Anandi van Heerden Podiatrist

12/10/2026

The way you walk is unique to you. But changes in your stride, balance, or foot position can reveal problems that deserve attention.

Walking feels automatic. Heel down, foot forward, push off, repeat. Behind that simple movement, however, your feet and ankles are constantly working to absorb impact, maintain balance, and move your body efficiently.

Some variation in walking patterns is completely normal. Problems can develop when certain movements place excessive pressure on particular areas of the foot. For example, a foot that rolls significantly inwards or outwards may change how forces travel through the ankle and leg.

Pay attention to everyday clues. Perhaps one shoe wears down much faster than the other. Maybe your feet regularly feel tired after relatively short walks, or you notice that you limp when pain develops. Recurring blisters and calluses in the same areas can also indicate repeated pressure during walking.

Your walking pattern can change because of foot pain, previous injuries, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, footwear, or changes in foot structure. The body may then compensate without you consciously noticing it.

Avoid trying to correct your walking pattern yourself based solely on shoe wear or online advice. If you experience persistent pain, repeated injuries, instability, or noticeable changes in how you walk, a podiatrist can perform a biomechanical and gait assessment to understand what is happening.

Every step leaves clues about how your feet are functioning. Paying attention to changes in your walking pattern can help identify problems early, before discomfort begins limiting work, exercise, or everyday movement.

03/10/2026

05/09/2026

What a great day out for all seniors of the west coast. Please join us on the day.

23/03/2026

Sore, aching feet at the end of the day aren’t just from “being busy.” There’s always a reason, and understanding it is the first step to real relief.

That dull, throbbing ache after a long day isn’t something you should simply accept. Your feet are supporting your full body weight for hours, and when something is off, they let you know.

One of the biggest culprits is prolonged standing or walking. Whether you're working retail, teaching, or constantly on the move, your feet don’t get enough time to recover. Muscles fatigue. Blood pools. Pressure builds.

Footwear plays a major role. Shoes without proper support force your feet to work harder. Flat soles, worn-out trainers, or tight shoes can all lead to strain in the arches, heels, and toes. Over time, this can trigger conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendon irritation.

There’s also the issue of poor biomechanics. If your feet roll inwards or outwards too much, certain areas take more pressure than they should. This imbalance can cause pain not only in the feet, but also in the knees and lower back.

So what helps? Start simple. Elevate your feet after work to reduce swelling. Stretch your calves and arches. Roll a ball under your foot to release tension. And most importantly, wear shoes that support your daily demands.

If the pain is constant or worsening, don’t ignore it. A podiatrist can assess your gait and provide targeted solutions.

End-of-day foot pain isn’t just fatigue; it’s feedback. Listen to it. With the right support and habits, you can finish your day as comfortably as you started it.

23/03/2026

Examining the relationship between plantar callus formation and ulcer development in diabetic patients.

Calluses form when repeated pressure or friction causes the skin to thicken as a protective response. While this may seem harmless, excessive callus formation is a major risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers.

Studies have shown that plantar calluses can increase localised pressure under the foot by up to 30%. In people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, this added pressure may lead to tissue breakdown without the patient noticing pain.

In South Africa, where diabetes prevalence continues to rise, identifying high-risk signs such as callus formation is critical. Many patients may ignore thickened skin until it progresses into a serious wound.

Podiatrists play a vital preventative role by safely debriding calluses, redistributing pressure through orthotics, and educating patients about daily foot inspections.

Calluses are more than cosmetic—they can signal dangerous pressure points in diabetic feet. Early intervention by podiatrists in South Africa can prevent ulceration and reduce amputation risk.

Source

Murray HJ, et al. The association between callus formation and ulceration in diabetic feet.
Diabetic Medicine.
https://f.mtr.cool/zeddqcnjmk

20/01/2026

You stretch your legs. You stretch your back. But when was the last time you stretched your feet? This overlooked habit can improve balance, reduce pain, and keep you moving with ease.

Feet take a pounding every day, carrying your full body weight with every step, stabilising your posture, and absorbing shock. But unlike other muscles, they’re often forgotten when it comes to stretching and mobility work.

Tight foot muscles can lead to heel pain, plantar fasciitis, toe cramps, and even ankle stiffness. Over time, this tension affects how you walk and can lead to knock-on effects in your knees, hips, and lower back.

Simple stretches make a big difference. Start with toe spreads, try lifting and separating your toes while standing or sitting. It wakes up the small stabiliser muscles that support your arch.

Calf stretches are just as important, since tight calves pull on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Stand facing a wall, step one foot back, and lean forward until you feel the stretch in your calf. Hold for 30 seconds on each side.

For the soles, try rolling a ball (tennis or massage ball) under your foot for a gentle, targeted release. You can also pull your toes back towards you while seated, using a towel or band for added control.

Make foot stretching part of your daily routine, especially if you stand for long hours, play sports, or experience frequent foot discomfort.

Conclusion:
Healthy feet are flexible feet. Stretching doesn’t take long, but the benefits add up quickly. Loosen up your foundation, and your entire body will feel the difference one step at a time.