If you’ve been diagnosed with a plantar plate tear, taping your toe can be one of the most effective ways to reduce pain, protect the injured ligament, and support healing. In this video, Cameron Liles, Principal Podiatrist at Achieve Podiatry, demonstrates the taping technique we commonly prescribe for patients recovering from a plantar plate injury.…

If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you’ll know how painful they can be. A common concern we hear is: “Are you going to cut my nail out permanently?” The good news is-usually not. In most cases, we take a conservative, step-by-step approach, aiming to fix the problem with the simplest treatment possible. Here’s what…

What is Gout? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Explained  If you’ve ever woken up with sudden, severe pain in your big toe, so painful even the bedsheet feels unbearable, you might have experienced gout.  Gout is one of the most common causes of sudden foot pain we see in clinic, yet it’s often misunderstood. The good news? With the right treatment and understanding, it’s very…

The Importance of Foot Muscles in Lower Limb Function  Strong foot muscles play an important role in overall lower limb function. The foot contains a combination of intrinsic muscles, which originate and insert within the foot itself, and extrinsic muscles, which originate in the lower leg and attach into the foot. Together, these muscles contribute to how we move,…

This taping technique is designed to support the 1st metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) joint when you’re dealing with hallux valgus and pain at end-range loading, particularly into dorsiflexion. In the video, we show how to start with anchors placed: Along the medial arch, and Around the medial aspect of the hallux at the IPJ From there, layers…

Not sure when you should see a podiatrist? You’re not alone-many people aren’t entirely sure what a podiatrist does! In this article, we’ll cover five common reasons to book an appointment. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how your local Port Macquarie Podiatrist Cameron Liles can help keep your feet-and you-moving comfortably.…

Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, and plantar fasciitis is often the go-to diagnosis. But there’s another condition that can feel almost exactly the same – and can be harder to treat if it’s not properly identified – and that’s Baxter’s nerve entrapment. Let’s take a look at how these two…

When it comes to recovering from a lower limb injury, a team-based approach is often the most effective way forward. Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone who simply wants to return to pain-free walking or jogging, having the right professionals around you can make a big difference.  That’s where multidisciplinary care comes in –…

At Achieve Podiatry, we always aim to provide evidence-based treatment and clear guidance to our patients. As a podiatrist, I often highlight the risks of following anecdotal advice-especially when someone claims a “miracle fix” for an injury. But in this post, I want to share my own experience with Achilles tendinopathy to give you a…

In this article, we’ll walk you through what you can do at home to help manage stubborn heel pain – specifically plantar fasciitis – without needing to see a podiatrist straight away. A Quick Note Before We Start This guide isn’t designed to replace professional care. But we know many people turn to Google when…

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic-and it’s no surprise. Whether you’re a runner, a tradie, or just spend a lot of time on your feet, that sharp pain under the heel can really disrupt your day. One of the most talked-about culprits? The heel spur. But here’s…

Being prescribed orthotics for the first time can raise a lot of questions. At Achieve Podiatry, we’re here to guide you through the process so you can get the best out of your orthotics and achieve your goals-whether that’s reducing pain, improving function, or preventing injury. This guide explains what to expect, how to wear…

At Achieve Podiatry, we regularly see patients struggling with dry, cracked heels, thick callus, or foot eczema that just won’t settle down with regular moisturisers alone. One highly effective, underused treatment method is wet wrap therapy-a simple yet powerful way to rehydrate the skin, relieve itching, and enhance the effectiveness of foot creams and topical…

Did you know podiatrists have a handy trick up their sleeve for relieving pressure and discomfort between the toes? It’s called Otoform – a silicone-based compound that can be moulded into customised wedges to help manage corns, calluses, and painful joints. In this video, our podiatrist Cameron demonstrates how Otoform can be used to offload…

 If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’ve seen a podiatrist for ongoing heel pain – the type that’s worst with your first few steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting. You may have been told you have plantar fasciopathy – a more accurate term than the commonly used plantar fasciitis. …

Comprehensive Two-Day Course on Foot Orthoses Theory, understanding and Practical Introduction The primary objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of all aspects required to enhance and maintain high-quality foot orthosis practice. While biomechanics plays a central role, the course also emphasizes the critical importance of material selection, cost considerations, necessary equipment,…

Lisfranc injuries, while not as commonly discussed as other foot issues, can be incredibly debilitating. These injuries affect the Lisfranc joint complex, a crucial part of the midfoot responsible for stability and proper gait. In this guide, we’ll break down what Lisfranc injuries are, who’s at risk, how they’re diagnosed, the treatment options available, and…

Foot orthotics are specialised devices designed to support foot mechanics and reduce pain-inducing stresses on the body. They play a crucial role in managing various foot-related conditions, from plantar fasciitis to structural imbalances. However, when considering foot orthotics, many people face a key decision: should they opt for pre-fabricated or custom orthotics? Each option has…

Today, I’d like to take a slightly philosophical detour – not for the sake of abstract thought, but because sometimes the deepest insights about health come when we zoom out and ask: What kind of life do I want to live? And how can my daily habits help me live it fully?  As a podiatrist,…

What Is the Night Wrap? Despite the name, it’s not a skincare routine or the name of a trendy Melbourne bar. The Night Wrap is a topical, overnight anti-inflammatory treatment used to relieve pain, swelling, bruising, and crepitus (a creaking sensation in tissues, often around tendons or joints). It involves applying a combination of two…

