Participation in sports has increased dramatically in the past decade. Therefore, we as health care practitioners have seen a dramatic increase in sports related injuries. Many sports place the feet and legs at tremendous risk of injury. We see a lot of injuries, including knee problems, ankle sprains, achilles tendonitis just to name a few. Our computer treadmill gait analysis facility greatly assists in diagnosing causes of injury. We utilise the latest physical and technological techniques to assess, diagnose and treat injuries. Our interest and experience in sports medicine places us in an excellent position to treat sports related injuries and guide the patient through the rehabilitation phase of recovery.

Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Spurs

A prevalent condition affecting either one or both heels. There are several different causes of heel pain, the most common being plantar fasciitis (heel spurs). This pain is generally felt under the heel pad and most prominent when first weight bearing after rest. Sometimes the pain may extend along the arch of the foot. Pain may also radiate around the edges of the heel. Although the problem is considered difficult to treat we are able to help most sufferers using the latest techniques. This may include the need to be fitted with soft temporary orthotics. We also use physical therapy such as laser and ultrasound to reduce the inflammatory process. Stretching exercises are also important. It is essential that treatment is commenced as early as possible. The longer the problem continues the more frustrating this condition is to treat.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM HEEL PAIN?

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Achilles Tendonitis

Pain if often felt within the achilles tendon itself. The most common area of pain is in the lower third of the achilles tendon where it inserts into the heel. The achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. One of its functions is to anchor the calf muscle to the heel bone. There are a number of causes, overuse of the tendon being the most common. We can greatly help this problem by using various modern therapies and correcting any abnormal foot alignment, which may be exacerbating the problem. Physical therapy is also indicated.

DON'T LET THIS PROBLEM PROGRESS INTO THE CHRONIC STAGE!

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Anatomically the knee joint is considered a vulnerable joint. It is situated at the end of two very long bones so the forces upon it are great. Poorly aligned feet (ie flat feet) place extra strain on surrounding joints and soft tissues. As the foot flattens during walking the knee and kneecap are subjected to abnormal forces often leading to muscle imbalances and weaknesses. It is this weakness which causes the kneecap to malfunction subsequently producing pain. By re-aligning the feet and lower limbs the knee adopts a more ergonomic functional posture encouraging normal muscle function.

DON'T PUT UP WITH AGONISING KNEE PAIN ANY LONGER!

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Shin splints is a collective term used to describe a group of injuries affecting the shin bone (tibia). Muscles attaching to this bone pull excessively causing inflammation and pain. Symptoms may vary from a mild discomfort to an intense burning pain. These are most noticeable at the commencement of activity and diminishing shortly after rest. Types commonly encountered are anterior and posterior shin splints. Both types have similar symptoms and causes, however their location varies slightly. Anterior shin splints affect the muscles at the front of the tibia whereas the posterior type occurs at the inner edge of the tibia. Treatment aims to decrease inflammation and decrease muscle traction on the tibial bone.

ARE YOUR SHINS SORE AFTER WALKING OR RUNNING?

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Pronation is a term used to describe the inward rotation of a body part and is often seen within the foot. Over pronation may occur during walking or running when the arch within the foot flattens out and the ankle joint rolls inward. In order for our feet to function smoothly and efficiently we need some degree of pronation. However, excessive pronation may lead to other problems such as: shin pain, tired and aching feet, painful ankles, knees, hips and back. Symptoms of over pronation are often magnified in sports people. All that twisting, turning and jumping takes its toll. Over pronation is a problem which is encountered daily in practice and treatment is based upon restoring and supporting the foot's normal arch and alignment.

FLAT FEET? NEED YOUR GAIT ASSESSED?
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