Christelle Ingratta Podiatrist

05/08/2026

Common knee pathologies by location 👇

Knee diagnosis and treatment isn’t one size fits all. While location alone doesn’t equal a diagnosis, where you feel symptoms can give clues about what structures might be involved:

➡️ Front of the Knee: Quad Tendinopathy, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), Patellar Tendinopathy, Infrapatellar Fat Pad Irritation.

➡️ Outside (Lateral): LCL Injury, Lateral Meniscus Pathology, IT Band Syndrome.

➡️ Inside (Medial): MCL Injury, Medial Meniscus Pathology, Pes Anserine Bursitis.

📌 Remember: Pain location is just one piece of the puzzle! This is not a comprehensive list of all possible diagnoses, and full clinical assessment, movement screening, and history are key to getting an accurate diagnosis and building an effective rehab plan.

05/08/2026

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.

10/06/2026

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10/06/2026

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Toenails shouldn’t feel like armour. Thickened nails are common, especially with age, but they often point to underlying issues that need attention.

If trimming your toenails feels more like cutting through plastic than nail, you’re not alone. Thickened toenails are a very common foot complaint, especially in older adults.

One of the biggest causes is **fungal nail infection**. Over time, fungus changes the texture and colour of the nail, making it thicker, brittle, and uneven. Trauma also plays a role. Repeated pressure from running, tight shoes, or stubbing the toe can gradually damage the nail structure.

Age naturally changes nail growth, too. As circulation slows and nails grow more slowly, they often become denser and harder to manage.

The problem isn’t only cosmetic. Thick nails can press against shoes, causing discomfort, pain, and even pressure sores. In some cases, they curve excessively and become ingrown.

Trying to forcefully cut very thick nails at home can lead to injury. Instead, soften them first by soaking your feet in warm water. Use proper nail clippers designed for thicker nails and cut straight across.

If the nail is discoloured, painful, lifting, or impossible to manage safely, it’s best to see a podiatrist. Professional nail care can reduce pressure and identify whether infection or trauma is involved.

Thick toenails are often a sign that your feet need more attention, not less. Proper care and early treatment can keep nails manageable, comfortable, and healthier in the long run.

10/05/2026

22/04/2026

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Ever noticed one side of your shoe wearing down faster than the other? That pattern tells a story, and it often starts with how your feet move.

Take a look at the bottom of your favourite pair of shoes. Are they worn down more on one side? That uneven wear isn’t random. It’s a direct reflection of how your feet strike the ground with every step.

Most people have a natural walking pattern, but when the foot rolls too far inward (overpronation) or outward (supination), it creates an imbalance. Over time, this places extra pressure on specific areas of the foot, and your shoes start to show it.

For example, wear on the inner edge of the shoe often suggests overpronation, which can lead to arch strain, heel pain, and even knee discomfort. Wear on the outer edge may point to supination, where the foot doesn’t absorb shock properly, increasing the risk of stress injuries.

Ignoring these patterns can lead to more than just worn-out shoes. It can affect your posture, walking efficiency, and overall joint health.

So what should you do? Start by checking your footwear regularly. If you notice consistent uneven wear, it may be time to replace the shoes and assess your foot mechanics. Supportive footwear or insoles can help correct imbalances.

If discomfort is present, a podiatrist can perform a gait assessment and guide you towards the right support.

Your shoes are leaving clues. Uneven wear is your body’s way of showing how you move, and where things might be going wrong. Pay attention, make adjustments, and keep every step balanced and supported.

10/02/2026

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Pregnancy brings profound physiological changes, many of which affect the lower limbs. Relaxin, a hormone that softens ligaments in preparation for childbirth, can lead to increased joint laxity and altered foot posture.

Studies have shown that arch height often decreases during pregnancy, contributing to overpronation, heel pain, and fatigue. Weight gain and fluid retention further compound the strain on foot structures, leading to swelling, numbness, and sometimes varicose veins.

In South Africa, podiatrists can support pregnant individuals through education, footwear advice, and customised insoles to reduce mechanical stress. Addressing discomfort early can prevent longer-term issues like chronic plantar fasciitis or tibialis posterior dysfunction.

Postpartum follow-up is equally important to reassess foot posture and address lingering pain or functional changes.

Pregnancy can significantly alter foot mechanics. South African podiatrists have a role in preventing and managing discomfort during this transformative period.

Source: Segal, N.A. et al. (2013). Pregnancy leads to lasting changes in foot structure. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. https://f.mtr.cool/hyfpfulyjw