Lawrence Atrash, Podiatrist

Lawrence Atrash, Podiatrist General Foot care, Sports Injuries, Orthotics, Diabetic foot care and Assessment

18/08/2026

Your feet often reveal the first signs of trouble. Paying attention to subtle changes today could help you prevent more serious problems tomorrow.

Your feet are remarkably good at sending warning signals. The challenge is that these signals are often ignored until they become painful enough to disrupt daily life. By then, what started as a minor issue may require far more treatment than if it had been caught early.

A change in the way you walk is one of the first signs to watch for. If you begin limping, favouring one foot, or wearing your shoes unevenly, your body is already compensating for discomfort or poor foot function. These changes can eventually affect your knees, hips, and lower back.

The appearance of your feet also tells an important story. Swelling, redness, new lumps, thickened nails, or skin that suddenly becomes dry or cracked may indicate pressure problems, infection, poor circulation, or changes in foot mechanics. While these signs may seem small, they shouldn't be ignored.

Pain is another important clue. Whether it's a dull ache after work or sharp discomfort when taking your first steps in the morning, persistent pain is your body's way of telling you something isn't working as it should.

Making time to inspect your feet regularly and wearing supportive footwear are simple habits that can help you identify problems before they worsen. If you notice changes that don't improve or symptoms that continue to return, a podiatrist can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Your feet often know something is wrong before the rest of your body does. Listening to these early warning signs can help prevent more serious problems, protect your mobility, and keep you active for years to come.

18/08/2026

Healthy ageing depends on maintaining mobility, and strong feet are a critical part of that equation. As people age, the intrinsic muscles of the feet naturally weaken, reducing stability and increasing the risk of falls, foot deformities, and walking difficulties.

Research has shown that reduced foot muscle strength is associated with slower walking speed, impaired balance, and a greater likelihood of falls. These changes can affect confidence, leading older adults to become less active, which further accelerates muscle weakness and functional decline.

South Africa's ageing population is growing, and many older adults have limited access to rehabilitation services. Podiatrists can help preserve mobility by assessing foot strength during routine examinations and prescribing simple strengthening exercises, alongside footwear advice and orthotic therapy where appropriate.

Community-based exercise programmes and multidisciplinary falls prevention initiatives also provide opportunities for podiatrists to contribute to healthy ageing.

Strong feet support independent living. South African podiatrists can help older adults remain active and confident through early intervention and preventative care.

Source
Mickle KJ, et al. Foot muscle size and strength are associated with mobility in older adults.
Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences.
https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/71/12/1596/2605428

18/08/2026

Long flights, road trips, and hours of sightseeing can take a toll on your feet. A little planning can keep them comfortable from departure to arrival.

Travelling is exciting, but it often means spending more time on your feet than usual. Whether you're exploring a new city, waiting in airport queues, or sitting for hours on a plane, your feet face challenges they don't encounter in everyday life.

Long periods of sitting can reduce circulation and lead to swollen feet and ankles. During flights or long drives, make an effort to move regularly. Stand up when it's safe to do so, flex your ankles, and wiggle your toes every hour to encourage healthy blood flow.

Comfortable footwear is essential. It may be tempting to travel in sandals or brand-new shoes, but supportive, well-fitted footwear is the better choice. Your feet naturally swell throughout the day, so shoes with enough room in the toe box will remain comfortable even after hours of travel.

If you'll be walking long distances, pack an extra pair of socks. Dry socks help reduce friction, lowering your risk of blisters. Staying hydrated is equally important, particularly during air travel, as dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps and fatigue.

After a busy day of sightseeing, give your feet a chance to recover. Elevate them for a few minutes, perform gentle calf and foot stretches, and inspect your feet for blisters or areas of irritation before they become bigger problems.

Your holiday should be remembered for the places you visited, not the foot pain you brought home. Looking after your feet while travelling helps you stay comfortable, active, and ready to enjoy every step of the journey.

18/08/2026

It takes less than a minute, but a daily foot check can help you spot problems before they become painful or difficult to treat.

