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BOOMERS NOT BACKING DOWN FROM FOOT & ANKLE PAIN

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Boomers not backing down from Foot & Ankle Pain!

Foot problems in older people can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s independence and quality of life. There is a vast range of musculoskeletal, dermatological, vascular and neurological conditions that can cause pain in ageing feet. 

Remember, our feet have carried us for so many years and never really get a break! So, it is helpful to be aware of common foot conditions in older feet and how to best care for your feet, so that you can stay as mobile and independent as possible for longer. 

Some research conducted in aged care facilities has found that corns, bunions at the big toe joint & callouses were the main cause of concern for older people- you are not alone!

Toe Deformities

Secondarily, toe deformities developed over a lifetime can be a major cause of discomfort as they create pressure areas to the tips of the toes or joint prominences, which can further increase risk of corn development, ulceration for those with high risk feet; or the exacerbation of the toe deformity if footwear is not addressed properly.

There are three main types of toe deformities at the lesser digits, claw, mallet and hammer toes as seen below: 

Podiatric Surgery

At the big toe joint, Hallux Abducto Valgus (HAV) is the most common deformity of the big toe joint. Also known commonly as a bunion, it is a misalignment of the 1st metatarsal (long bone that adjoins to your big toe) and the big toe itself. Contrary to popular belief, a bunion is not a growth on the side of the foot. 

For all digital deformities, there are treatment options available! See your Podiatrist for an Initial assessment to determine if offloading devices, padding, splints or a combination treatment may be helpful in reducing the pressure experienced at your feet due to structural changes to the toes. First step-get a shoe that is wide fitting (if you have a bunion) or has a deep, roomy toe box (if you have any other toe deformities). 

Nail Changes

Nail growth can differ as we age. The nails can become brittle and thin, but more commonly the nails become thickened which can cause pain. Nails can also become thickened due to various toe deformities, trauma (whether an acute incident like dropping an object to the toe, or repeated trauma to the nail over time), fungal infection, genetic causes and commonly callous growth underneath a nail; all of these in addition to age. 

Did you know, your Podiatrist has a mechanical nail file that can buff down a thick nail to half its thickness and smooth out any ridges? See us for a general care appointment and we can address thickened nails. 

Skin Changes

With age, it is well known the skin becomes drier and more fragile as well as one layer of our skin thinning out, giving the appearance of atrophy to the soft tissues of the foot. These changes to skin integrity promote the risk of skin breakdown, pressure and soreness to the soles of the feet. 

Vascular Changes

Hot or cold feet at different times of the day? Your Podiatrist can undertake a Doppler assessment (Ultrasound) of the two main arteries that supply blood to the feet, to determine if you have any diminishment to your vascular supply that could be related to temperature symptoms or colour changes in your feet. It is important to notice changes to the feet like temperature, colour, nail growth, hair growth or varicosities as you get older as they may be an indication of reduced blood supply to the feet; which if you have, can impair or slow healing if you are to encounter an injury to the foot. At Total Care Podiatry, we believe in a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, especially in the care of older patients and vascular conditions of the feet which are very important to be aware of. We will communicate with your GP regularly when we see you so your progress is understood. 

Musculoskeletal Changes

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are more prevalent in the ageing population, and these degenerative joint changes are a common cause of foot pain related to loss or inflammation to the cartilage lining the joints -the protective soft tissue allowing smooth uninterrupted joint movement. 

Muscle weakness as well as foot problems are factors that are largely involved in falls risk for our older population. With muscle weakness, an individual’s balance is affected which increases the risk of a fall. At Total Care Podiatry we appreciate that balance is a core component of one’s gait and enables greater mobility, so we run a Balance Clinic that is able to assess your risk of falls. 

This blog is merely a summary of common conditions encountered as our feet get older as we grow too! If you have any concerns at all about your foot or lower limb health even if different to those aforementioned, please book your initial appointment to see one of our friendly Podiatrists. We are here to help you prevent foot and ankle pain and want to help you stay active!

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.

TENNIS INJURIES

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Tennis Injuries

 

Lateral Ankle Sprains

Tennis is a multidirectional sport that comes with a great degree of lateral moment, specifically as the athlete’s eyes are on the ball and often not watching their foot placement. The running, jumping and landing involved (even when serving the ball) in tennis can result in landing incorrectly turning the ankle over. It is good to be mindful that clay courts are slippery but also soft, so the lateral aspect of the foot can dig into the ground upon landing, inverting the foot and significantly increase the risk of an ankle sprain. 

