Anandi van Heerden Podiatrist

05/02/2026

Please sign the petition to support this local Dr

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐚𝐢, 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 !!
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 :
Jacobsbaai is a small coastal community with many elderly residents, families, and visitors. We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated medical practitioner serving our town. Her presence has saved lives, provided urgent medical care, and offered reassurance to residents who would otherwise have to travel far for help.
Currently, the doctor operates from the only business-zoned building in Jacobsbaai. Unfortunately, this building is no longer suitable for a medical practice due to its limited space and the need to share essential facilities such as bathrooms and a kitchen with other businesses. These conditions are not appropriate for patient care or for meeting professional medical standards.
In response, the doctor purchased a house located on the main road in a residential area and applied for permission to operate her medical practice from this property. Despite the clear need for medical services in Jacobsbaai and the absence of alternative business-zoned premises, the Municipality refused this application, stating that it is protecting the rights of residents.
The result of this decision is devastating: Jacobsbaai is at risk of losing its only local doctor. There is no suitable alternative location in town, and without urgent intervention, the practice will be forced to relocate elsewhere.
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𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐚𝐢 👇
https://www.change.org/p/keep-our-doctor-in-jacobsbaai-protect-access-to-lifesaving-medical-care
Remember the website will ask for a donation - 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧, 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 !!
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Thank you
🙏🙏🙏

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.

23/12/2025

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous new year from Anandi van Heerden Podiatry to you and your family. We look forward to our little break and coming back with a spring in our STEP 🦶🏼👣, ready to help get your feet ready for an awesome 2026.

23/12/2025

AIRSTEP Footwear provides podiatrists with practical footwear solutions that prioritise comfort, stability, and everyday wearability. Built with foot health in mind, their shoes are well-suited to patients managing ongoing foot pain, biomechanical challenges, or demanding daily routines.

AIRSTEP is often recommended for patients experiencing plantar heel pain, forefoot discomfort, flat feet, diabetic foot sensitivity, or fatigue from long periods of standing or walking.

What sets AIRSTEP apart:
- Shock-absorbing cushioning to reduce impact
- Structured support to assist alignment
- Generous toe boxes for natural foot positioning
- Robust construction for daily, all-day wear

By combining comfort with function, AIRSTEP helps podiatrists support mobility, reduce discomfort, and promote long-term foot health.

Visit AIRSTEP Footwear: https://f.mtr.cool/ltoojgflvl

30/11/2025

Supportive, comfortable, and podiatry-friendly, AIRSTEP helps patients move with confidence.

AIRSTEP Footwear offers comfort-focused, supportive shoes designed to help podiatrists improve patient mobility and reduce foot pain. Their range is ideal for patients dealing with plantar heel pain, forefoot pressure, flat feet, diabetic foot concerns, or long hours on their feet.

Why podiatrists recommend AIRSTEP:
- Cushioned, impact-reducing soles
- Supportive structures for better alignment
- Roomy, natural-feel toe boxes
- Durable, everyday-wear design

AIRSTEP gives patients footwear that feels good, functions well, and supports long-term foot health.

24/11/2025

A growing body of research suggests that habitual barefoot walking in childhood may positively influence foot development. Children who grow up walking barefoot tend to develop stronger foot musculature, higher arches, and improved balance.

A 2017 German-South African comparative study found that South African children who spent more time barefoot had significantly better motor performance and healthier foot arch indices compared to their German counterparts. This supports the notion that barefoot activity, within safe environments, may be beneficial rather than harmful.

In South Africa, where barefoot walking is culturally and economically common, podiatrists are well-positioned to provide balanced guidance. While barefoot walking can be beneficial, especially in early development, it's essential to monitor for overpronation, flat feet, or trauma, especially on unsafe surfaces.

Education for parents should focus on safe barefoot play, while also encouraging regular foot assessments during developmental years. Footwear can be introduced gradually, supporting healthy gait patterns rather than interfering with them.

Barefoot walking in childhood may support foot strength and natural development. South African podiatrists should consider cultural context and research when advising families.

Source: Hollander, K. et al. (2017). Growing up (habitually) barefoot influences the development of foot and arch morphology in children and adolescents. Scientific Reports. https://f.mtr.cool/byiurmihxj

15/11/2025

Yesterday Anandi van Heerden Podiatry got to celebrate our 2nd year end.
And as I looked back into 2025, I just smiled. It's been a challenging year but it's been a great year.

I have really been blessed with an amazing team/people around me. No tears were left behind, no celebrations were missed, no word of encouragement was too much. And nothing was impossible. On more than one occasion I was told it will be okay, we will make it work, it will all work out the way it should.

To my work family/safe space (you know who you are) thank you for your support, your willingness to help, your knowledge and teamwork. Your kindness create the foundation of work space I am proud to be part of. I appreciate every moment you’ve stepped in, shared ideas, supported me and each other and shared a cupcake and coffee.

Ankia Douma Greyling dankie dat jy die hart van my praktyk is en dat ek altyd op jou kan staat maak. Dankie dat jy die laaste paar maande daar was om my te help met groot veranderinge en net so opgewonde soos ek was maar koel en kalm gebly het toe ek stres. Dankie dat jy elke patient met soveel geduld en vriendelikheid help. Ek is geseend om van jou tyd te kan gebruik.

Thank you to my lab team for ensuring that my patients are comforble. Thank you for never saying no when a rush comes in.

Thank you to every foot that crossed my door. Without them I would not be walking away from 2025 with so much gratitude or running excitedly into 2026 to see what the new year has in store for me.

04/11/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT.
LANGEBAAN.

West Coast Medical Rescue would like to share some exciting news with the community of Langebaan and the West Coast.

We have added a second ambulance to our fleet stationed in Langebaan.

This not only enhances our operational capabilities in Langebaan but also throughout the West Coast.

This Advanced Life Support Ambulance brings a team of dedicated Advanced Life Support Paramedics to compliment the Advanced Life Support team already stationed in Langebaan.

These vehicles are ICU equipped and basically brings intensive care to the patient.

Save our number it may save a life.

🚨🚑 081 829 3355 🚑🚨

"So others may live"

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

We are so excited to expand our services to Vredenburg on a permanent basis!

To book appointments:
📞079 522 1003
📧 carina@ctspeech.co.za

21/09/2025

Please take note of the change in our contact details from 1st of October 2025.

21/09/2025

congress Sept 2025. New motivating and inspiration. # watch this space.