Meet Elliot - Our Newest Podiatrist at Queensland Foot Centres
Experienced in sports podiatry, biomechanics, and lower limb care, Elliot joins our Sherwood, Coorparoo, and Cleveland clinics this spring
Meet Elliot, the newest member of our Queensland Foot Centres team. A 2018 graduate of QUT, Elliot has honed his podiatry skills in multidisciplinary clinics, working closely with physiotherapists and sports physicians. With a passion for basketball and experience treating top athletes, Elliot understands the demands of sports-related foot health. His expertise spans sporting injuries, ingrown toenail surgery, paediatrics, biomechanics, and lower limb diseases. Outside the clinic, he enjoys basketball, mountain climbing, and travel.
Elliot Miller
Heel Pain: Why It Gets Worse During Spring and Summer
Discover the common causes of heel pain, why symptoms often flare up as activity levels increase, and how podiatry treatment can help you stay active and pain-free
As the weather warms up, our clinics typically see a significant increase in patients presenting with heel pain. But why does this happen?
During winter, many people naturally become less active. This reduction in activity can cause muscles and tendons to become weaker and tighter over time. Then, as spring and summer arrive, motivation to get outdoors and exercise often increases, leading to a sudden rise in physical activity.
At the same time, people tend to swap supportive winter footwear for sandals, thongs, and other open-toed shoes. These changes can place additional stress on the feet and may expose underlying weaknesses or issues that have developed during the cooler months.
Do you experience heel pain when taking your first steps out of bed in the morning? Does your child limp after playing sport? These are common signs that a soft tissue injury or inflammation may be present and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Heel pain can have many different causes, which is why obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential for achieving the best possible treatment outcomes.
At Queensland Foot Centres, we take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly assess your condition, and clearly explain your treatment options. Our goal is to help you return to pain-free activity as quickly and safely as possible.
Jamie Walker
New Balance Lifestyle Sneakers: Comfort Meets Style
A podiatrist's guide to the New Balance models that combine modern design with all-day comfort and support
New Balance has made a strong push into the lifestyle sneaker market in recent years, successfully combining modern design with the comfort and support the brand is known for. With sneakers becoming a staple in everyday wardrobes, New Balance offers a range of styles that not only look great but also provide the support needed for healthy, comfortable feet.
This is particularly beneficial for people with foot pain who may not want to wear traditional sports joggers all day. Having stylish, supportive options means they can look good while still taking care of their foot health.
Some of my favourite New Balance models include the 480, 530, 574, 5740, 1906R, 2002R, and 9060. These shoes offer an excellent combination of support, cushioning, and style, making them a great choice for anyone wanting to stay comfortable and on-trend. I was also pleased to see the return of the 860 v2—a runner's favourite from around 13 years ago that remains an excellent shoe today.
As a podiatrist, it's always rewarding to recommend footwear that provides outstanding support while also appealing to a patient's sense of style. Many people are looking for alternatives to traditional sports shoes, and it's great to have options they'll genuinely enjoy wearing.
Mitchell Brown
Can Swimming Flippers Make Plantar Fasciitis Worse?
Learn why flippers may aggravate plantar fasciitis and neuroma symptoms, and what swimmers can do to stay active without increasing foot pain
As the weather warms up, we've noticed many of our patients returning to the water. Some are preparing for their next triathlon, while others are incorporating swimming into a tailored rehabilitation program.
While swimming is generally considered a low-impact form of exercise, the use of flippers can sometimes have a negative effect on people with certain foot conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis and neuromas.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It commonly causes heel pain and discomfort, especially during activities that place stress on the feet.
A neuroma, on the other hand, is an injury or irritation of a nerve in the forefoot that can cause numbness, burning, tingling, or sharp sensations in the toes.
When someone with plantar fasciitis uses flippers, the additional resistance created in the water and the altered position of the foot can place extra strain on the plantar fascia. Because flippers require swimmers to generate more force through their feet with each kick, the repetitive motion can further irritate and inflame the already sensitive tissue.
For those with a neuroma, the snug fit and forefoot compression created by flippers can aggravate symptoms both during and after swimming. This increased pressure on the forefoot may lead to greater discomfort, numbness, or sharp nerve-related pain.
For individuals managing plantar fasciitis, it may be advisable to avoid using flippers altogether. Instead, consider low-stress swimming techniques that minimise strain on the feet while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of exercise and rehabilitation.
William Henneken
The Best Gardening Shoes for Healthy Feet This Spring
Discover why supportive, waterproof footwear is essential for gardening and how the right shoes can help prevent foot pain and injury
Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and spend time in the garden. Whether you're planting, pruning, or tackling the weeds, it's important not to overlook your foot health. Wearing the right footwear can help keep your feet comfortable, protected, and pain-free throughout the gardening season.
Why Wear Quality Gardening Shoes?
Support
Gardening often involves long periods of standing, bending, squatting, and walking across uneven ground. Supportive gardening shoes provide the cushioning and stability needed to keep your feet comfortable while helping to reduce the risk of pain and injury.
Protection
From sharp tools and thorny plants to slippery surfaces, there are several hazards in the garden. Shoes with durable toe protection and sturdy soles can help protect your feet from common gardening injuries.
Water Resistance
Gardening frequently exposes your feet to moisture from rain, morning dew, wet soil, or watering systems. Choosing footwear with water-resistant or waterproof materials can help keep your feet dry and comfortable while working outdoors.
A Great Alternative: Hiking Shoes
One often-overlooked option for gardening footwear is the hiking shoe. Available in both low-cut and boot styles, hiking shoes are designed to provide excellent support, durability, and traction. Many also feature waterproof materials and slip-resistant soles, making them particularly well-suited to garden environments.
Choosing the Right Pair
When selecting gardening footwear, look for shoes that offer the right balance of comfort, support, and protection. Features such as cushioned and supportive insoles, waterproof materials, and slip-resistant soles can make a significant difference to both comfort and safety.
This spring, give your feet the support they deserve by investing in the right gardening shoes. Your feet will thank you for it.
Happy Gardening!
