Posts

CHILDREN’S INJURED FEET

/in , /by

Children’s Injured Feet

Problems causing injury to paediatric feet are often correlated with the maturity level of bone development and can be categorized based on the age of your child. 

The following may predispose a child to a gradually developed injury: 

  • Congenital anomalies
  • Variation in development
  • Bone maturation
  • Lower leg alignment 

… but otherwise, given the nature of children with high physical activity levels, acute injury to the foot can occur. 

What does pain/injury look like, sometimes if subtle in a child?

It is important to be aware of the difference in pain presentation between older and younger children. 

Toddlers and young children: a child may limp, tire easily or refuse to walk or weightbear due to pain or injury. 

Older children and adolescents: their ability to compensate or isolate the pain may be better so injuries may go along unnoticed for a longer period. 

Acute vs Developmental Injury

Acute injuries are more likely in children (the younger they are) to result in stress reactions or fractures to the bone and often at the growth plate, rather than ligamentous strain or injury due to the fact children are undergoing stages of bone maturation as they develop into early adolescence and have relatively stronger ligaments than adults. 

Growth Phases

If your child is noticeably fatiguing or lagging behind other children, it is important to get an understanding of what may be the cause, and a Podiatric initial assessment can be a great starting point, to rule out any biomechanical insufficiences or growth abnormalities that for any reason haven’t been picked up on.  

When children go through growth phases, muscles can become fatigued easily as they can tug at the ends of the bone as the bone lengthens and grows; resulting in discomfort and fatigue not unlike the traditionally known “growing pains”. 

Common Paediatric specific injuries to the foot include: 

Sever’s Disease (Apophysitis of insertion of Achilles tendon into Calcaneus/heel bone)– Age: 7-14

-Commonly known as children’s heel pain-pain at the back of the heel towards the bottom, associated with children experiencing growth phases. 

Osgood Schlatter’s (Apophysitis of insertion of Patellar Ligament into Tibial tuberosity)

Age: Ages 10-14

-Painful lump growth just below the kneecap, associated with children experiencing growth phases but more common in children playing sports involving running and jumping. 

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) 

Age: Anywhere from 6 months to 16 years of age

-Joint pain, stiffness and inflammation or region warmth most commonly affecting the Ankle Joint as well as other joints in the body. 

Osteochrondritis Dissecans (OCD)

Age: Children & Adolescents 

-Often affecting the ankle after an ankle sprain or injury where a reduction in blood supply to the bone region affected causes a small fracture. The fragment of bone may remain attached or become detached. 

Sesamoiditis or Sesamoid Pathology

-Pain under the ball of the big toe joint which can be due to inflammation of the two sesamoid bones (small pebble sized bones situated under the metatarsal head that allow the gliding effect of the tendon of the muscle that flexes the big toe downward). 

-A common sporting injury in young athletes who push off the ball of the foot such as in jumping sports, ballet or karate. 

A reminder, Total Care Podiatry has a monthly free Paediatric Screening clinic where your Podiatrist will run through a free assessment to check on developmental norms in your child. We ask that to book into this clinic, a small donation be made to Kids Plus foundation upon attending. Kids Plus offers programs that include early treatment and specific intervention strategies to improve children’s abilities across a range of developmental areas. 

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.

Some information from today’s blog obtained from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2323000/

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUR FEET

/in , /by

Rheumatoid Arthritis and its effect on your Feet

Is an autoimmune condition which causes inflammation in the joints of the hands and feet.

In the feet this may lead to:

  • Joint pain and reduced range of motion
  • Bunions
  • Shifting of the digits
  • Overall changes in the foot structure
  • Contraction of tendons
  • Rheumatoid nodules
  • Callous formation

Within podiatry, the goal of treatment is to decrease pain, preserve joint quality and range of motion.
We can do that by:

  • Exercises and stretches
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Orthotics 
  • Taping and/or paddings
  • Footwear recommendations
  • THOR Laser
  • Referrals to other allied health practitioners such as physiotherapists. 

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.

SPORTS SHOES

/in , /by

Sports shoes

Every sport is different and will require appropriate footwear during activity. Shoes provide protection, and support.

What to consider when purchasing sports shoes:

  • The terrain i.e. indoor court
  • Movements within the sport
  • Is extra cushioning required?
  • Do you have orthotics or braces that the shoe will need to accommodate?
  • Weight of the shoe

Sports specific shoes

  • Netball 
  • Basketball
  • Football/soccer
  • Athletics 

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.

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER ~ PODIATRIST CLEMENTINE SCHEFFERS

/in , , /by

Clementine Scheffers

Clementine is a graduate of La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Podiatric Practice.
She is passionate about acute and chronic injury rehabilitation and sports injury management, given her love and passion for sport growing up, as well as managing a chronic injury herself. Clementine has a wealth of knowledge in all things running shoes and will be your go to for shoe advice!
In her spare time, Clementine enjoys listening to her favourite artists and keeping up with the latest music releases, walking her Wheaten Terrier Riley, staying active and spending time with her cousins in Torquay.

IT’S IN THE WAY YOU WALK…Check out our latest blog for more information

/in , /by

FEEL THE BALANCE

A persons gait simply refers to the way they stand, walk or run. An abnormal gait can be caused by one or more parts of the body (such as the hips or knees) under-performing, which can lead to imbalances elsewhere in the body. A podiatrist will analyse the way you walk to help identify any imbalances or areas of weakness.

THE DOMINO EFFECT

Did you know that a podiatrist doesn’t just study the feet during gait analysis? Let’s say you are suffering from hip pain, this could be related to the way you walk. Or your feet might turn inwards or outwards, and the compensation your muscles have to make to keep you upright can actually be the cause of your pain. Your podiatrist can explain how all these elements relate to each other and back to YOU!