Tennis Toe ie Subungual Haematoma

Tennis toe is caused by repeated pressure or injury to the toenail causing pooling of blood under the nail. A Subungual Haematoma is common in tennis as the big toe especially is used to drag on the ground during a serve or play, as well as the “stop and start” nature of the game, causing the toe to glide towards and hit the end of the shoe. Often however this injury is primarily caused by shoes that are too short, or narrow at the toebox, so make sure you get fitted professionally into tennis shoes as well as keeping the toenail clipped short to avoid this issue. If your big toe goes “up at the end” and commonly hits the top of your shoe, come into the clinic for a Musculoskeletal assessment to look at options to reduce the hyperextension of the big toe joint. 

Sesamoiditis

The sesamoids are two small spherical bones underneath the base of your big toe, encased by the big toe’s flexor tendons that stabilized the big toe joint when flexed. Tennis players spend a lot of time on the toes to be ready to move quickly in response to game play quickly as well as landing on the toes a lot which places the joint in a flexed position under a lot of body weight. Repeated strain to the big toe joint in this position can cause the Sesamoid bones to be inflamed and in serious cases, fracture. 

Plantar Fasciitis or Plantar Heel Pain

Tennis is a sport played on hard surfaces in firm shoes. Although there are many Biomechanical factors that more commonly predispose someone to have Plantar Fasciitis, ie the inflammation of the long fascia band (a crucial tissue in the foot that is similar to muscle tissue) that connects at the heel, hard surfaces can contribute to symptoms if there is an existing heel pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis. It is important to see your Podiatrist to get these contributing factors addressed as this condition can become quite recalcitrant if left untreated. 

Peroneal Tendinopathy

The Peroneal musculature involves 3 muscle tendons running to the outside of foot, which when inflamed through Tendinopathy cause pain commonly to the lower lateral ankle but mostly to the lateral border of the foot. The Peroneal muscle group’s role is to evert or pronate the foot, and is often active as a reaction during an ankle sprain or excessive lateral load to take the foot out of the “rolled” or vulnerable position by rolling the foot in. In tennis, players have to rely on loading the lateral foot in change of direction, which can create overuse to the Peroneals and eventuate in injury over time. 

Achilles Tendinopathy 

A common overuse injury caused by microtrauma to the tendon described as pain, swelling and stiffness to the tendon either at its join at the back of the heel or towards the calf region. Achilles Tendinopathy is prevalent in tennis due to the major loads placed on the calf muscle in short bursts of movement (deceleration and acceleration) in game play and during hitting a forehand or a backhand by use of an open stance, which places a majority of the stress on the calf during the backswing. In serving, stress is also placed on the calf and achilles during a ball toss. It is important to rehabilitate this condition before continuing to play, as if the tendon is inflamed in some cases it can rupture or tear without intervention if repeated microtrauma is sufficient enough. 

Cramping

Muscle cramping, commonly in the calf or sole of the foot, occurs when there is a reduced blood supply to the area and in tennis is often due to an increased loss of bodily fluids due to sweating in exercise. 

Muscle cramps can be quite debilitating and frustrating, preventing a player from continuing in a match or reducing movement.

Preventing cramping 

Ensure cool clothes to reduce body temperature, drink electrolytes, ensure good training and strength and conditioning incorporated into training and prepare for long matches. 

Blisters

The main cause of blisters in tennis is a combination of friction and shear. In tennis due to the combination of both running and pivoting on the feet, the skin is pulled in different directions, and this is known as “shear” force. 

Preventing blisters

A tight fitting anatomical sock is best to reduce the likelihood of skin movement. Moisture wicking fibres are also helpful as the skin is more likely to break down into a blister when the foot is sweating. 

Injury Prevention Tips

Warm Up

Warming up especially before competitive tennis is crucial to prepare the body for the more strenuous nature and demands of competitive play. Tennis is a game that although has times of rest between points, is no less difficult and can be very gruelling and harsh on the body in longer game times! 

