New Podiatry Clinic Opening in Toowoomba - James Street
Queensland Foot Centres is excited to announce the opening of our new James Street clinic on June 3rd, offering expert podiatric care from our experienced team
We are excited to announce the opening of our newest clinic location on James Street, Toowoomba. From June 3rd, our James Street clinic will be officially open and ready to provide the same high-quality podiatric care that our patients have come to expect from Queensland Foot Centres.
Key Details
📅 Opening Date: June 3rd, 2024
📍 Address: 140 James Street, Toowoomba QLD 4106
📞 Bookings: You can secure an appointment via our website or by calling 07 4632 1100
At our James Street clinic, you will have access to expert care from our experienced podiatrists, Thomas Hall and Lydia Cunnington. Thomas will be consulting at this location from Monday to Wednesday, while Lydia will be available Thursday and Friday.
Whether you are seeking routine foot care, specialised treatment, or support to improve your overall foot health, our dedicated team is ready to assist you at our modern, fully equipped James Street clinic.
We are very proud to be expanding our services and are committed to making it even easier for our patients to access quality podiatric care. If you have any questions or need assistance with booking an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We sincerely thank you for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you to our new James Street clinic soon.
Children’s Foot Development: When to See a Podiatrist
Learn what’s normal in growing feet, from in-toeing and toe-walking to flat feet, and when professional assessment may be needed
From birth, your child’s feet and lower limbs undergo a continuous journey of growth and transformation. Unlike adult feet, children’s feet are still developing and contain growth plates - soft areas of developing cartilage that gradually harden and reach skeletal maturity by around 15 years of age. This period represents the most significant stage of change in foot structure, making it important to monitor and support healthy development.
It is also important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Variations in walking patterns are common and often normal, including in-toeing (feet turning inward), out-toeing (feet turning outward), and toe-walking. While these patterns are frequently part of typical development, persistent or concerning changes should be assessed by a podiatrist.
Arch development is also highly individual, with most children reaching their mature arch height between 6 and 8 years of age. Flat feet (pes planus) are largely influenced by genetics, although other contributing factors can exist. Excessive rolling in of the feet (pronation) may increase the risk of issues such as tripping, uneven shoe wear, and pain in the feet, legs, or knees.
A podiatrist can perform a comprehensive assessment of your child’s foot and lower limb development and recommend appropriate treatment based on their individual needs. Management options may include stretching programs, strengthening exercises, footwear advice, and, where necessary, shoe inserts (orthotics).
Jamie Walker
Managing Arthritis in Winter: Foot Pain Relief Tips
Learn how to reduce foot pain and stiffness in cold weather with simple strategies including exercise, warmth, footwear, and podiatry support
Winter can be an uncomfortable time for people living with arthritis, with many patients reporting that they can “feel the cold weather” in their feet as symptoms tend to worsen.
How do I manage my arthritis in winter?
Stay active
Regular physical activity helps improve strength and flexibility in the feet. If weight-bearing exercise is difficult, gentle range of motion exercises can help maintain joint movement and reduce stiffness.
Keep warm
Heat can improve circulation, stimulate skin receptors, and increase pain tolerance. It also helps reduce stiffness and relax tight muscles. Wearing wool blend socks and supportive slippers can be an effective way to keep your feet warm during colder months.
Natural supplements
There are several supplements that may help support inflammation management, including glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin, fish oil, New Zealand green-lipped mussel, and turmeric. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement to ensure it does not interact with current medications or health conditions.
Appropriate footwear
Good footwear is essential for managing arthritis symptoms. Look for shoes with a cushioned sole, adequate width in the toe box, and strong supportive features. A podiatrist at Queensland Foot Centres can assess your current footwear and provide tailored recommendations.
It is recommended that individuals with arthritis in the feet see a podiatrist regularly. Podiatrists can help reduce joint pain, improve comfort, and support foot function. They can also help prevent or slow the development of foot deformities through targeted treatment, including orthotics or padding to offload affected joints.
