This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Centre for Podiatric Medicine
 
Shoes

Monthly Tip

Footwear models & designs change frequently, therefore consult a qualified podiatrist to determine the correct shoe style.

Shoes

Foot and Leg Injuries

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy refers to either inflammation around the tendon (Achilles tendinitis) or a series of very small tears (microtears) in the connective tissue in or around the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinosis). Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy may include pain and tenderness in the affected area, along with decreased strength and movement in the lower leg. Achilles tendinopathy is caused by overuse and is most often seen in active people who have engaged in such activities as a sudden increase in running distance, a change in walking or running surface, or a long hike. Initial treatment often consists of rest, ice massage, and pain medications, followed by gentle stretching of the Achilles tendon.

Foot orthotics are commonly used to change the angle of the foot relative to the leg, thereby reducing load on the achilles and assisting with the rehabilitation process. For recalcitrant achilles tendinopathy aprotinin injections have been shown to be of assistance. Achilles tendinosis weakens the tendon and may make the tendon more vulnerable to tear or rupture. The risk for rerupture increases if the condition is not treated. It can require weeks to months of rest for the tendon to slowly repair itself.

The library has relevant articles about Achilles tendinopathy which may be downloaded.

For footinjury.com.au Achilles tendinopathy products which can be purchased online, please visit the online store.

Plantar Fasciitis-Heel Pain Syndrome

Plantar Fasciitis is an overuse injury affecting the sole or plantar surface of the foot. A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis means you have inflamed the fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. Common signs of the condition include arch-heel pain on getting out of bed in the morning, arch pain on the commencement of activity which improves as exercise continues and arch pain which returns at the end of the day. Heel pain is one of the most common foot problem seen in podiatry practice. The AOFAS states non-operative care for heel pain provides satisfactory treatment for 90 percent of patients.

If the condition is not treated, the condition may become chronic and develop into heel pain. Plantar fasciitis & heel pain syndrome is common with individuals who have pronated or flat feet, are overweight, work in occupations which require prolonged periods of standing on hard surfaces (eg. retail, hospitality, factory floor). Foot biomechanics are highly implicated in the condition (walking gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Tight calf muscles are highly implicated in plantar fasciitis for which night splints can be effective. Other causes are the result of injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running, jumping on hard surfaces and poorly constructed footwear.

The library has relevant articles about plantar fasciitis which may be downloaded:

For footinjury.com.au plantar fasciitis-heel pain syndrome products which can be purchased online please visit the online store

Bunions

Bunions appear as a misaligned enlargement of the bone on the inside of the foot at the big toe. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Foot biomechanics including flat feet, excessively pronated feet and a misaligned forefoot can create bunion joints.

Recommendations:
1. Obtain shoes of greater length and width to provide space for the bunion.
2. Wear softer shoes to decrease irritation and avoid pointed toe shoes.
3. Use bunion shields & bunion gel spacers to cushion & protect the Great Toe joint,
4. If the pain persists, make an appointment for an opinion from the team at Centre For Podiatric Medicine. The condition may require orthotics (special shoe inserts) or recommend treatment alternatives, including surgical correction.

For footinjury.com.au bunion foot products which may be purchased online, visit the online store.

Runners Knee (Patello-Femoral Syndrome)

Runner’s knee is an overuse injury common with running, jumping and court sports. The basic mechanism of the injury is the mal-tracking of the knee cap upon the knee joint. Of all of the conditions that predispose to lateral tracking of the patella, faulty biomechanics may be the most consistent as well as the most significant.

A common lower limb biomechanical imbalance is the relationship between the foot and the knee. Excessive foot pronation, with flattening of the arch or rolling in of the heel results in internal rotation of the leg, which changes the angular alignment of the knee relative to the leg and foot. Injury occurs in two broad circumstances -- either when the patella is forced with excessive pressure against the underlying femur or when it tracks excessively on one side or other of the groove. In either case, this would cause irritation and abrasion of the cartilage of the patella, resulting in inflammation and pain.

The library has relevant articles about Runners Knee Syndrome which may be downloaded:

For footinjury.com.au runners knee syndrome products which can be purchased online please visit the online store

Shin Splints (Medial Tibial stress syndrome; Anterior shin pain

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are an exercise-related pain. Shin splints occur along or just behind the inner (medial) edge of the shin (tibia). The pain usually involves a span measuring about 6 to 8 centimetres. Studies show that medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) commonly affects running sports, aerobics & court sports. An over pronated foot predisposes to internal tibia rotation placing strain on the lower leg musculature which attaches to the bone.

Pathology: shin splints are an inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the bone (periosteum), which can be seen on bone scan examinations. The muscles that attach to the shinbone are also involved. The constant wearing & movement of the bone & the muscle tendons create inflammation.

Recommendations: By preventing excess foot pronation using orthotics assists reduction of internal tibial rotation and reduces medial tractional forces upon anterior tibialis and posterior tibialis muscles. Motion control and stability athletic footwear also assist over pronation syndromes. Additional treatments include ice therapy (15 minutes, 3 times a day), rest from running, deep tissue massage.

The library has relevant articles about shin splints & medial tibial stress syndrome which may be downloaded:

  • Shin splints (PDF)……..coming soon!