We are accepting new patients at both our Mullaloo and Marmion clinics.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg.

Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, burning sensations, or even leg weakness. The pain can be severe and debilitating, often worsening with movement.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the hips and down the back of both legs. It plays a crucial role in controlling movement and sensation in the lower limbs.

Sciatica is a general term that covers a complex variety of sciatic nerve pain and symptoms caused by compression or pinching. Sciatica is extremely common.

What are the symptoms of Sciatica?

Sciatica pain is typically described as:
  • Burning, tingling pain or sharp pain—usually constant
  • Pain radiates from lower spine down through your buttocks & back of your leg
  • Sciatica pain tends to affect one side only
  • Pain worsens  with sitting or standing for long periods
  • May experience unusual skin sensations such as tingling or numbness

Symptoms of sciatica usually worsen with activities such as bending. Your experience of sciatica may be different to the symptoms of another person.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica develops from irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve can be aggravated from many causes including:

  • Trauma
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Uneven leg lengths
  • Herniated or bulging disc
  • Arthritic growths on the spine
  • Overuse injury
  • Osteoporosis
  • Muscular strain (back or hamstrings)
  • Muscle spasm causing a pinched nerve
  • Increase stress on the back from weakness in the core
  • Pregnancy

Sciatica is commonly seen in manual labourers, sedentary individuals, people with poor posture, and during pregnancy. Elderly individuals with osteoarthritis and spinal degeneration are also at higher risk.

Since sciatica symptoms can vary widely, a proper diagnosis is essential. While symptoms can include sharp, shooting pain or chronic discomfort, surgery is rarely required, and a tailored treatment plan can help relieve pain and restore mobility.

Can a Podiatrist help with Sciatic pain?

If your sciatic pain is caused by an alignment issue or biomechanical flaws then a pair of orthotics may be useful in reducing your pain.

A foot orthotic can help to correct these biomechanical issues. A pair of custom foot orthotics are designed by your podiatrist after a thorough assessment of your biomechanics including your stance and gait (the way that you walk).

For an assessment and treatment options, please call us on 0451 133 575 or book into our Elite Podiatry Mullaloo or Marmion clinics.

Staff Profile

Team Member

Marlaina

Marlaina has recently joined our part time team and brings a warm, friendly and positive approach to patient care. She enjoys creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and supported. When not at work, Marlaina loves spending time with her family and friends. Hiking, travel and listening to old records in her free time.

Staff Profile

Debra

Team Member

Debra has worked in various health related roles over the last 25 years ranging from the Cancer Council to a Women’s Hormone Clinic along with a stint volunteering with Lifeline Australia. She’s always got a smile to welcome you and loves getting to know patients.

She has 3 daughters that she’s very proud of and loves living near the ocean. When she’s not working she likes catching up with friends, travelling, meditation, going to concerts as well as spending quality time with her family.

Staff Profile

Kim – Marie

Team member

Kim – Marie is a new member of our amazing team and is one of our permanent part- time staff. She has a degree in Commerce and Marketing and extensive experience in medical administration. She is a very proud Mum of two gorgeous kids and has just come back into the work force after focusing on being a Mum for a few years. She absolutely loves music and travel.

Staff Profile

Adisha

Team Member

Adisha is another one of our friendly receptionists part of the Elite Podiatry team. She is studying biomedical science at university and also works part time at a pharmacy.

In her spare time she loves beach days, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Staff Profile

Ella

Team Member

Ella is one of our wonderful receptionists and loves working in our family orientated environment. She is currently studying nursing and her favourite past time is walking her dog on the beach and being with her family and friends.

Staff Profile

Dee

Team member

Dee is part of our incredible team and is one of our permanent admin team members.

Always greeting you with the biggest smile, Dee enjoys spending time with her family and runs a successful baking and cookie company. She’s always out and about and loves living life to the fullest.

Staff Profile

Tara

Finances manager

Tara is our second in charge and has extensive experience in running office & retail environments. She is positive, communicative and loves interacting with our patients to provide excellent service and ensures our clinic runs efficiently.

As a qualified bookkeeper, she looks after all the admin of the practice and supports reception.

In her downtime, she loves beach activities, long walks and sharing wine with friends!

Staff Profile

Stacey

Practice Manager

Stacey is the Practice Manager at Elite Podiatry and is passionate about creating a positive experience for both patients and staff. With many years of experience in health and allied health settings, she brings warmth, organisation and a genuine love of helping people.

When she’s not at work, Stacey loves spending time with her family, cheering on her son’s sporting adventures, playing beach volleyball and enjoying what life has to offer.

Staff Profile

Staff Profile

Dr Caitlin Tran

Podiatrist

Caitlin graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree after completing a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences degree in Medical Science at the University of Western Australia.

Caitlin has spent most of her life dancing and recognises the importance of looking after one’s foot and overall health. She has a keen interest in foot health and biomechanics, enjoying her role as a permanent podiatrist at Elite Podiatry Mullaloo.

Having experience as a dance instructor, she looks forward to utilising her leadership skills integrated with her podiatric knowledge to build the foundation of providing high-quality patient-centred care.

Dr Caitlin Tran

Staff Profile

Dr Latifa Jafari

Senior Podiatrist

Latifa completed her post graduate degree in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at UWA in 2021. She enjoys treating calluses, ingrown toenails and musculoskeletal conditions with an interest in paediatrics. Latifa is very keen to share her knowledge with her patients to improve their quality of life.

Outside work, Latifa loves to spend time with family and friends, go on long walks and explore mother nature.

Staff Profile

Dr Greg Lewis

Podiatrist & Registered Nurse

Greg is another one of our amazing podiatrists who completed his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine post-graduate degree at the University of Western Australia. He is also dually qualified as a registered nurse.

Greg joined the Elite Podiatry team back in 2018 and is now currently working as part of our incredible team as a podiatrist/nurse. In his spare time, Greg enjoys running, going to the gym, camping and playing basketball.

Staff Profile

Dr Marie Ishak-Lewis

Founder, Principal Podiatrist, Pharmacist & Lecturer

Marie, the owner and director of Elite Podiatry, is both a qualified Podiatrist and Pharmacist. She first established her founding Stirling clinic in December 2004 and has had exceptional success since. An inventor of a globally patented orthotic, Synxsole, Marie has been on Shark Tank and wrangled a deal with business guru Andrew Banks! She also has featured on Channel Seven’s Today Tonight, The Sunday Times, Smart Company, Lower Extremity Magazine in the USA and has been a regular on both ABC Radio and CurtinFM as their specialist Podiatrist.

Marie also lectures at the prestigious University of Western Australia in both the Pharmacy and Podiatry departments. She is also a mentor and regularly attends UWA Alumni events for graduating students.