Shoes

Injury prevention? This is where appropriate shoes come into play. For tennis, if you are training once a week or more or playing matches or competitively at all you should definitely be wearing a shoe that is appropriate for the sport-a tennis specific shoe. Tennis shoes are categorised often into hard court, clay shoes or grass shoes. 

Tennis shoes are structured to provide: 

  • Rigidity to the midfoot and heel of the shoe to reduce the likelihood of unwanted torsion (rotation) through the foot, thus enhancing stability of the ankle in comparison to a pair of runners.
  • Allowance for lateral movements (side to side movement)
  • Panelling in the upper material that is more rigid around heel and midfoot to secure the ankle in place better
  • A toe guard at the toe box to protect the mesh upper from getting damaged during a drag/slide or toe pressure from inside the shoe. 
  • A hard court shoe is heavier, giving the shoe’s outsole durability and cushioning for hours on the more unforgiving surface
  • A herringbone or Entecar sole allows for the best grip on your surface whilst allowing a slide/drag if needed on a clay/Entecar court. 

Surfaces

  • If you can play on Clay or Grass, this is ideal for prevention of stress related or joint injuries as the surface is much softer and easier on the joints and feet!
  • However, if you are prone to ankle sprains, for example, a hard tennis court is better in assisting you to grip your surface better compared to the more slippery nature of a clay or grass surface.
  • Before starting to compete or play matches, make sure you are familiar with the court surface you will be competing on. 

Blisters

  • Check your feet for bony protrusions
  • Shake your shoes out especially after play on clay to avoid debris causing pressure areas on the feet during play
  • Lace up your shoes just right
  • Wear in new shoes gradually-ie walk around in your new tennis shoes first, then train in them, before playing a match

If you play tennis and have any injury even if experiencing different symptoms to the above common conditions, please book in with one of our Podiatrists for a Musculoskeletal assessment where we will form a comprehensive treatment plan so you can get back to the court as soon as possible!

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.

SOCCER INJURIES

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SOCCER INJURIES

Developmental/Youth

Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever’s)
In young children aged 8-14 years old, commonly boys, the heel bone goes through a growth
phase which can include significant inflammation to its growth plate. When a child is more
active, particularly if wearing hard shoes such as football boots this condition may be further
aggravated because of the firmness of the heel counter on a boot.

Osgood Schlatter’s Disease
A childhood overuse injury also commonly coinciding with growth phases/growth spurts that causes a painful lump below the kneecap due to the pull of the quadriceps muscle at its insertion. This knee injury is common in sports like soccer.

Acute

Ankle Sprains
Soccer players are one of the most common athletes to experience ankle sprains (medial or
lateral) due to the multiple direction changes required in their play, including jumping and
landing (often in an uneven manner or in physical contact with other players), planting, pivoting, turning and stepping. The simple technique of kicking the ball involves external rotation of the foot (abduction) and lateral loading (inverting) of the foot. Any inversion of the foot places the foot at risk of an inverted/lateral ankle sprain ie “common ankle roll”. The lateral ankle sprain is the second most common Soccer injury. This can damage ligaments on the outside of the ankle and sideline a player for many weeks. Contrastingly any pivoting, contest or aspects of the game like jumping can result in a less common excessive eversion causing an everted ankle sprain (medial ankle sprain).
Contusions and bone bruises often result from high impact contact with other players such as in slide tackling, or having the toe box of your boot stepped on resulting in a very sore toe! It is helpful to be aware of the difference in pain levels between a contusion or bony bruise as opposed to a structural or soft tissue injury. In an acute impact, usually if an injury is more significant it is noticed straight away and is of a higher severity than the ache caused by a bruise that develops much later hours to days after an impact that is less painful in its initial incident.

Stress Fracture
Also seen as an overuse injury for athletes frequently training under high activity loads, common stress fractures for soccer player (ie partial breaks to bones) occur at the second and fifth metatarsals, tibia (medial malleolus), and fibula (lateral malleolus).

Overuse 

Calf strain, pull or tear

In soccer there is great susceptibility to muscle strains particularly to the calf due to the often
explosive changes in direction, high running load and rapid acceleration and deceleration involved in the sport, as well as towards the end of a game (fatiguing conditions) placing a great load on the calf muscle. The calf muscle, aka Triceps Surae is made up of the two headed Gastocnemius (upper calf portion) Soleus (lower/mid calf portion) and Plantaris muscle. Soleus strains are often  lateral.