Strength training is often underestimated by runners who worry it may lead to fatigue, soreness, or interfere with their running performance. However, when done correctly, it is one of the most effective tools to reduce the risk of injury, improve running performance, and enhance bone health-all with just two to three sessions per week. Many…

Corns are a common foot ailment that can cause significant discomfort and pain. These thickened areas of skin form due to repeated pressure or friction, typically developing on the tops and sides of the toes or on the soles of the feet. If you’ve ever struggled with corns, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll…

What Are Ingrown Toenails? Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocryptosis, occur when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and even infection if not addressed promptly. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, toe injuries, and genetic predisposition. Understanding the…

Heel pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s due to an injury, overuse, or an underlying medical condition, heel pain can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Achieve Podiatry and authored by Cameron Liles, we explore the…

The Old Debate: Are Barefoot Shoes Good for Your Feet? The common argument goes that barefoot shoes are beneficial because they mimic the way humans were meant to walk-after all, it’s natural! But not all things that are natural are good for us all the time. For instance, getting mauled by a bear is natural,…

At Achieve Podiatry, we believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare, working closely with other professionals within the Port Macquarie Sports Medicine Centre to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. The benefits of multidisciplinary care are well-documented, and having a diverse team under one roof allows us to develop more effective rehabilitation plans…

Imagine you’re out for a run, your feet hitting the pavement in a rhythmic cadence. You feel the power in your legs propelling you forward, but have you ever wondered what’s happening beneath the surface that makes this possible? One key player in this intricate dance is your tendons, particularly the stiffness of these tendons.…

Shin pain is a common issue among athletes and active individuals. Two frequent causes of this pain are shin splints and stress fractures. Understanding the differences between these conditions, their symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies is crucial for proper management and recovery. In this article, we will explore these aspects in detail. What is the…

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common complaint among runners, athletes, and individuals who engage in repetitive high-impact activities. Characterised by pain along the shinbone (tibia), shin splints can be frustrating and even debilitating if left unmanaged. At Achieve Podiatry, we understand the impact this condition can have on your…

What is an AFO? An Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) is a medical device designed to support and stabilize the ankle and foot. AFOs are commonly used to address various conditions that affect mobility and stability in the lower extremities. They are typically made from lightweight materials such as plastic or carbon fiber and can be custom-fitted…

Moon boots, also known as walking boots or orthopaedic boots, are a common medical device used to stabilise and protect the foot and ankle during recovery from various injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a fracture, sprain, or ligament damage, knowing how to use a moon boot correctly can make all the difference in your healing…

Midfoot arthritis is a condition that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Many patients are unsure about what midfoot arthritis is, who is at risk, and the steps they can take to manage the pain. This article will explore the key aspects of midfoot arthritis and provide practical advice on managing the condition,…

If you’re experiencing pain on the outer middle part of your foot, there could be a few possible causes. Today, we’ll discuss some common conditions that lead to lateral foot pain and how to identify what might be causing yours. Understanding Your Pain: How Did It Start? The first step in narrowing down the cause…

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a prevalent injury among runners, characterised by pain on the outer side of the knee. This condition can be particularly challenging, especially when preparing for significant events like marathons. Recent peer-reviewed studies have provided deeper insights into the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for ITBS, which are essential for runners…

Increasing your weekly running volume can significantly enhance your fitness and overall health. More running not only boosts your physical conditioning but also improves sleep quality and helps alleviate stress. If you’re aiming to participate in races, ramping up your running volume will help improve your running economy and shave time off your race results.…

Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight-there’s no such thing as 100% injury prevention. Foot injuries happen. Whether you’re running, playing sport, or just going about daily life, sometimes things go wrong. But there are evidence-backed strategies that can reduce your risk, minimise severity, and keep you on your feet for longer. Here…

First of all, let’s discuss what we mean by plantar fasciitis. This term is not the most accurate, and instead, we should probably refer to this injury as plantar fasciosis. This distinction is important because, rather than inflammation being the primary culprit, this condition is often more linked to a degenerative process. Alternatively, we could…

Understanding Forefoot Pain Foot pain, particularly in the forefoot region, can significantly impact daily activities, especially for those who are physically active. At Achieve Podiatry, we understand that whether you’re a runner, athlete, or simply someone who spends a lot of time on your feet, forefoot pain can be a debilitating issue. In this guide,…

Falls among the elderly can have serious consequences, ranging from minor injuries to severe fractures and a loss of independence. However, many of these falls can be prevented by taking the right precautions, including choosing appropriate footwear. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of falls on the elderly, identify common risk factors, and discuss…

At Achieve Podiatry, we frequently prescribe foot orthotics to help manage various foot conditions. However, unlike spectacles, which are often required for life, foot orthotics are typically used for a short period. Their primary function is not to create permanent gait changes but to reduce excessive load on different areas of the foot and ankle,…

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a bony prominence at the base of the big toe caused by changes in joint alignment. It is defined by two key angles: the angle between the first and second metatarsals and the angle between the first metatarsal and the big toe. While a bunion is a…

There’s a common belief that thongs are terrible for your feet. But I’m going against the crowd today to say that, in general, thongs are not bad for your feet. In fact, for some people, they can be a fantastic option-sometimes even better than enclosed lace-up shoes. What Makes Thongs a Good Choice? No upper…

The Wrap Protocol for Achilles Tendonitis and Peritendonitis What is it and who does it help? This simple and effective wrap technique is designed to reduce inflammation and ease pain in irritated tendons-particularly those close to the skin. It’s something I often recommend to patients in clinic, especially when they’re dealing with: Achilles tendinopathy or…