Janet Burns
Chilblains in Winter: Causes, Prevention and Treatment for Cold Feet
Learn why chilblains occur in cold weather, who is most at risk, and how to prevent and manage them with simple foot care strategies
A friendly reminder to keep your feet warm this winter, as our podiatrists have already noticed an increase in chilblain occurrences this year! A chilblain is a sore or lump that occurs in the toes or fingers due to cold temperatures. It is more common in those with compromised circulation or elderly individuals, but it can affect people of any age group.
As with most things in life, the best cure is, in fact, prevention! Keeping the feet warm and toasty in socks or slippers, avoiding rapid temperature change (i.e., from a hot shower onto very cold tiles, or vice versa), and keeping the feet moving to promote circulation will all help prevent chilblains.
If you think you might have chilblains on your toes, don't hesitate to book an appointment with one of our helpful podiatrists for advice on how to treat them and avoid them in the future.
Thomas Hall
Ski Boot Fitting Guide: How to Prevent Foot Pain and Injury on the Slopes
Learn how to properly fit ski boots with expert podiatry tips to improve comfort, performance, and reduce the risk of injury this ski season.
With ski season upon us in the Southern Hemisphere, it is essential to ensure your ski boots are fitted correctly. As podiatrists, we frequently see injuries caused by poorly fitted ski boots, most often due to boots that are too small or too narrow. Use this guide to help ensure a proper fit and improve both comfort and performance on the slopes.
Measure Your Feet
Start by measuring both the length and width of your feet, ideally using a Brannock device or with assistance from a professional fitter.
It is also important to assess foot volume, which can be described as low, medium, or high. Alternatively, you may classify your foot type as bony, regular, or fleshy.
Choose the Right Boot
Your ski boot should match your skiing ability. Beginners generally require a lower flex rating (60-80), while intermediate to advanced skiers typically need a higher flex (90-130).
Try Multiple Pairs
Perform a shell fit by removing the liner, placing your foot into the shell, and checking for approximately 1-2cm of space behind the heel. Once the liner is reinserted, buckle the boot and ensure the fit is snug without creating significant pressure points.
Evaluate the Fit
A properly fitted ski boot should feel snug but not painful. Your heel should remain secure when you flex forward, and you should be able to wiggle your toes slightly. When flexing, your shin should comfortably contact the front of the boot.
Fine-Tune the Fit
Custom orthotics may provide additional support and improve alignment. Heat-mouldable liners can also be adjusted by a professional to better match your foot shape. Ensure buckles and straps are secure but not overly tight.
Test the Boots
Wear your boots around the house initially to identify any discomfort. Once on the snow, start with easier runs and make adjustments as needed.
Regularly reassess your ski boot fit and maintain all buckles and straps to ensure optimal performance and injury prevention. If you are unsure about your fit, consult a professional boot fitter.
Enjoy the slopes safely!
Mitchell Brown
Claw Toes: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Learn what causes claw toes, including footwear, muscle imbalances and medical conditions, and how podiatry treatment can help reduce pain and improve mobility
Claw toes are a common foot condition that often develops as we get older. They can be caused by a range of factors, including ill-fitting footwear, muscle imbalances, or as a symptom of certain medical conditions.
Footwear plays a significant role in the development of claw toes, particularly high-heeled shoes that place increased pressure on the forefoot. Over time, this pressure can force the muscles and tendons in the foot into unnatural positions, leading them to adapt. Shoes that are too tight or too short can have a similar effect, causing the toes to curl and claw.
Muscle imbalances within the foot are also a common contributing factor. In these cases, the tendons on the top of the foot may become tight, while opposing muscles weaken, resulting in the toes becoming clawed. These imbalances can often be managed with offloading strategies and targeted strengthening exercises.
Claw toes may also be associated with certain medical conditions. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and neurological conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease can contribute to their development. Other conditions that cause nerve damage, such as diabetes or stroke, may also lead to claw toe deformities.
This condition can result in pain, calluses, corns, rubbing, blistering, and swelling, often influenced by walking patterns or footwear choices. Early treatment of symptoms is important to reduce complications and help maintain mobility and comfort.
If you would like more information or are concerned about claw toes, please book an appointment with one of our podiatrists for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan.