Gastrocnemius strains are often medial. The Gastrocnemius medial head is most prone to a tear.
Calf strains are graded 1-3, with a grade 3 tear the most painful resulting in inability to contract the calf and a much longer recovery time. This injury can best be prevented by an assessment of calf strength, function, ankle joint mobility and other examinations by your Podiatrist to determine if preventative treatment is necessary.

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy

Soccer requires a lot of plyometric force through the back of the calf, from the power required
for short bursts and sprint work, to jumping for a header. Sometimes, if you are in a very flat
soled boot with minimal heel height; all the motion above can place a strain on your achilles.
Over time, if training loads are not carefully managed, the Achilles tendon can experience wear
and tear and can become inflamed either at its mid portion or at its end where it inserts to the
bone. In the instance of an acute injury to the Achilles, this tendon can rupture if an incident of
high plyometric load is instigated in an unstable position. This injury often occurs with a “pop”
sound.

Knee Meniscus injury or tear
Repeated lateral or forceful movement involving the knee joint can place the knee at a high risk
of damage or tear to the meniscus, a spongy triangle shaped wedge of cartilage that acts as
your knee’s natural shock absorber. Although commonly an injury that occurs as a result of
degeneration from overuse (ie many years of soccer), an acute meniscus tear can occur as a
result of excessive twisting of the knee whilst in a flexed position (ie tackling or changing
direction).

Turf Toe
A strain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe can be caused by the frequent tackling, planting and stopping of the foot, toe-first into ground.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS)/(Shin Splints)
Pain is felt in the lower ⅓ of the inside of the shin (ie not the front of the shin lower to the knee-this is a different issue). MTSS is a common injury related to running or plyometric activity overload ie overtraining, or a rapid change to training type or intensity. Many factors are involved in the cause of this condition, which you should discuss with your Podiatrist if you are concerned you have MTSS.

Subungual Haematoma (Ie bruise under toenail) 
If soccer boots are too small or a player is repeatedly jamming the top of the toes (commonly
big toe) into the end or top of their boot during contest, the nail bed underneath a toenail can
bleed due to the excessive pressure and cause pain.

Blisters
Poorly fitted soccer boots or playing on a wet field in winter can cause blisters to the feet. See
your Podiatrist at Total Care for blister prevention tips and the best type of socks to wear on
field!

One key aspect of any Soccer player’s training to protect the foot and lower limb from injury
should place focus on balance and proprioceptive work to ensure the best possible strength for
single leg weight-bearing.

Other tips include:
 Warming up thoroughly before training or play

 Ensure to always wear protective shin pads, try a thicker sock, and make sure boots are
comfortable and fit well

 Do a pre play field check for anything like uneven ground, debris, stones or puddles!

 Allow sufficient time off field and off training when you have had an injury, avoiding
rushing back into your original training load as this can enhance re-injury risk.

Feel free to book into the clinic with one of our Podiatrists for an injury risk assessment. If you
have had an injury in your sport, come and see us for your rehabilitation program so you can get back to the field as soon as possible!

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.

SURFCOAST TREK RECOVERY

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There are many things to consider after the trek – these are some tips we would recommend: 

  1. Take a recovery pair of socks and shoes. Clean and dry your feet and put these on after the event to prevent blisters. Keep warm. 
  2. Go for brunch! Treat yourself. You will be tired, and your body will be hungry for a high protein and carb meal. It is important to refuel!
  3. A light stretch and walk in the afternoon for optimal muscle recovery 
  4. Avoid deep tissue massage in the first week – be gentle and start with light muscle recovery. If you have any pain that is disproportional to what you consider to be normal recovering muscle pain, seek advice from the appropriate healthcare professional be it your GP, physiotherapist, or podiatrist ? 

If you have any queries before the trek, come in for your free 15 minute foot check! 

PH: 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.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUR FEET

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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.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE SURF COAST TREK?

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Free Foot & Leg Assessment

Total Care Podiatry is offering Surf Coast trek participants a complimentary Foot and Leg Assessment.  This will take into account your individual requirements and help you work out a strategy to help your feet and legs stay the distance.

