling, bruising, instability or can no longer bear weight you likely have sprained your ankle…Ankle sprains often happen during rapid changes in direction in multi-directional sports such as netball, soccer or rugby, or when walking on uneven ground. Typically the ankle rolls outwards and the foot turns inwards straining the lateral supporting muscles,<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/517f30c8641d4c1999ff2cc88f21c4a3.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simply Feet</dc:creator><link>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/03/19/Ankle-sprains-what-should-I-do</link><guid>https://www.simplyfeet.co.nz/single-post/2018/03/19/Ankle-sprains-what-should-I-do</guid><pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2018 01:47:56 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/517f30c8641d4c1999ff2cc88f21c4a3.jpg"/><div>We’ve all stepped awkwardly slightly twisting an ankle at some point and thought that was a bit clumsy! But if you have immediate pain, swelling, bruising, instability or can no longer bear weight you likely have sprained your ankle…</div><div>Ankle sprains often happen during rapid changes in direction in multi-directional sports such as netball, soccer or rugby, or when walking on uneven ground. Typically the ankle rolls outwards and the foot turns inwards straining the lateral supporting muscles, tendons and ligaments.</div><div>Implications of a lateral ankle sprain vary in severity and may involve aspects of peroneal tendinopathy, anterior talofibular ligament tear [weakest and injured first] calcaneofibular ligament tear [injured in more severe ankle sprains] posterior tibiotalar ligament tear [strongest and rarely injured in isolation] or bone fracture [common in youth and elderly].</div><div>If you or someone you know has a suspected ankle sprain in the first 48hrs post injury it is important to rest, ice, compress &amp; elevate the ankle. Use crutches to walk and take an oral anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen as directed to manage pain and reduce swelling. 1-2 days post injury you should seek specialist assessment from your Podiatrist to determine the severity of injury and commence a rehabilitation program to prevent long term weakness and instability. Our individually tailored rehabilitation programs aim to return normal ankle range of motion, strengthen supporting muscles, improve proprioception/balance and return you to functional activities and sport as soon as safely possible while reducing risk of recurrent ankle sprains.</div><div>For further information about ankle sprains or if you would like to book a consult with our Podiatrists at Simply Feet Podiatry click &quot;Contact Us&quot;</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>