Most people look in the mirror every morning, but very few look at their feet. That’s a missed opportunity. A quick daily foot check can help you identify small problems before they develop into bigger ones.

Start by looking at the tops, soles, heels, and between your toes. You're checking for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, cracked skin, or changes in colour. These may seem minor, but they can worsen if they go unnoticed.

Next, pay attention to your toenails. Look for thickening, discolouration, ingrown nails, or signs of infection. Healthy nails should be smooth and free from pain.

Don't forget to notice how your feet feel. New pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations shouldn't be ignored. These symptoms may indicate nerve irritation, inflammation, or an underlying medical condition that needs attention.

People living with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should make foot checks part of their daily routine. If it's difficult to see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member to help.

After your inspection, wash and dry your feet thoroughly, moisturise dry skin, and put on clean, well-fitting socks and supportive footwear.

A daily foot check is one of the simplest habits you can build for long-term foot health. Spending just a minute each day can help you detect problems early, seek treatment sooner, and keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and ready for every step ahead.

18/08/2026

Metatarsalgia refers to pain beneath the ball of the foot and is a common complaint seen in podiatry practice. Rather than being a diagnosis itself, it is a symptom that may result from excessive pressure, abnormal foot mechanics, toe deformities, or inappropriate footwear.

Research has shown that pressure redistribution is one of the most effective conservative treatment strategies. Custom orthoses, metatarsal pads, footwear modifications, and activity adjustments can significantly reduce symptoms without surgery.

In South Africa, many patients continue to wear narrow or unsupportive footwear because of workplace requirements or limited access to properly fitted shoes. Podiatrists can identify the underlying biomechanical cause of metatarsalgia and recommend interventions that are both effective and practical within the patient's circumstances.

Patient education is equally important. Understanding why pain develops helps improve compliance with orthotic use and footwear recommendations.

Metatarsalgia is often highly treatable when its underlying cause is identified. South African podiatrists can help patients return to comfortable walking through evidence-based conservative care.

Source
Espinosa N, et al. Metatarsalgia.
EFORT Open Reviews.
https://f.mtr.cool/envdzbxxej

23/07/2026

Foot pain doesn’t always start in the foot. Tight calf muscles can place extra strain on your heels and arches, making everyday activities far less comfortable.

When people experience foot pain, they usually focus on the area that hurts. But sometimes, the real problem sits higher up the leg. Tight calf muscles can limit ankle movement, forcing your feet to work harder every time you walk, run, or climb stairs.

The calf muscles connect to the heel through the Achilles tendon. When these muscles are tight, they pull on the heel and increase tension through the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Over time, this extra strain can contribute to heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, and reduced flexibility.

The good news is that stretching your calves is simple and only takes a few minutes each day. Stand facing a wall with one foot behind the other. Keeping your back heel on the ground and your knee straight, lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your lower leg. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds before switching sides. Repeat the stretch two or three times on each leg.

Stretching is particularly beneficial before and after exercise, after long periods of sitting, or if your job requires you to stand for most of the day. Remember, stretches should feel gentle. Pain is a sign to stop.

Healthy feet rely on healthy calf muscles. By improving flexibility in your lower legs, you reduce unnecessary strain on your feet, improve ankle movement, and help keep every step comfortable. A few minutes of stretching each day can make a lasting difference.

23/07/2026

Pain is your body's way of asking for attention. If your feet hurt regularly, it's not something you should simply "learn to live with."

Foot pain is surprisingly easy to ignore. A sore heel after work, aching toes after a walk, or discomfort that comes and goes can seem like a normal part of life. But healthy feet shouldn't hurt during everyday activities.

Pain usually develops for a reason. It could be caused by an overuse injury, inflammation, poorly fitting footwear, changes in the way you walk, or an underlying medical condition. While some aches settle with rest, pain that keeps returning often signals that the problem hasn't been resolved.

