Several times each year we have a display at the Galleria Shopping Centre held over several days. We use it as an advertising tool, but it’s also a great way to educate the general publlic about foot health and foot care. We always have hundreds of people stop to ask question and gain more information. Here’s a couple of photos of (pregnant) Rachel at our latest display.

PREVENTING FOOT PROBLEMS

The West Australian Newspaper, April 11, 2012
Podiatrist Nic Lange. Picture: Robert Duncan/WA News

In eight weeks, thousands of runners will pound the pavement for the HBF Run For a Reason.
Some will run for fitness, some for fun, others will be elite competitors. Despite the different motivations for getting out there, all runners are susceptible to foot problems.

Feet can ache, blister, sweat, crack, peel, itch and smell, however runners, in particular, are also susceptible to additional foot injuries such as ankle sprains, stress fractures, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, most of these conditions can be prevented.

Step one is to make sure your feet are in a properly fitted running shoe. It is paramount that your running shoes offer optimal support and plenty of cushioning.
Ill-fitting running shoes can cause numerous problems for your feet. Shoes that are too short can cause bruised toenails, too narrow can cause pinched-nerve pain, corns or calluses. Shoes that are too wide allow the foot to slide around, causing friction that can lead to blisters.

Blisters are very common in runners but there are a couple of tips which may help prevent them. Make sure your shoes fit properly. Since your feet swell when you run, you may want your running shoes half a size bigger than your regular shoes. Ill-fitting socks are a primary cause of blisters, so wear good-quality socks specifically made for running, with no seams and a smooth surface.

At the first sign of a blister apply a blister dressing or sports tape on the area – just make sure the dressing or tape is applied smoothly and with no wrinkles. If you develop a painful blister during the HBF Run for a Reason, stop at a medical station and get it treated. Hopefully, you can get back in the race, running pain-free.

Stretching is the most effective way to reduce muscle injuries. Achilles tendon, calf and hamstring muscle stretches are important exercises to perform before running. Stretching is for all runners but is particularly important for the runner who doesn’t compete regularly and can injure muscles due to a lack of preparation and training.

The old adage remains true – prevention is better than cure. Whether it’s a muscle injury, bruise, blister, corn or callus, treating the problem quickly reduces the chances of it developing into something debilitating.
If foot pain persists, see a podiatrist or contact podiatrywa.com.au for more information.

Each year we hold a Christmas morning tea for some of our most regular patients – the ones that we see every 6-8 weeks. It’s our way of saying “thanks” for supporting us !! This year we had about 80 people which created lots of work for us, but it really was a great morning.

Our Christmas Party this year was at The Queens Hotel, Highgate. Our crew gets bigger every year and a great time was had by everyone. Fantastic food, cold drinks and great company – we couldn’t ask for any more !!!

Nic, Rachel and all the staff at Galleria Podiatry would like to wish all their patients a safe and happy 2012 !
In December 2011 we were very sad to lose Podiatrist Kim Goei who has been working in the practice for 2 years. Kim is off to Melbourne to ‘spread her wings’ with her partner Sean. We wish them all the best for the future.

At the same time we are very excited to welcome Podiatrist Rachael Kirk to the team. We know she will be a great success and all our patients will grow to love her as much as they did Kim.

As Nic is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association marketing committe, he was interviewed for a couple of newspaper article for Foot Health Month. They are attached below for you to have a read…….

Podiatrists’ Plea

By Liam Ducey, Eastern Reporter

Podiatrist Nic Lange… diabetics have special foot care needs that Medicare should cover. Picture: Dominique Menegaldo Buy this photo.

MORLEY podiatrists Nic and Rachel Lange are concerned about the impact on hospitals of patients with diabetes related foot problems.

They say it is not uncommon for diabetes patients to experience foot problems, however, they also say these problems can be avoided.

October is National Foot Health Month, and the Australasian Podiatry Council of WA, of which Nic is a board member, is calling on the government to improve foot care for diabetes patients.

“It’s really important that a patient with diabetes visits their podiatrist regularly,” Mr Lange said.

“It’s the best way to avoid foot health complications, which can lead to amputation or even death.

“However, Medicare currently only funds up to five allied health care visits as part of a care plan for diabetes.

“We are calling on the Federal Government to increase the number of Medicare services for people with diabetes to a minimum of 12 podiatry visits.

“Increasing the number of Medicare-funded podiatry appointments is the best way to take pressure off our hospitals and improve the health of Australians living with diabetes.”

Here’s Another One……..

Foot Health Month Article Promoting the Podiatry Profession

On a cool Friday night in May all our staff and their partners got together for another function. This time it was our annual “Galleria Podiatry Lawn Bowling Championship”.

A few drinks and lots of laughs were had as we all realised that this game is not as easy as it looks on TV. It certainly requires a lot of skill.

As you can see from the photos, there were lots of “gutter” bowls, and not a lot of style, but eventually Kim & her partner Sean were crowned the 2011 Champions. As you can see, they also enjoyed their 1st place “chocolate” medal.

Each year Galleria Podiatry holds a “Christmas morning tea” for our loyal and most regular patients. Each year it gets bigger and bigger and this year was no exception – we had over 80 people to feed !!!! Everyone had a great time (and they got to meet Jackson face to face). We use the opportunity to say ‘thank you”,  and it’s also great to celebrate the end of another year.

The following Friday was our Staff Christmas Lunch. This year we went to The Pony Club restaurant in Mt Lawley, for a beautiful Tapas meal. No scandals or misbehaviour to reveal but, again, it was a fantastic afternoon.