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BALL OF FOOT SORE? You may have Morton’s Neuroma

Neuroma

Is a condition where pain is caused by compression of the nerves between two bones. Most commonly in the foot this is a Morton’s Neuroma which occurs between the third and forth metatarsophalangeal joints.

Most often, the tissues in and around the nerves at these locations become inflamed and swell between the bones. The changes to the nerves may have been caused by mechanical irritation to the nerve and/or compression by the surrounding soft tissues.

Symptoms

–          Burning or tingling pain down the toes

–          Pain which may radiate up the leg

–          Pain worse in high heels or shoe that are tight across the forefoot

Treatment

–          Footwear recommendations

–          Rest

–          THOR laser

–          Offloading with padding and/or orthotics

–          Activity modification

–          If severe, surgery may be considered

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

CAR ACCIDENT AND THE LOWER LIMBS – What can podiatry do?

Car accident and the lower limbs

Trauma to the lower limbs will cause varying degrees of symptoms and/or disability depending on the location and severity of the injury. In some causes a nerve may be heavily injured which will result changes to sensation and muscle function. This is particularly evident in injuries to the outside knee. There are very vulnerable nerves in this location which innervate the muscles of the lower limb. This may lead to muscle inactivity and/or weakness.

What can podiatry do?

We look at the muscle strength and the impact any changes will have on lower limb function. Depending on individual circumstance, the presentation may require a foot or ankle orthotic, strengthening program or footwear recommendations and alterations.
Most often injuries like this involve a multi-disciplinary team approach with occupational therapists, physiotherapists and/or exercise physiologist. 

We strive to help achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient and focus on improving quality of life. 

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

IS WEARING HIGH HEELS DAMAGING YOUR FEET? Check out our latest blog to find out more!

Wearing High Heels

High heels place increased load on the forefoot. Over time this can lead to blisters and the development of callus beneath the foot. Soft tissues along the forefoot also can undergo enormous pressure. Increased load may cause stress to these tissues which may lead to injuries such as stress fractures or inflammation to the area.

Additionally, with extended use of high heels, muscles along the posterior of the legs can tighten and reduce the range of motion of joints such as the ankle. This will mean, that when you return to flat shoes, the tendons and other soft tissues undergo a lot of tension and the risk of injury increases.

If you are wearing heels, things to consider:

  • Ensure they fit properly so your foot will not slide when walking
  • Check regularly for irritation to the skin, i.e. blisters and apply dressings as required.
  • Practice walking in the heels to ensure you feel as stable as possible
  • Trial the shoes around the house before events and check for skin irritation and fatigue.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

NARROW FITTING SHOES CAN CAUSE FOOT DAMAGE TO YOUR TOOTSIES! Check out our latest blog for more information…

Narrow Fitting Shoes

When purchasing shoes, always ensure there is enough width around the toes. If a shoe is too narrow, it can lead to blisters and callus or corn development. Over time, the toes can become crowded and lead to pressure spots to develop.

Common problem shoe types

  • Slipper/’Slip ons’ or flats
  • Loader
  • Court

What to look for in a shoe

  • Enough width along the toes
  • ‘Thumbs width’ from your big toe to the end of the shoe
  • Only flexes at the toes
  • There is a strap or laces to hold your foot in the shoe
  • Go shopping at the end of the day 
  • Do not expect your shoes to ‘wear in’, only buy if they are comfortable on the day 

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

SESAMOIDITIS – What is it???

Sesamoiditis

What is it?

There are two small bones under the hallux (big toe) of both feet called sesamoids. These bones are designed to create a mechanical advantage for the muscles, take some weightbearing and elevate the metatarsal bone off the ground. These bones are relatively small and due to their location, can be easily overloaded. This can occur from an acute injury or from a chronic overloading.  

Symptoms

  • Painful to touch
  • Painful to load the area or walk on
  • Reduced range of motion of the hallux 
  • Swelling of the area

 

Treatment 

  • Offloading
    • Tape
    • Post op shoe
    • Orthotics
  • Activity modifications
  • Footwear recommendations
  • Medical imaging
  • Biomechanical assessment
  • THOR low level laser therapy

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

ANKLE INJURIES/SPRAINS – check out our latest blog for treatment recommendations

Ankle Injuries/Sprains

An ankle sprain may relate to ligament damage to the medial (inside), lateral (outside) or syndesmosis (‘high ankle sprain’) of the ankle. 

Sprains result from high forces at the end range of motion of a joint, putting high levels of load through the ligaments to resist these forces.

Different sports will carry higher risk for some injuries. 

