Podiatrist Rowville

Podiatrist

Contact

Phone: (03) 9763 3944 for Appointments
Email: info@rsmc.com.au or pod@rsmc.com.au

What is a Podiatrist ?


The podiatric service at Rowville Sports Medicine Centre will aim to provide cutting edge, professional, personalised foot care advice to all patients.

Caleb is dedicated to both personal and professional development and continually undertakes ongoing training and education to comply with the Podiatrists Registration Board's guidelines. All treatment will be evidence based and tailored to the needs of each individual, aiming to assist them in achieving their short and long term health and lifestyle goals.

Caleb McInnes
Director of Podiatric Services

Bachelor of Biomedical Science Majoring in Biomechanics and Human Biology Director of Podiatry at Rowville Sports Medicine Centre

Podiatrist

Caleb graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Podiatry.
He has extensive experience in all aspects of Podiatry with a special interest in Injury Prevention and Treatment through correction of Biomechanical factors ; Paediatrics and Athletic Footwear.

He has worked with a diverse patient base, gaining exposure to the assessment and rehabilitation of sporting injuries; orthotics; nail surgery; paediatrics; diabetes and general nail care in both the community health and private practice settings. His work with a specialist athletic footwear retailer and close association with leading brands gives him excellent footwear knowledge.

Caleb has a strong sporting background representing Australia in both Triathlon and Duathlon and Victoria in Athletics. He has a close association with the Knox Triathlon Club as both a Podiatrist and Athlete.

 

Harley Wallis

Podiatrist

 

Harley is a Podiatrist with a strong interest in sports and occupational related injuries of the foot, ankle and lower limb as a whole. Paediatrics is another major interest of Harley's within the field of Podiatry.

He has years of experience in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment of the lower limb which has been enhanced though his work at 'Active Feet', a technical footwear retailer, making him very competent and knowledgeable in corrective footwear prescription.

Harley has also worked in a variety of health care settings giving him exposure to all aspects of podiatry including: Sports Injuries, Diabetes Management, Paediatrics, Nail Surgery, Nail Care and Skin Disorders.


Harley is also a qualified Myotherapist, with 5 years or industry experience. Over that time he has treated a large range of conditions within the general public from ameteur through to elite athletes.

 

His work at high profile AFL and NRL clubs including Hawthorn, St Kilda and the Melbourne Storm along with his keen intrest in sport himself has given him much experience and understanding of what stresses sport and daily activities place on the body, while helping to solidify the essential skills for the assessment and treatment of all conditions.

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Sports injuries

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis/Fasciosis)

An overuse/irritation of the Plantar Fascia which is the thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. In Plantar Fasciitis the tissue becomes inflamed and degenerated. It is most commonly characterised by heel pain which is worst with the first few steps in the morning or after standing for long periods of time. In most cases there is a heel spur present however this generally is not the problem. Spurs develop due to excess pulling from the muscles and ligaments on the bone. Over pronation (rolling in) is major contributor.

Shin Splints/Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome(MTSS)

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is an overuse injury seen commonly in sports involving running. It is one of a number of different conditions that are sometimes labelled as ‘shin splints’. Another name for this condition is medial tibial traction periostitis. Patients often report pain in the shins due to muscles pulling on the bone. This pulling results in inflammation and micro-tearing of muscle. It sometimes disappears as you warm up then returns when you stop or the next day. If it gets worse the longer you run you need to get this check out straight away. If not treated it can easily lead to stress fractures. Over pronation (rolling in) is major contributor. If pronation is not controlled this condition will rarely resolve.

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonopathy

A very common running injury is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon resulting in degeneration of the normal structure of the tendon. It is characterised by pain in the back of the heel, usually just above the heel bone. It generally feels ok once you have warmed up and becomes worse when you finish or the next day. Over pronation (rolling in), a change in footwear or training are major contributors in the development of this condition.

Foot and Ankle Stress Fractures

Stress fractures of foot and lower leg are usually caused by overuse. Often caused by repeated pounding or impact on a hard surfaces, such as running on concrete. Increasing the time, type or intensity of your activity too rapidly is another cause, as is wearing improper footwear. The most common fracture sites in the foot are the second and fifth Metatarsal.

Treadmill Gait Analysis

Come and have your gait (walking/running) assessed. In many situations the way you walk or run is a major contributing factor to any ache or pain you may have in the feet, legs, knees hips or lowerback. You gait will be explained to you in slow motion and ways of how to correct it explained. This may involve corrective exercises, taping, padding or orthotics.

Ball of the Foot Pain (Mortons's Neuroma)

A painful condition affecting one or both feet whereby the nerves passing through the foot become irritated. If irritation occurs for prolonged periods reactions within the nerve, such as swelling and thickening occur. This thickening is called a Morton's Neuroma. Pain varies from a mild discomfort to a sharp shooting pain frequently described as a 'lightning bolt' which shoots into the toes. Tight, narrow or tapering footwear, high heels and weight bearing often exacerbate the pain. It most commonly occurs in the ball of the foot near the 3rd and 4th toes. Specific treatment is simple and generally gives almost instant relief. This is the most common but there are many other causes of pain in the ball of the foot. See your Podiatrist at RSMC if you have any pain.

