Move pain free

Biomechanics is the study of human movement.

Your feet can have loads of be up to 5 times your body weight each stride when you run!

Gait Analysis is a clinical tool used to assess the way your body moves when walking or running.  One of the common factors that contribute to foot and leg related injury is walking and running technique. 

Here at FARC we utilise computer and video software to better assess your walking and running technique. This technology helps us to identify the specific factors which may help settle your current injury, reduce the risk of future injury, improve your efficiency and optimise performance.

Start Your Children Off On The Right Foot

WE HAVE EXTENSIVE PODOPAEDIATRIC (CHILDREN’S FEET) EXPERIENCE AND CAN PROVIDE ASSESSMENT, ADVICE & TREATMENT ON MANY CHILDREN'S FOOT AND LOWER LIMB COMPLAINTS INCLUDING:

• Curly toes

• Paediatric flat foot with or without any associated medical conditions

• Foot pain associated with juvenile arthritis

• Nail conditions

• Warts

• Growing pains

• Toe Walking with or without a medical cause

• Heel pain

• Excessive in-toe or out-toe walking

• Footwear and abnormal wear in shoes

• Positional talipes (a common foot condition in newborn babies that may affect one or both feet. In positional talipes the foot rests down and inwards but remains flexible.)

• Metatarsus adductus (a common foot deformity noted at birth that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward.)

When treatment is required for any of these conditions, we may provide a strength and stretching program, footwear advice, splinting, casting or orthotic therapy. We can also advise and assist in organising specialist referral and therefore have a commitment to working in conjunction with a child's other healthcare providers. FARC Podiatrists are available for kindergarten and school foot checks and screenings.

RECOVER LIKE A PRO

Our Launceston clinic is equipped with a Pro-Ice cold compression unit.

This portable unit integrates proven cold and compression therapies (ie. RICES) that sets a new standard in the care of acute soft tissue injury and post-surgical recovery. The PRO-ICE machine works by cycling ice cold water through a cuff along with an air chamber that provides 15 to 75mmHg compression levels to the injured area. 

At FARC we have compression cuffs for the foot/ankle, knee and thigh. When used in the initial stages following acute soft tissue injuries, integrated active compression and cold therapies units are very effective at:

• reducing pain

• reducing swelling

• reducing muscle spasms

• enhancing lymphatic function, and

• encourage oxygenated blood flow

• reducing the need to take oral pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medications.

These units are commonly found in most AFL, NRL & A League team medical treatment rooms. Our Pro-Ice Unit is available at our Launceston clinic only and is also available for hire for individual and sports team use.

Removal without the side effects

Fungal toenails or Onychomycosis is a common condition that we care for in our podiatry clinics. Onychomycosis can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It is a condition that is generally pain free but can cause physical pain and discomfort if it progresses. People can also be aware of the aesthetic look of the toenail, as it will often be discoloured yellow, white or even brown. The nail can be flaky and irregular in growth.

AT FARC WE HAVE A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO MANAGE FUNGAL NAIL INFECTIONS

We are the only practice in Tasmania that has a 1064nm laser for treatment of fungal nail infections. Laser is one of the most effective ways to treat this unsightly condition. Unlike other medicated treatment options on the market there are no known side effects.

For more information download our fungal laser information sheet or contact one of Podiatrists to discuss your treatment options.

CLEAR PLANTAR WARTS WITH our NEW TREATMENT

PLANTAR WARTS, ALSO KNOWN AS VERRUCA PEDIS, ARE INFECTIONS IN THE SKIN CAUSED BY THE HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV).

Traditional treatments for plantar warts include burning, freezing, acid treatments, persistence, lots of appointments and expense – all of which can be painful and not much fun!

At FARC we have introduced a new treatment that enables us to treat warts with minimal discomfort and fast results. This new treatment is safer than most other treatments and is very specific to the wart, causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin, minimising the risk of scarring that some of the other therapies may lead to. When compared to other treatments, pain and discomfort is minimal and generally requires far fewer treatments!

WHAT IS CANTHARIDINIS?

Cantharidin is a chemical compound that is naturally secreted by many species of blister beetle including the Spanish fly. In diluted form it can be an effective way of removing warts and is also known as the beetle juice wart treatment.