Symptoms

  • Pain on weightbearing and when pain started
  • Swelling/bruising 
  • Pain on palpation

Treatment

  • RICE (Rest, ice, compress and elevate) for the first 24 hours 
  • Medical imaging may be required to investigate and rule out other injuries such as a fracture
  • Offloading
    • Taping
    • Ankle braces
    • Moonboot/post-op shoe
    • Orthotics
  • Activity modification

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

PLANTAR FASCIOPATHY – PLANTAR FASCIITIS – PLANTAR HEEL PAIN

Plantar fasciopathy

  • Also known as plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciosis or plantar heel pain.

Refers to dysfunction of the plantar fascia (or plantar aponeurosis) under the foot. It is a connective tissue which connects the heel to the toes. The tissue may thicken, tear or become inflamed from overloading.

Symptoms

  • Pain under the arch of the foot. Most often ‘first step’ pain which occurs in the morning or after rest.
  • Can occur gradually over time or from an acute injury

Risk factors

  • High BMI
  • Reduced ankle range of motion
  • Foot structure
  • Occupation: jobs involving a lot of time standing

Treatment

  • Biomechanical assessment
  • Offloading with taping or orthotics
  • Footwear recommendations
  • Pain relief 
  • Activity modifications
  • THOR low level laser treatment to help reduce inflammation
  • Stretches

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

 

ANKLE INJURIES/SPRAINS – Symptoms & Treatment

Ankle Injuries/Sprains

An ankle sprain may relate to ligament damage to the medial (inside), lateral (outside) or syndesmosis (‘high ankle sprain’) of the ankle. 

Sprains result from over-extension joint, putting high levels of load through the ligaments to resist these forces. Most commonly these injuries will occur during high impact activity with different sports carrying higher risk for some injuries. 

Symptoms

  • Pain on weightbearing 
  • Swelling/bruising 
  • Pain on palpation

Treatment

  • RICE (Rest, ice, compress and elevate) for the first 24 hours 
  • Activity modification
  • Medical imaging may be required to investigate and rule out other injuries such as a fracture
  • Offloading
    • Taping
    • Ankle braces
    • Moonboot/post-op shoe
    • Orthotics
    • Laser treatment

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

HOW MANY PHALANGES DOES A HUMAN HAVE?

56 phalanges!

There are 56 phalanges (bones) in the human body, with fourteen on each hand and foot. Three phalanges are present on each finger and toe, with the exception of the thumb and large toe, which possess only two. 
The phalanges of the fingers help us manipulate our environment while the phalanges of the foot help us balance, walk, and run.

Phalanges have many attachments such as muscles (via tendons), ligaments and other soft tissue.

Treatment of Toe Fractures

Fractures of the toe bones are almost always traumatic fractures. Treatment for traumatic fractures depends on the break itself and may include these options:

  • Rest. Sometimes rest is all that is needed to treat a traumatic fracture of the toe.
  • Splinting. The toe may be fitted with a splint to keep it in a fixed position.
  • Rigid or stiff-soled shoe. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe protects the toe and helps keep it properly positioned. Use of a postoperative shoe or bootwalker is also helpful.
  • Buddy taping the fractured toe to another toe is sometimes appropriate, but in other cases, it may be harmful.
  • Surgery. If the break is badly displaced or if the joint is affected, surgery may be necessary. Surgery often involves the use of fixation devices, such as pins

Consequences of Improper Treatment

Some people say that “the doctor can’t do anything for a broken bone in the foot.” This is usually not true. In fact, if a fractured toe or metatarsal bone is not treated correctly, serious complications may develop. For example:

  • A deformity in the bony architecture, which may limit the ability to move the foot or cause difficulty in fitting shoes.
  • Arthritis, which may be caused by a fracture in a joint (the juncture where two bones meet), or may be a result of angular deformities that develop when a displaced fracture is severe or has not been properly corrected.
  • Chronic pain and deformity.
  • Non-union, or failure to heal, can lead to subsequent surgery or chronic pain.

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

 

 

 

SHIN SPLINTS AFFECTING YOUR RUN OR HIIT?

Shin Splints or MTSS or Medial tibial stress syndrome

Common in runners or those participating in running based sports

Symptoms:

  • Diffuse pain along the distal third of the tibia
  • Must be distinguished from focused pain which suggests a fracture or pain in the muscle compartments

Causes:

  • Large loads on the tibia causing strain on the surrounding soft tissues
  • Current evidence indicates that there may be bending of the tibia involved

Treatment

  • Activity modification
  • THOR Laser to address areas of inflammation and/or muscle trigger points
  • Orthotics which will provide offloading and reduce strain on the tibia
  • Footwear recommendations
  • Muscle stretches and/or strengthening

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.