CMS Podiatry

Category: Orthothics

  • Cracked Heels (Dry, Split Heels)

    Cracked Heels (Dry, Split Heels)

    Do you have dry, cracked, or painful heels? Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can become uncomfortable and, in more severe cases, lead to bleeding and infection if left untreated.

    What Causes Cracked Heels?

    Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thickened, and less flexible. Pressure on the heel causes the skin to split.

    Common causes include:

    • Open-back footwear such as thongs or sandals
    • Dry weather and dehydration (common in Perth summers)
    • Not moisturising regularly
    • Prolonged standing or walking
    • Excess pressure from body weight
    • Poor foot care or skin conditions

    Signs Your Cracked Heels Need Treatment

    You may require treatment if you notice:

    • Deep cracks or splits in the heel
    • Pain when walking or standing
    • Bleeding or signs of infection
    • Thick, hard skin buildup around the heel

    Professional Treatment for Cracked Heels

    At our clinic, treatment focuses on safely removing thickened skin and restoring healthy skin function.

    This may include:

    • Debridement (removal of hard, cracked skin)
    • Smoothing and reduction of callus buildup
    • Medical-grade moisturising treatments
    • Footwear advice to reduce pressure on the heels
    • Ongoing care to prevent recurrence

    Experiencing Pain? See Our Podiatrist in Atwell, Beeliar & Piara Waters

    If your cracked heels are painful, bleeding, or not improving with home care, it’s important to seek professional treatment. Our podiatry team can safely treat cracked heels, relieve discomfort, and help prevent the problem from returning.

  • Foot Pain First Thing in the Morning?

    Foot Pain First Thing in the Morning?

    Do you experience sharp pain in your feet or legs when you take your first steps in the morning? This is a very common symptom and can make it difficult to walk comfortably at the start of your day.

    You may also notice similar pain after long periods of sitting, such as after a lunch break or a long drive.

    What Causes Morning Foot Pain?

    This type of pain is often due to a condition known as post-static dyskinesia, which refers to pain and stiffness after periods of rest.

    It is commonly associated with conditions such as Plantar fasciitis, where the tissues in the foot become tight and shortened during inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting.

    When you first stand up, the sudden stretching of these tissues can cause sharp pain. As you continue walking, the foot “warms up” and the pain usually reduces—however, it may return again after periods of rest.

    Common Conditions Linked to Morning Foot Pain

    Morning foot pain is often associated with:

    • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
    • Tight calf muscles
    • Achilles tendon irritation
    • Foot joint stiffness

    Treatment for Morning Foot Pain

    Treatment focuses on reducing tension in the affected tissues and improving foot function. This may include:

    • Foot mobilisation and manual therapy
    • Stretching programs for the calf and foot
    • Dry needling to release tight muscles
    • Custom orthotics to support foot structure
    • Footwear advice to reduce strain on the foot

    Experiencing Pain? See Our Podiatrist in Atwell, Beeliar & Piara Waters

    If you are experiencing foot pain first thing in the morning or after periods of rest, it’s important to address it early. Our podiatry team can assess your condition, identify the underlying cause, and provide a personalised treatment plan to relieve pain and prevent it from returning.

  • Getting Back Into Exercise Safely

    Getting Back Into Exercise Safely

    Returning to exercise this summer? Understanding common injuries and prevention strategies is key to staying active and injury-free.

    Common Injuries When Returning to Exercise

    Growing Pains in Active Children

    Growing pains are common in active children, particularly between the ages of 8–16. These symptoms may be linked to underlying conditions such as Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter disease, which occur due to stress on developing bones and tendons.

    Shin Splints (Medical Tibial Stress Syndrome)

    Shin splints are a common cause of pain along the shin bone, especially when increasing running or walking intensity too quickly. Symptoms often worsen with activity and may progress if not properly managed. Ignoring shin pain can lead to more serious conditions, so early treatment is important.

    Achilles Tendinitis

    Achilles tendinitis is another frequent issue, particularly in adults returning to exercise. It is often caused by tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or a sudden increase in activity levels.

    How to Prevent Injuries When Returning to Exercise

    Taking a gradual and structured approach is key to avoiding injury:

    • Gradually increase your exercise intensity and duration
    • Wear supportive, well-fitted footwear
    • Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises
    • Allow adequate recovery time between sessions
    • Consider orthotics to improve foot support and alignment

    Experiencing Pain?

    If you experience ongoing pain in your feet, heels, or legs when returning to exercise, it’s important to seek professional advice. Our podiatrist can assess your movement, identify underlying issues, and provide a personalised treatment plan to help you return to activity safely and confidently.

    Book an Appointment

    If you experience ongoing pain in your feet, heels, or legs when returning to exercise, it’s important to seek professional advice. Our podiatrist can assess your movement, identify underlying issues, and provide a personalised treatment plan to help you return to activity safely and confidently. Don’t let pain stop you from getting back into exercise—see our podiatrist for expert assessment, personalised treatment, and long-term injury prevention.

  • Why Am I Getting Calf Cramps?

    Why Am I Getting Calf Cramps?

    Experiencing cramping in your calves during exercise or at night? Calf cramps are a common issue and can range from mild discomfort to sudden, painful muscle spasms that disrupt your activity or sleep.

    Understanding the cause of your cramps is key to finding the right treatment.

    Types of Calf Cramps

    Exercise-Related Calf Cramps


    Exercise cramps can occur during or after physical activity, especially when muscles are fatigued or overloaded. They are commonly linked to:

    • Muscle fatigue or overuse
    • Sudden increase in activity or intensity
    • Tight calf muscles
    • Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance

    Treatment may include:

    • Calf stretching and strengthening programs
    • Dry needling to relieve muscle tightness
    • Improving footwear and biomechanics
    • Orthotics to support walking and running patterns

    Night Cramps (Nocturnal Leg Cramps)

    Night cramps occur suddenly, often waking you from sleep with sharp pain in the calf muscles. These are common and can be caused by:

    • Muscle fatigue or tightness
    • Dehydration
    • Nerve irritation
    • Prolonged sitting or inactivity
    • Underlying medical conditions in some cases

    While occasional cramps are common, frequent or severe night cramps may require further assessment.

    When to Be Concerned About Calf Cramps

    You should seek professional advice if you experience:

    • Frequent or worsening cramps
    • Cramping that interferes with sleep or daily activity
    • Associated swelling, numbness, or weakness
    • A history of circulation issues or medical conditions

    Treatment for Calf Cramps

    Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and preventing recurrence. This may include:

    • Stretching and mobility exercises
    • Manual therapy and muscle release techniques
    • Dry needling
    • Footwear and biomechanical assessment
    • Orthotics where required

    Experiencing Pain? Book an Appointment to see Our Podiatrist in Atwell, Beeliar or Piara Waters

    If you are experiencing ongoing calf cramps, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. Our podiatry team can assess your movement, muscle function, and foot mechanics to provide a personalised treatment plan and long-term relief.