Cantharadin, when applied carefully in a specific area causes blistering to skin containing the wart virus, separating the wart infected skin from the surrounding healthy skin, while not leaving scar tissue unlike other available therapies. Cantharadin separates the wart infected tissue away from the healthy tissue with minimal damage to the healthy tissue. This means faster treatments, less pain, less expense and better results.

All of our clinics have this treatment available and all our clinicians are trained in using cantharadin. When topical and conservative treatments such as Cantharadin aren’t successful all of our Podiatrist are trained to remove a wart surgically under local anaesthetic.

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY TO REDUCE PAIN

Treat soft tissue conditions such as heel pain and tendon injuries effectively with Shockwave Therapy.

Shockwave Therapy uses high energy soundwaves transmitted from a probe held against and passing through the skin and spreading outwards into the underlying tissues. This is believed to induce increased blood flow and metabolic activity around the site of pain accelerating the healing process. At the very least it is very effective at reducing pain in the area treated. It is a very safe treatment modality. 

After a simple examination of the affected area, shockwaves are applied via a handpiece held against the skin. The initial phase of treatment may cause some deep pain however this indicates correct targeting of the problem area. This is usually followed by numbness or heaviness in the area and the latter phase of the treatment feels less painful. The duration of the treatment sessions are 10 minutes, during which you may receive up to 3000 pulses. Many patients get pain relief in just 8-10 days after the first treatment. Depending on the condition and your response you may require from 1 to 5 treatments, although the average is 3.

After the treatment, you may feel some soreness which may intensify on the night of treatment. Simple analgesia and icing may be required to control this pain. There may also be some minor bruising in the treatment area. You should rest from aggravating activities for 2-3 days after treatment as your practitioner will discuss with you.

Side effects of this treatment may include:

• Post-treatment pain as above.

• Local bruising – uncommon and minor.

• Tendon rupture has not been reported following radial shockwave therapy, unlike cortisone injection and surgery.

We prescribe and issue Orthotics to reduce pain & improve the way you move.

Foot orthotics improve the overall functions of the feet and lower legs by optimizing the efficiency of your walking and running gait.  They can also be used to reduce the force or load applied to a particular foot and ankle structure to allow time for it to heal.

At FARC we issue and prescribe the full spectrum of orthotics.  Ranging from over the counter (Prefabricated), Semi-Custom, Customised and Ankle Foot Orthoses.

Our orthotic devices are designed in a range of sizes, shapes, with supportive and cushioning features.  We prescribe and issue orthotics made from a range of materials such as Carbon Fibre, Polypropolene, Sorbathane and EVA.

At FARC we use progressive techniques to assess your feet and the way you move, enabling us to provide you with comfortable and functional orthotic devices that can be slim, lightweight and durable.

Semi Custom

We issue Semi Custom devices patients who requires more than a pre-made device but may not need the full Custom Made orthotic.    These are less expensive than Custom Made devices and suit patients and are often suitable for children/teens as they grow and need them to be replaced as their feet grow.  Our Semi Custom orthotics designs come in:

• Four Cast Designs

• Three Arch Heights

• Four Rear-foot Corrections

• 12 sizes, from children to adults

• Available in all Shell Materials

OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) OR PRE FABRICATED

FARC stocks an extensive range of prefabricated orthoses that can be simply issued, when clinically indicated,  in the clinic at your initial consultation by one of our Podiatrists.

An ingrown nail is usually caused by a piece of nail poking into the side of the skin (sulcus), or into the nail bed itself. This allows for the entry of bacteria into the area which causes an infection in the toe. Ingrown nails are often painful and can limit your ability to exercise, work and wear enclosed shoes.

What can cause an ingrown toenail?

• Family History

• Trauma

• Involuted (Curved) Nails

• Ill-Fitting Footwear

• Poor Nail Care

• Nail Picking

• Poor Hygiene

Treatment

In the first instance we can attempt to remove the offending nail particle and drain the infection. This will provide instant pain relief. Sometimes however with severe cases our Podiatrists may be required to perform a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic and permanently remove part of the nail (Partial Nail Avulsion).

Recover faster with FARC

RECOVERY IS A KEY COMPONENT FOR ANY ATHLETE WANTING TO MAKE GAINS IN THEIR PERFORMANCE AND PREVENT INJURY.

WHAT IS NORMATEC?