Call Total Care Podiatry on 5223 1531 to book in your Complimentary Foot & Leg Assessment.

Make sure you mention that you have registered for the Surf Coast Trek.

Preparing for a long distance walk

Getting your feet ready for a 40 km trek needs a lot of planning and preparation. You’re asking a lot of your poor feet pounding into the ground, and they’ll need some TLC to get you there.

Every individual’s body will respond differently so there’s no one solution that will suit everyone, especially in an endurance event lasting many hours like the Surfcoast Trek.

Just like your fitness, preparing your feet and legs has to start early, not the week before or the day before.

During the 40 km trek, your body will change in a number of ways to keep you going. The extent of the changes will very much rely on how you’ve trained your body prior to the event.

Here’s what will happen for most of us at the 20 to 30 km mark:

  • Muscles in our core and legs will tire and as a result our walking pattern will change, placing more pressure on our joints.
  • Feet may swell causing changes in how the foot fits into the shoe, causing pressure areas, and
  • The heels may start slipping up and down in the shoe as the calf muscles tighten, increasing the risk of blister formation.

Footwear

For endurance walking the shoes you wear will have a significant bearing on whether or not you enjoy the trek. The runners you use around the house or for activities such as walking around the block will probably not be appropriate.

  • Footwear should fit your foot comfortably, not too tight or loose.
  • The upper should be made of a material that will easily breathe and allow the perspiration that your feet generate evaporates into the environment rather than build-up heat in your foot.
  • The sole should not be too stiff or controlling and provide good cushioning.
  • The toe box, (the area of the shoe where your toes are), should be deep and rounded to accommodate any swelling.
  • No part of your foot should slip in the shoes, at any time.
  • It is best if the lace area is as long as possible so you can alter the fit around the heel from the midfoot and the forefoot. You may have to adjust the lacing a number of times during the walk, to make sure your foot is supported and any pressure areas lessened.
    For more information regarding lacing techniques look here: How to Lace a Hiking Boot

Blisters

Blisters are caused by friction, where the surface of the skin is held in one place and the tissues underneath the surface are stretched to the point of tearing. It is influenced by 3 things:

1. The nature of your skin

Our skin often has different qualities depending on age, sun exposure, gender, shoes we wear etc. Some people have firm strong and resilient skin. Others have tender, thin and easily affected skin. The latter type of skin can be toughened to cope and protected for the walk using a number of different taping techniques. Skin temperature also needs to be maintained so that the skin does not become overly sweaty and moist which increases the risk of blisters.

Socks that are designed to ‘wick moisture away’; that is take the moisture away from the skin out through the sock to the other side of the sock, is the best way of managing this.

2. How your foot works

Your foot has two main functions, it has to adapt the body above to the ground beneath, and then has to be stable enough for the body to move over a solid foundation. If these functions are not working properly areas of high pressure develop which can directly cause tissue injury. The most obvious is blisters but also stress fractures and indirectly, increased risk of ligament or tendon damage as muscles get tired; often seen in cases of rolled ankles. Research shows that cushioning insoles can address the direct high-pressure areas, but the reasons why the foot is not functioning properly, causing risk of injury, needs to be understood and then addressed appropriately.

3. The level of friction.

There are many ways people use to reduce friction. For most people the best strategy is wearing well fitted merino padded socks. These socks should have built in padding to assist with small pressure areas.  If you have bony feet, or a tendency for rubbing, wearing two pairs of socks can be the solution. If you often have blisters on or in between your toes, ‘toe socks’, worn under the padded merino socks, can be the answer.

A final note on blisters, if the top of the blister rubs off and you’re left with a red raw sore, a band-aid type of dressing is not a good option as it may cause more friction. Instead, compound dressings are good for this, as is some taping, so long as your skin is not sensitive to the adhesive.

We congratulate everyone who is taking on the Surf Coast trek for the challenge it provides as well as supporting a fantastic local charity which benefits our whole community. Total Care Podiatry is proud to support your effort with a Complimentary Foot & Leg Assessment.

WARNING: 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!

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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.

SESAMOIDITIS – What is it???

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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.

PLANTAR FASCIOPATHY – PLANTAR FASCIITIS – PLANTAR HEEL PAIN

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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.

 

SHIN SPLINTS AFFECTING YOUR RUN OR HIIT?

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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.