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint. The 1st Met shifts resulting in a bump on the inside of the foot. They can become inflamed and very painful. The severity varies from a small bump to a large bump where sometimes the 1st toe shifts across so the 2nd overlaps it. Poor fitting shoes, including high heels accelerate the progression but most of the time genetics is the major predisposing factor. Over pronation (rolling in) is also a large contributor. Orthotics slow the progression and reduce pain. See your Podiatrist at RSMC for more details.

Ankle Sprains

Most commonly the result of a sudden rolling out of the ankle (inversion). This results in stretching and/or tearing of the ligaments and sometimes the tendons. The severity of ankle sprains varies but regardless of how severe, proper rehabilitation is most important to help prevent re-occurance. Your Podiatrist at RSMC can assist you with your rehabilitation.

Turf Toe

Caused by an sudden upward bending of the big toe. Common in people who play sport on artificial surfaces, due to shoes gripping, the bodyweight continuing to move forward resulting in the big toe bending up. Also common as a result of slipping off a step (going up) and pushing off activities. Soft flexible shoes will increase your risk of a “Turf Toe” injury.

Patello-Femoral Joint Syndrome (Knee pain)

Also known as “runner’s knee”, this is the most common knee condition characterised by pain around and under the knee cap. Almost anyone can get it, but it particularly affects runners, cyclists, hikers and office workers or anyone else who sits for a living. It is the result of misalignment of the knee bone as it tracks in its groove’s on the upper and lower leg bones and or an inflammation due to overuse putting extra pressure on the nerves.

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Podiatrist
Podiatrist

Childrens foot problems

Flat Feet

Children arches develop most between about 3 and 7 years of age. Before this time the fat pad has not fully reduced. If your child as excessively flat feet; complains of aches or pains in the feet, legs, knees, hips or lower back; or there is a family history of flat feet or the above problems then your child should be assessed by your Podiatrist at RSMC

Heel Pain (Sever's Disease)

Also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis, Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain, particularly in the young and physically active, whose bone structure has not yet fully formed. During puberty, the heel typically grows faster than the surrounding soft tissue, which means the Achilles tendon is pulled uncomfortably tight. It is most common in those involved in activities involving running and jumping (football, basketball and athletics). Very manageable with proper advice for your Podiatrist at RSMC

Pidgeon Toed / Intoe Gait

A common problem in children, which is associated with tripping or getting their feet tangled. It is a growth and developmental problem that generally corrects itself if mild. Between birth and early childhood the structures of the foot are made of soft cartilage, which may take some time to develop. The most common cause of in-toe gait is the child’s position in the uterus. Getting your child assessed early will determine if they will grow out of it and help prevent future problems. Management /corrective exercises maybe presciribed by your Podiatrist at RSMC

Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)

This is where, when standing the knees come together but the ankles do not. In children aged 2-7 some degree of this is normal. Even though a small degree of this is considered normal in some cases it still create foot, knee, hip and lower back pain. If your childs knees come together and they experience aches or pains they may need support or corrective exercises to help correct this.

Metatarsus Adductus

Metatarsus Adductus is a relatively common foot deformity which affects approximately 1 in 1500 births. It occurs as a result of the infant's position in the womb. It is characterized by the bones in the middle of the foot bending inward while the ankle and the back of the foot remain straight.Metatarsus Adductus often resolves on its own as the foot develops and normal walking occurs. Getting your child assessed early will determine if they will grow out of it and help prevent future problems. Management /corrective exercises maybe presciribed by your Podiatrist at RSMC

Toe Walking

A common issue where a child walks on there tip toes. This often resolves as the child develops. Getting your child assessed early will determine if they will grow out of it, and help prevent future problems. Management /corrective exercises maybe presciribed by your Podiatrist at RSMC

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Podiatrist
Podiatrist

Nail care

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the toe. It occurs when a sharp edge or corner of nail digs into the skin surrounding the toenail. The first signs are pain, inflammation and redness at the point the nail is digging into the skin. Sometimes extra tissue is grown and a pus may be drained from the skin. If left unattended it can become infected or grow an abscess. They are more common in adolescents and adults and can occur in any toe but usually present in the big toe. Your Podiatrist at RSMC will advise you on the best treatment for your ingrown nail.
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Hard to cut nails / Dificulty self treating

If you have Osteo / Rheumatoid Arthritis or certain medical conditions you may find it hard to care for your own feet. This is a common occurance, particularly in the aging population. Your Podiatrist at RSMC can help you manage your foot health on a regular basis. If you have a chronic medical condition (longer than 6 months), talk to your Doctor about a care plan for podiatry (EPC). On this medicare will cover $50.05 of your treatment.
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Fungal Nails/Thickend/Discoloured

