As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air sets in, we hope you make the most of the season—whether it’s enjoying scenic walks through fallen leaves, cosying up with a warm drink, or getting back into your fitness routine. At Queensland Foot Centres, we understand how important it is to keep your feet healthy and comfortable as the weather cools down.
This autumn, we’re excited to share helpful tips, expert advice, and some of our favourite products to keep your feet in top shape. Whether you’re preparing for outdoor adventures or searching for the perfect pair of boots, we’ve got you covered!
Preparing Your Feet for Autumn
Simple foot care and footwear tips to keep your feet healthy and comfortable as you move into the cooler months
With the cooler months approaching it’s time to get your feet ready for enclosed footwear. Here are a few tips to get your feet healthy and happy leading into Autumn.
Footcare
Now it’s time to take off that summer nail polish. Nail polish suffocates the nails and promotes fungal growth. If you are fighting an infection or suspect you have one, now is the perfect time to start treating the problematic nail/nails. Come and see one of our friendly podiatrist’s at QFC, we can assess and set you up with an appropriate treatment plan.
By keeping your feet hydrated by applying emollient daily is recommended. Urea25 Foot Conditioner is a great product and is available to purchase at all of our clinic locations.
Footwear
Assess all your enclosed shoes for wear and tear. Check for heel wear, cracking of soles and general wear and tear on the uppers. It is recommended that you wear socks/sockettes with enclosed shoes. Not wearing socks can lead to fungal growth within shoes and unpleasant odours to develop.
When purchasing new enclosed footwear, it is important to make sure you have the correct fit for your foot type. Improper fitting footwear can lead to the development of corns and calluses. If you are suffering from painful feet and suspect there is a formation of hard skin, book an appointment with one of our friendly Podiatrists for an assessment.
Janet Burns
Preventing Fungal Infections This Autumn
Simple steps to protect your feet from athlete’s foot and toenail fungus during the cooler months
As the cool and crisp air of autumn settles in across Queensland, many of us love to take advantage of the perfect hiking conditions. And with the drop in temperature, it's a great time for outdoor adventures and sporting activities - but it also means that your feet are more susceptible to fungal infections like Athlete's Foot and Toenail Fungus. The combination of closed in shoes, potential nail damage, and sweaty feet create the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. Here’s how you can protect your feet this autumn and avoid the drama of fungal infections.
Tips for Preventing Fungal Infections:
1. Keep Feet Dry and Clean:
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Wash your feet daily with soap and water, ensuring that you dry them thoroughly - especially between the toes where moisture can easily linger. Keeping your feet dry is essential to preventing fungal infections.
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After drying your feet, consider using anti-fungal powder or spray to absorb any remaining moisture and prevent fungal growth, particularly if you are noticing a pong when taking off your shoes.
2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks:
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Choose socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool or synthetic fibres, which help draw moisture away from the skin and keep your feet dry. (Don’t forget to change your socks regularly if you are doing any long, multi-day hikes.)
3. Choose the Right Footwear:
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While quality footwear is essential for any outdoor activities, ensure yours are well-fitted and allow for ventilation. Poorly fitting shoes can cause rubbing or squeezing on the toes, potentially opening the way for a fungal infection to enter the skin or nails. Look for shoes with breathable materials that allow air to circulate and prevent excess moisture.
4. Care for Your Footwear:
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Consider alternating between different pairs of shoes to give each pair time to air out and dry properly between activities. Hiking boots are particularly bad for this, given that many have waterproof membranes which reduce their breathability significantly.
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If you are only wearing them a few times per week, then avoid chucking your shoes into the cupboard between activities. Removing the insoles can give them a better chance of drying out also.
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If you are noticing any symptoms (listed below) or a smell coming from your shoes, it’s important to disinfect the shoes regularly. Use an anti-fungal spray or wipe to kill any fungi inside your boots after each wear.
Signs You Might Have a Fungal Infection:
Look for these symptoms that may indicate the presence of Athlete’s Foot or Toenail Fungus:
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Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot): Tinea can present in a wide variety of ways. Itchy, red, or burning skin, usually between your toes or on the soles of your feet, along with malodour, cracks, scaling, or blisters are all thing to monitor for.
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Toenail Fungus: Nail fungus is particularly difficult to manage if it gets out of hand. It often starts as a small spot or streak on the front leading edge of the nails and spreads from there. It presents as thickened or brittle toenails; discolouration, usually yellow or white; and (in more severe cases) a noticeable odour coming from the nails.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take action early to treat the infection and avoid it spreading. The more a fungus spreads, the longer it takes to fully resolve. Our expert team can help you manage this, call or book online.
Thomas Hall
Preparing for the Football Season
Boot sizing, injury prevention, and footwear tips for players of all ages
With the new football, rugby, touch, and AFL season fast approaching it is now time to check the condition and sizing of your football boots. Correct sizing is important, and it remains appropriate to have a full thumb width gap between your longest toe and the end of the boot. This helps with avoiding toe clawing, and bruised toenails.
One of they key injuries seen in adolescence this time of year can be Severs. Severs is an irritation of the growth plate at the base of the heel and may be first noticed as limping in your child's running and walking.
The Asics Lethal Blend FF is an outstanding option to assist in managing this condition.It provides excellent cushioning, and an internal heel lift to the shoe which assist in unloading the heel growth plate.
For our senior players, this boot is often used post injury for its speed of ground release. This means rotational forces on the ankle, knee and hip are reduced which is often beneficial in rehabilitation.
