Anandi van Heerden Podiatrist

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.

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.