This causes the nail to take on a discoloured appearance. In later stages the nail may become thick, flaky and/or brittle. Oral medication can be prescribed, however this will depend on your general health as the medication can have side effects. Treatment is important to prevent the problem spreading to other nails. We can reduce and clean the nail plus prescribe a special anti-fungal nail paint that is easily applied and has no known side effects.
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Skin care

Corns & Callouses

These painful lesions are a direct result of pressure and friction. A callous is a thickening of the skin due to pressure. It is the body's way of protecting an area being traumatised. Corns most commonlyoccur over bony areas of the foot. Generally speaking they form over the toes, between the toes or on the soles of the feet. A hard core puts pressure on the nerves which results in pain. Corns do not have roots. They form, they do not grow. Causes can be poorly fitted footwear, mechanical problems affecting the feet, clawing toes etc. Don't risk infection using self treatment. Corns can be removed with little discomfort.
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Warts

Warts (AKA Papilloma or Verruca). Are a growth on the foot caused by the Human Papilloma Virus which is contagious. Some warts spontaneously disappear as the body builds up its own immune defences. However, most warts remain and often spread to other areas of the foot or body. They can be very painful particularly if they are on a weight bearing area of the foot. There are many forms of treatment your podiatrist can advise you on. Treatment takes time, but results show a high rate of success. Don't neglect warts on your feet. They frequently multiply making them more difficult to treat.
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Tinea (Athletes Foot)

A common skin infection caused by a fungus. It lives and breeds best on areas of the body that stay warm, moist and irritated. It is commonly picked up from pools, gyms, socks, carpet and nail slaons that don't use sterile instruments. It is easily spread from person to person through direct or indirect contace. Symptoms usually include on or a combination of itching, peeling skin and in severe cases some cracking or bleeding. Your Podiatrist at RSPMC can provide you of ways to kill the Tinea.
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Dry Cracked/Heels

Cracked heels are a common foot problem also known as heel fissures. Caused by dry skin, and made more complicated if there is callous (thick/hard skin) on the heels. For most people it is a cosmetic problem but when the fissures or cracks are deep, they are painful to stand often lead to bleeding. They are more common over the warmer months when thongs and open back shoes are worn and in those with Diabetes or thyroid problems.although anyone can get them.
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Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Is a very common condition that is usually inherited. It can lead to cold feet, dehydration, masceration and infection. It sometimes shoes up as pitting in the skin most commonly on the heels, balls of the feet or tips of the toes. Your podiatrist at RSMC can advise you of certain socks and chemicals to help keep dry the feet.
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Podiatrist
Podiatrist

Back pain

A study by (Dananberg & Guiliano, American Journal of Podiatric Medicine, March 1999) Showed foot biomechanics contributes to chronic or acute recurrent/long term low back pain. Custom orthotics were proven more effective for improving symptoms of long term low back pain in patients whose foot function was not ideal, than were other treatment methods. It also showed that orthotics improved symptoms for longer periods of time.

No matter what the cause of your back pain, feet may further compound the problem. Orthotics correctly realign the foot and lower limb taking stress of the feet, knees , hips and lower back.

They can enhance the current treatment being received by your physiotherapist, chiropractor or other health professional. Get a video gait assessment by your Podiatrist at RSMC.

Orthotics

Orthotics are corrective devices for feet which are commonly known as arch supports, insoles or shoe inserts. They are designed to change abnormal biomechanics and/or re-distribute pressure across the foot. It is highly recommended that your Orthotics are custom prescribed and fitted by a Podiatrist to ensure optimal comfort, pain reduction and cushioning of your feet. They are commonly given for arch pain, heel pain & achilles tendonitis.
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Diabetes & feet

Diabetes can affect the feet in many ways. It can affect the functioning of the nerves, arteries, veins, skin and joints. Everyone with Diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels should have their feet assessed regularly to determine if there is any deterioration of the blood supply or feeling to feet. This can help in the prevention of Diabetes associated complications It is also recommended that anyone with diabetes checks their feet daily for any cuts, bruises, corns, callous or suspicious markings as there is a chance that if there is any neuropathy then these problems may go unnoticed therefore untreated and leading to complications. Your Podiatrist at RSMC can assess your feet and inform you and your doctor of any diabetes associated complications to your feet. Complications can include: numbness, pins and needles; thickened nails; corns; callouses; cramping and ulceration. Book for an assessment today.

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Podiatrist

General foot facts

Up to 70% of the Australian population with experience foot pain that affects their daily activities

People walk an average of 3 times around the world in a life time. That is approximately 130,000km

There are 26 bones in the foot along with many other structures (ligaments, tendons & muscles) designed to absorb shock and make us comfortable

Treat your feet well we only get one pair

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