Many people change their routine without realising it. They stop exercising, avoid taking the stairs, or shift their weight onto the other foot to avoid discomfort. Over time, these small adjustments can place extra stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, creating new problems beyond the feet.

There are certain warning signs that shouldn't be ignored. Pain that lasts for more than a few days, swelling that doesn't improve, difficulty walking, numbness, redness, or wounds that are slow to heal all deserve professional assessment. The earlier the cause is identified, the easier it is to manage in many cases.

A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, walking pattern, footwear, and overall foot health to identify what's causing the pain and recommend appropriate treatment to help you stay active.

Pain isn't a normal part of healthy feet. Listening to the early warning signs can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones. If your feet are affecting the way you live, work, or move, don't ignore them. They deserve the same attention as any other part of your body.

23/07/2026

The foot is designed to be both flexible and stable. During running, it must absorb impact forces before becoming rigid enough to propel the body forward. Both excessive and restricted foot mobility can interfere with this process.

Research has shown that runners with poor foot mobility may compensate elsewhere in the lower limb, increasing stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. Conversely, excessive mobility may contribute to overpronation and repetitive overuse injuries.

In South Africa, recreational and competitive running continues to grow in popularity. Podiatrists can evaluate foot mobility through biomechanical assessments and determine whether strengthening exercises, footwear modifications, or orthotic therapy are appropriate.

Understanding an athlete's individual movement pattern is often more valuable than attempting to fit everyone into a single foot type category. Individualised management remains the cornerstone of injury prevention.

Foot mobility plays an important role in efficient running. South African podiatrists can help runners optimise performance while reducing their risk of injury.

Source
McPoil TG, et al. Foot mobility and plantar loading during gait.
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.
https://f.mtr.cool/bxeyqevvgp

23/07/2026

Your favourite pair of shoes may feel comfortable, but if they're worn out, they could be doing more harm than good. Knowing when to replace them can help prevent unnecessary foot pain.

It's easy to keep wearing a comfortable pair of shoes long after they've reached the end of their life. They may still look fine from the outside, but the support inside could already be gone.

Every step you take compresses the cushioning in your shoes. Over time, the midsoles lose their ability to absorb impact, forcing your feet, ankles, and knees to take on more of the load. This can contribute to heel pain, arch discomfort, shin pain, and even lower back aches.

Take a closer look at your shoes. Uneven wear on the soles, flattened cushioning, holes in the lining, or a heel that leans to one side are all signs that it's time for a replacement. If your shoes feel less supportive than they used to or your feet start aching after wearing them, don't ignore it.

Many people only replace shoes when they fall apart, but by then the damage may already be affecting their feet. Rotating between two pairs of everyday shoes can also help them last longer, as it gives the cushioning time to recover between wears.

When buying new shoes, don't base your decision on appearance alone. Look for good arch support, adequate cushioning, a secure fit around the heel, and enough room for your toes to move comfortably.

Your shoes are one of the most important investments you can make for your foot health. Replacing worn-out footwear at the right time helps reduce strain, improve comfort, and keep you moving with confidence every day.

23/07/2026

As people age, the feet undergo significant structural and functional changes. Reduced skin elasticity, decreased fat padding, joint degeneration, and circulatory changes can all affect mobility and comfort.

Research indicates that many older adults live with untreated foot pain, nail disorders, and deformities that limit their ability to remain active. These problems can contribute to falls, reduced independence, and social isolation.

In South Africa, routine foot examinations are not always incorporated into geriatric healthcare. This creates missed opportunities for early detection and intervention. Podiatrists can identify issues before they become disabling and provide treatments that improve function and comfort.

Community screening programmes, old-age home visits, and multidisciplinary collaborations could help expand access to foot care for older adults.

Healthy feet support healthy ageing. Regular podiatric assessments can help South African older adults maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Source
Menz HB. Chronic foot pain in older people.
Maturitas.
https://f.mtr.cool/vymlzjsljs

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Sports Injury Clinic, Fourways
Johannesburg
2191

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Monday 09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00
Friday 09:00 - 18:00

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