NormaTec is the leader in rapid recovery and has created a system that aims to speed up the bodies natural recovery processes. The system provides a dynamic compression in a patented pulsed pattern to the lower limb, aiming to mobilize fluid and toxins that have accumulated in the muscles and joints. Intern this allows for increased venous return and improved blood flow and oxygenation which is extremely important when it comes to recovery and rehabilitation.

HOW DOES NORMATEC WORK?

Initially you will be fitted in the NormaTec Recovery Boots when they are deflated then once zipped up you will first undergo a pre-inflation phase to allow the boot to conform to your exact leg shape. The patented pulsed compression action will then begin (see image above) with a sensation similar to kneading/massage action. Chamber by chamber the boots will fill working their way from you foot to hip, pushing fluid back in the direction of your heart to flush the leg. Once a cycle has completed the leg will deflate and fresh blood will flow back into the lower limb.

WHO USES NORMATEC?

• NBA, NFL, AFL, NRL Teams

• CrossFit Pro's, Triathletes, Ironmen, Ironwomen, UFC Cage fighters

• BMC Racing Team, Boston Celtics, St.Louis Rams, Adelaide Crows and many more...

• Lebron James, Vitor Belfort, Kevin Garnett, Amare Stoudemire, Taylor Walker, Patrick Dangerfield, Adam Goodes, and many more....

THESE UNITS HELP ATHLETES RECOVER:

• faster from fatigue

• reduce muscle soreness

• improve their ability to maintain performance levels after repeated bouts of exercise, training and competition.

• quickly remove metabolic waste products from the blood after exercise e.g. lactate

• quickly return to pre-exercise creatine kinase (CK) levels (CK is a marker of muscle damage).

Please note this service is only offered at our Riverside clinic. The unit is portable and can be hired out individually or to sports teams.

BACKED BY RESEARCH

NormaTec continues to build an impressive evidence base promoting the benefits of using the system. Examples of this research can be found by clicking below. 

www.normatecrecovery.com/science

The Richie Brace is a custom ankle foot orthosis (AFO) designed to treat complex and chronic conditions of the foot and ankle. Introduced to the medical community in 1996, the Richie Brace has revolutionised the non-operative approach to the most challenging pathologies treated by foot and ankle specialists.

With a contoured balanced orthotic footplate articulated to adjustable semi-rigid lower leg uprights, the Richie Brace is ideally suited to stabilise rotational forces at the midtarsal, subtalar and talocrural joints. Modifications and enhancements are available to add further restriction of motion in the sagittal, frontal or transverse plane.

The Richie Brace is fabricated from an impression cast taken of the patient's foot and lower leg. Best of all, its lightweight, low-profile design is preferred by patients over traditional longer leg solid shell ankle foot orthoses.

Richie Brace AFOs are well suited to treating a number of conditions, including:

• Adult acquired flatfoot secondary to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

• Lateral ankle instability.

• Degenerative joint disease of the ankle or rearfoot.

• Peroneal tendinopathy.

• Dropfoot.

FARC is proud to offer the Richie Brace as part of our approach to the most challenging pathologies.

Did you know that each foot has 33 little joints? Each of these joints plays a pivotal role is allowing our feet to move and adapt to the surfaces we walk on day in, day out! When one (or many) of these joints is not functioning effectively it can limit our overall movement and ability to stay active.

Our Podiatrist have undergone postgraduate study in Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to enable these 33 little joints to move and function efficiently.

Foot Mobilisation Therapy is a hands on treatment technique that gently helps maximise the efficiency of joints by isolating each joint and moving it through its range of motion. This treatment is coupled with a home exercise program to optimise mobility and stability of these joints.

Is a treatment modality that can be used in conjunction with other treatment options for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. The object of DRY Needling is to release taught or tight bands in the muscle called trigger points that may be causing local or referred pain. This in turn allows the muscles to relax. Improve function, reduce pain and decrease risk of injury.

This process is generally non painful as the needles used are very thin and left in situ for around 5 to 10 minutes.

Let us help with your Skin or Nail concerns

We enjoy being able to help with all of your skin and nail concerns. We take pride in taking the time to care for your skin and nails so that they stay strong and resilient, helping to keep you active, healthy and happy.

Some of the conditions we commonly help people with are; thickened toenails, hard skin/callus, ingrown toenails, corns, difficult to cut toenails, warts, fungal toenails, cracked heels and Tinea Pedis/Athlete’s Foot.