THE WEAKEST LINK

The way you walk can reveal which parts of your body are perhaps weaker than others. Did you know that compensations in the body can lead to imbalance around the joints and the main muscles – such as hamstrings, glutes, quads and calves? These observations can all tie in with hip, knee, foot and ankle pains. This means those areas may become less active and end up contributing less than should. A gait analysis can reveal these kinds of issues and more.

 

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

*Source foothealthaustralia.org.au

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.

CALLING ALL TRADIES

/in , /by

GET A GOOD SLEEP

Start with your feet if you want to become more fit.
Those early mornings can build up to a sleep deficit if you are not heading to bed early most nights. Make sure you are well rested so that your mental and physical health benefit

STAY HYDRATED

It is easy to forget to drink water, so pack a bottle that is easily carried and likely to be used. Remember to refill as much as possible, so your kidneys will thank you…

MAKE SURE YOU ARE SUPPORTED

This starts with making sure you have supportive footwear and the right tools to do your job. Maybe your feet need to be measured again, since they change as we age. See your podiatrist if you have any foot or lower limb pain, don’t ignore it!

EAT WELL

This can require a little planning…

A healthy packed lunch can go a long way to support your well being and your budget. Think of a mix of colours when it comes to fruit and veg, and mix of food types such as proteins, carbs, grains and so forth

OPEN UP

If you are feeling down or frustrated, talk about your feelings with a trusted person or professional. Vulnerability is not a weakness, and mental health is just as important as physical health. Reach out to a range of professional help linessuch as:

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or LifeLine 13 11 14

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

*Source foothealthaustralia.org.au

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.

 

GETTING BACK ON TRACK – Pick a game

/in , /by

Every family member writes down one activity they want to do for 30 minutes. Then put them all into a bag and pick each one out ‘lucky dip’ style.

Set the timer and go, being sure to cover each family members requested activity on rotation. (you can do one a day or one per week)

The rule is no one is allowed to complain about another persons activity and EVERYONE has to take part!

Remember to have fun!

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

*Source foothealthaustralia.org.au

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.

ANNUAL COMPLIMENTARY BACK TO SCHOOL CHECK IS BACK FOR 2021- Don’t miss out! Call today for an appointment 5223 1531

/in , /by

Take advantage of our FREE foot check for all students

Problems with your child’s feet could become problems for life if not treated early. Foot conditions have the potential to develop into knee, hip and back pain that can have serious consequences on development and posture. Bones and joints in children are constantly growing and are not fully developed until adulthood.

Every school term there will be some kind of change in growing feet, particularly in the 8-12 age bracket. After the summer break, spent mostly barefoot or in thongs, it’s good to remeasure feet and purchase correct fitting school and sports shoes for the upcoming year.

Tips for purchasing shoes at any age:

  • Choose a store that measures foot length and width to ensure best fit
  • Buy shoes in the afternoon as the foot may be larger at this time
  • Always walk around in the shoes at home on the carpet, checking for comfort and tight spots – if any issues develop take them back!
  • When standing you should be able to wriggle your toes
  • Ensure the sole of the shoe is firm and bends across the ball of the foot
  • The material breathes and is flexible/durable

*Wear hand-me-down shoes with caution. An old shoe belonging to someone else will take on their shape and gait, which will not be the same as the new wearer. Buying a new shoe is recommended.

Every year at Total Care Podiatry we have a Back to School Free Foot check event and mid-year a Free Family Foot check event.

Call 5223 1531 for the next event

Back to School Friday 22nd of January 2021 9-12.30pm 

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

FLAT FEET – Symptoms and Treatment

/in , /by

FLAT FEET

Flat feet are very common in children as they develop proper foot structure and muscle strength. Children may have a ‘collapsed arch’ or rolled in ankles. This is often associated with decreased muscle strength and joint flexibility. 

Symptoms

  • Reduced walking pace
  • Clumsy or tripping
  • Pain in the feet, knees, hips or back
  • Blistering in shoes
  • Joint enlargement

Treatment for flat feet in children follows one of three pathways depending on the child’s presentation:
1) No treatment may be required
2) The child may be monitored for a set period to see if there is any change or if they ‘grow out of it’
3) Treatment and ongoing care is needed

Treatments may include:

  • Orthotics
  • Footwear recommendations
  • Activity modifications
  • Exercises and/or stretches

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.

ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY – Who does it affect? Read our latest blog to find out more!

/in , /by

Achilles Tendinopathy

Tendinitis (inflammation), Tendinosis (degenerative) or Rupture

The Achilles tendon attaches the muscles of the calf to the calcaneus (heel bone). This tendon undergoes a lot of stress due to the amount of tension and forces it withstands. Over time, if the amount of stress to this tendon is too great, it may lead to an injury to the area and pain to develop. Most commonly, there will be a single event or injury that will cause the pain to start. 

Symptoms

  • May have started from an event/injury
  • Pain on movement or palpation
  • Swelling of the ankle
  • Bruising in the area

When injured, treatment of the Achilles tendon involves progressively loading the tissue as it best reacts to load. Repeated stimulation allows the tendon to properly heal and return to its ideal state

Treatment is tailored to each patient and their unique presentation

Treatment may include:

  • Surgery (if a rupture occurs)
  • Moonboot
  • Heel lifts
  • Exercise program
  • Activity modifications
  • THOR Laser
  • Taping
  • Orthotics
  • Footwear Recommendations
  • Activity Modification

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.