Gait Analysis, Podiatrist Melbourne, Orthotics Melbourne, Sports Podiatrist
(03) 9882 5584
GAIT
ANALYSISGait analysis is a non-invasive diagnostic method for in-depth examination and assessment....
ORTHOTICS
Orthotics or orthotic devices are podiatric medical devices placed into your footwear designed....
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
TREATMENTPlantar fasciitis is a debilitating condition causing pain under the heel on weight-bearing....
INGROWN TOENAIL
TREATMENTToenails that tend to grow inwards and dig into the flesh are known as Ingrown Toenail........
Sports injuries
Sport and podiatry
The number of Australians participating in sport has increased dramatically over the past decade and we as health care practitioners have seen a dramatic increase in sports related injuries. In many sports, the foot absorbs tremendous shearing and loading forces, sometimes reaching over 20 times the person's body weight! This leads to injuries both acute and chronic.
Our podiatrists have great experience and a keen interest in sports medicine. All are members of Sports Medicine Australia. They can use the latest technologies like computer gait analysis to help diagnose the cause of sports injuries and also have access to ultrasound and laser therapy which can help speed up recovery.
Common lower leg sports injuries
Common lower leg sports injuries include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle sprain
- Shin splints
- Knee pain
- Stress fracture
Plantar fasciitis
Patients with plantar fasciitis usually complain of pain under the heel on weight-bearing. Pain can also sometimes be felt under the arch or around the edges of the heel. It is a debilitating condition that is often most painful after getting up in the morning, with pain usually subsiding after walking around for a while.
Plantar fasciitis is common in sports which involve running or jumping. Runners who excessively pronate (feet rolling in or flattening) are particularly at risk as the biomechanics of the foot pronating causes stretching of the plantar fascia.
For more information see our page on plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis pain is often felt in the lower third of the achilles tendon, approximately 5cm from its insertion into the heel. Pain can also occur at the tendon’s attachment site to the heel. Achilles tendonitis can be either acute or chronic. Symptoms are aggravated by activity and relieved by rest.
It is caused by overuse or excessive strain on the achilles tendon and accounts for an estimated 11% of all running injuries. Poor foot mechanics and excess pronation is often a factor that goes unnoticed. Achilles tendonitis is often now referred to as achilles tendinopathy. This is because it is thought to be due to tendon fibre degeneration rather than inflammation.
Treatment outcomes are best if treated early. The tendon has a poor blood supply meaning that healing is often slow so don't let this problem progress into the chronic form.
Ankle sprain
An ankle sprain involves damage to the ankle ligaments caused by a sudden single traumatic incident. A partial or complete tear of a ligament may occur leading to pain and swelling around the ankle. Depending on the force of the injury sometimes a small bony fracture can occur on the site where the ligament was attached to. Athletes can also suffer from chronic repeated ankle sprains and this often the result of poor foot mechanics.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain it is important to get your ankle assessed properly by one of our podiatrists. Fractures can sometimes get missed leading to problems in future.
Our podiatrists can diagnose and treat all ankle sprains from acute to chronic. We can refer you for x-rays if required without the need for a GP visit. We can use immobilising splints (cam walkers) for bad ankle sprains which are a lot better than fiddling around on crutches. We also have ultrasound and laser therapy on the premises to help speed up recovery.
Shin splints
Shin splints is a collective term used to describe a group of injuries affecting the shin bone (tibia). Overuse of muscles attaching to this bone pull excessively causing inflammation and pain. Symptoms may vary from a mild discomfort to an intense burning pain. They are most noticeable at the commencement of exercise and diminish as exercise continues. Pain often returns after exercise and can be worse the next morning.
Poor foot mechanics and excess pronation can place extra strain on shin muscles and lead to overuse.
Weakness of the shin muscles and lower leg muscle fatigue can also be a factor in lower leg stress fractures so don’t delay in seeking treatment with one of our podiatrists.
Knee pain
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 (i.e. flat feet) can place extra strain on the knee joint and surrounding soft tissues, leading to knee pain when playing sport.
Excess foot pronation (when the foot flattens too much during walking) will cause excessive internal rotation at the knee. This in turn can lead to poor tracking of the knee cap subsequently producing pain. This is often known as patellofemoral pain. Over time this poor alignment can lead to degeneration or arthritis within the knee joint itself causing chronic pain.
Custom made orthotics can be of great help in managing knee pain. By re-aligning the feet and lower limbs the knee adopts a more functional posture encouraging normal muscle function and better knee cap tracking.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures of the lower extremities account for 95% of all stress fractures in athletes. In the foot the most common sites are the metatarsals (especially 2nd and 3rd); whilst in the lower leg it is in the lower third of the tibia.
Stress fractures are overuse injuries and result from fatigue failure within the bone, although surrounding muscles actually fatigue first. The muscles are unable to absorb added shock and this is then transferred to the bone leading to a tiny crack.
Symptoms are usually gradual in onset but progress to more intense localised pain with swelling. Pain is usually most severe during exercise but may also be present at rest.
Poor lower leg mechanics (flat feet), poor footwear, poor training and diet insufficiencies can all be factors which cause stress fractures. Thorough assessment by one of our podiatrists is the key to early diagnosis and successful treatment.