William Henneken
Managing Dry, Cracked Heels
Simple treatment and prevention tips to restore soft, healthy skin this season
Dry, cracked heels are a common issue that many people experience, especially heading into the colder months when the air is dry or after prolonged periods of being on your feet. Not only can this condition be uncomfortable and unsightly, but it can also lead to pain or even infection if left untreated. Fortunately, with a bit of attention and care, you can restore softness and smoothness to your heels.
Here are a few tips and tricks to give your feet some TCL after a busy summer period.
1. Soak and Exfoliate:
Start with a soothing foot soak to soften the rough skin. You can even add a bit of Epsom salt for extra relaxation. After soaking for 10–15 minutes, gently exfoliate your heels with a pumice stone or foot file. Be sure not to overdo it; gentle, consistent exfoliation works best. This helps to remove dead skin cells and allows your moisturizer to penetrate deeper.
2. Hydrate with Rich Moisturisers:
After exfoliating, it’s crucial to lock in moisture. Look for a rich, thick moisturiser or foot cream that contains ingredients like urea or vitamin E. These are excellent for deeply hydrating the skin and repairing cracks. Apply the moisturiser generously to your heels and feet and massage it in until fully absorbed. For maximum effectiveness, consider applying the cream before bed and wearing a pair of cotton socks overnight to keep the moisture locked in. Consistency is key with moisturisers!
3. Protect Your Feet with Closed-In Shoes:
During colder or windier weather, it’s important to protect your feet from the harsh elements that can dry out your skin. Wind, cold air, and even excessive exposure to sun can all contribute to dry, cracked heels. Wearing closed-in shoes helps shield your feet from these environmental stressors, maintaining moisture levels and preventing cracks from forming. Choose shoes that are breathable but offer full coverage to keep your heels safe from the elements while still allowing air circulation.
4. Wear Supportive Footwear:
Wearing shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning can reduce pressure on your heels and help prevent further cracking. Avoid wearing sandals or shoes with open backs that can lead to increased friction, and opt for soft, well-fitting footwear that doesn’t rub or pinch. If you’re prone to cracking, it may also be beneficial to wear cushioned insoles/orthotics to provide additional relief.
Taking a little time each day to care for your heels can make a world of difference. With regular hydration, proper exfoliation, and the right footwear, you can keep your feet feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable year-round. If your cracked heels are painful, bleeding, or showing signs of infection, it’s best to consult a podiatrist. We can provide professional treatments and ensure that your feet heal properly.
Lydia Cunnington
The Benefits of Cross Training for Lower Limb Health
How full-body strength can improve running, reduce knee strain, and support long-term mobility
I recently returned to rock climbing with my partner and our two-year-old son, Jagger, as a fun and healthy way to spend time together on weekends. What I didn’t expect was how much it would positively impact my running and knee health.
Climbing has significantly strengthened my upper body and core, taking a noticeable amount of strain off my knees while running. I’ve felt improvements in my heart rate, calorie burn, recovery, and overall movement efficiency. It’s been a reminder that lower limb health isn’t just about legs—it’s about the whole body working together.
I’m not saying everyone should take up rock climbing, but if you’re a runner or walker, don’t underestimate the benefits of Pilates, a regular upper-body workout, or yoga. Building strength and stability in other areas can make a huge difference in how your lower limbs feel and function. It may hold the secret to running well into your golden years.
Many of our clinics offer exercise physiology and reformer Pilates if this is something you’d like to explore. If you’ve had a similar experience with cross-training helping your walking or running, I’d love to hear about it at your next appointment.
Mitchell Brown
Understanding Growth Plate Injuries in Children
How to recognise common signs of heel, ankle, and foot pain in active kids
The weather is cooling, the pre-season is starting and the growth plates are aching. Well, not for all of us. Growth plates in your legs and feet are not formed until 15 years of age, which is why children present with a different ‘type’ of injury than adults.
Particularly, 8-15 years of age is a common age group for growth plate injuries that we see regularly in our clinic. For parents, it can be hard to distinguish between growing pains and growth plate injury.
By following a few simple rules, you can figure out whether it is worth consulting us here at QFC:
- If pain is aggravated by activity
- There is pain around the heel, ankle, outside of your feet or front of the knee
- Signs of limping or walking on ‘tippy’ toes
- Symptoms linger for more than 7 consecutive days
Luckily, the treatment is often straightforward and the earlier the intervention, the quicker the improvement.
Jamie Walker
Understanding Leg Length Differences
How structural differences can affect posture, gait, and lower limb pain
“I feel lopsided. I feel like I favour one side of my body when walking.”
These are a common description of the symptoms a patient describes when they have a lower limb length difference. Lower limb lengths difference is not uncommon in the general population, and a vast amount of people have subtle differences in their leg lengths. For most people, the difference is negligible and unlikely to affect their daily activities and quality of life.
There are two types of limb length difference, structural (skeletal) and functional (soft tissue). For the rest of this article, I’ll focus on the former. For those with larger differences, the body is unable to tolerate the imbalance without compensatory mechanisms developing in their gait. This can present as unilateral lower back, hip, knee or foot pain depending on the location of the compensation. Friends and family may notice the individual walks lopsided, with the shoulder and hip position being uneven when walking. Common causes include fractures, surgery, diseases or can be congenital (present at birth).
At Queensland Foot Centres, our Podiatrists are trained to assess and measure your limbs. If a structural difference is diagnosed, your podiatrist may recommend the use of a full length raise to balance the leg lengths. For extreme differences, custom footwear with a raise added to the sole is used. This treatment can improve pelvic alignment, gait pattern and reduces compensatory mechanisms.