Most of the treatments we use to help you are pain-free. If you have a particularly sore or painful lesion we are able to use local anaesthetic to numb the area. This will help us to treat the sore area so that you can get back to your normal activity!

Let us help you find the perfect Footwear to prevent injury & aid recovery

We are passionate about footwear and qualified to fit all types as part of your active management plan. Footwear is often a major causative factor that can be addressed to allow an injury to rest and heal, getting you back to the daily activity you enjoy!

We understand the importance of not only the shoes for your activity (running, golf, football, netball etc), but your work and day-to-day shoes that you spend the majority of your time in.

Before investing in a pair of shoes that aren’t the most appropriate for your foot type or function, we recommended seeking advice from a podiatrist. In the clinic, your Podiatrist can assess your dynamic foot function using video gait analysis. This allows for slowing down, measurement and specific assessment of your biomechanics and footwear to allow accurate recommendation of the best shoe for you!

We are also stockists of the full Dr Comfort footwear range.

Diabetes and your feet

Looking for some help to manage your Diabetes & Feet?

Diabetes is a highly prevalent condition in Australia. Many people, however, are not aware of the effects it can have on the feet. High blood glucose levels can affect many systems within the body, which regrettably can lead to high incidences of lower limb amputation. This is why it is so important to have ongoing preventative Podiatry care. 

Regular assessments are required for optimum foot care, in which we can assess the following; blood supply, nerve function, walking gait and biomechanics, footwear, skin and nail conditions, wounds, activity levels in helping to manage blood glucose levels.

As Podiatrists, we are qualified to fit CAM Walkers and Moon Boots as part of your management plan. These devices are used where specific injuries mean non-weight bearing or minimal weight bearing is required, with or without crutches, to allow an injury to rest and heal.

Some of the specific injuries that CAM Walkers and Moon Boots are used in managing are; stress fractures, stress reactions, non-displaced fractures, post surgical off loading, ankle sprains, ligament tears / strains, heel pain.

Private health insurers generally provide rebates on CAM Walkers and Moon Boots when fitted by our Podiatrists.

We stock a wide range of Topical Foot Creams & Foot Health Products!

We stock a small range of professionally selected foot health products available as a convenient part of your overall management plan.

Foot care products are a vital part of the management of many skin & nail conditions, including: Blisters, Anhydrosis Warts/Verruca, Hyperhidrosis Dry cracked heels, Type 2 Diabetes Discoloured toenails, Tinea Pedis Fungal toenails, Athlete’s Foot, & more!

For products we do not stock, we will be able to point you in the right direction to find what you’re looking for.

If you want us to help you with one of our professionally selected foot health products or advice for other podiatry problems such as sports injuries or arthritis pain, please come in, give us a call or book your appointment online. We look forward to caring for you soon!

Make your cycling shoe the extension of yourself!

FARC podiatrists are endorsed fitters and prescribers of custom made Cobra 9 Cycling Performance Orthotics – the leading performance orthotic on the market!

Cobra 9 cycling orthotics have a bi directional carbon fibre inner core that offers increased stability and support while remaining incredibly streamlined and light at less than 34 grams.

For more information please contact our clinic or go to:

www.cobra9.com.au

Let us help you remain on your feet & dancing.

The nature of ballet and dancing places a lot of stress and pressure on the feet and legs which makes them prone to injury. Some of the most common ballet and dance injuries can be managed easily with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Because of the physical demands of ballet, dancers are 80% more at risk of injury than the general population. Some of the common injuries that dancer’s may face are:

Ankle Sprains and Impingements, Achilles and other lower limb tendinopathies, stress fractures, bunions, corns /callous

At FARC we can perform specific pre-pointe assessments before a dancer progresses to pointe work.

The screening will help develop an awareness about correct and incorrect positions which will help the dancer on their pathway to going en pointe.

During a pre-pointe assessment, we take the following into consideration

• Basic Ballet Technique

• Foot, ankle and leg strength

• Joint range

• Posture and core control

• Anatomical structure of the foot and compensations

• Growth and maturity

At FARC we have vast experience in dealing with these and many other dance related injuries to the foot and ankle. Early intervention and diagnosis is the key to correct rehabilitation and recovery.