Sports Podiatry
Sports Podiatry is a sub-speciality which focuses on minimising injury and maximising efficiency in the mechanics of the foot and lower limb, including treating over-use injuries. Soft tissue therapy, trigger point therapy as well as taping form the basis of treatment, which utilises aspects of general and biomechanical Podiatry. Injuries can include ankle sprains, fractures and tears.
Rehabilitation after injury is an important aspect of Sports Podiatry, helping reduce the risk of further damage or reinjury. Injuries including Achilles Tendonitis, bursitis, capsulitis and ankle sprains and strains can all be treated effectively by a Podiatrist.
Paediatric Podiatry
Children’s feet are particularly vulnerable, as the bones in the foot are not fully formed until the late teens. Analysis of appropriate footwear to allow for growth and assist with correct structural development is essential. In treating children, the timing is extremely important, as the foot is still growing. Our Podiatrist monitors the age and growth rate of the child to ensure the development of their feet is on track and meeting the appropriate milestones allowing for appropriate intervention if needed. It is important to investigate when children experience pain, as longer term problems can develop of treatment is not sought early.
Some children present with ‘toe walking’ or excessive clumsiness. These conditions can point to a problem with the development of the ligaments that support the structures of the ankle and foot.
It is also common for children to present with problems such as ingrown toenails and general nail problems. These can be exacerbated by the extended wearing of school shoes, which provide for limited ‘breathing’ in the foot, and from activities like kicking balls. Our Podiatrist is trained to monitor and treat all these complaints.
General Podiatry
General Podiatry treats a range of conditions including fungal infections, ingrown toenails, corns and callouses. The aim here is to reduce pain and discomfort which can affect the gait and cause problems in the legs, hips and spine. Good foot hygiene is vital in avoiding infections that can later become more serious problems.
People at particular risk are those who wear work or safety boots for extended periods, as this footwear does not breathe and can cause ongoing problems. Also at risk are people who stand for long periods of time, or who walk a great deal in their daily jobs – like nurses, teachers, retail and hospitality workers. Our Podiatrist can provide advice on the best footwear and foot care for people in these types of professions, as well as treatment for all types of foot-care problems including plantar fasciitis, adult flat foot and heel pain.
Diabetes Management
It is important to be aware of the symptoms that can be caused by Diabetes. Numbness, tingling, burning, pins & needles as well as issues with balance, can all be a sign that Diabetes is affecting your lower limbs, and these can have a profound ongoing effect if not treated in a timely manner. Our Podiatrist assists with education and management of these issues to ensure patients maintain mobility and reduce discomfort.
Biomechanics
This includes muscle testing, gait analysis and assessment to identify abnormalities in joint and muscle function to assist with posture, balance and walking. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tibialis posterior dysfunction are commonly treated by a podiatrist. Treatments such as shockwave therapy and ultrasound can be used in the treatment of pain caused by these types of conditions.
Specialist footwear or orthotics may be recommended to ensure the correct position of the foot and ankle when walking or standing. This will assist with whole-body alignment, and often the cause of pain or mis-alignment further up the body can be attributed to foot and ankle problems. Strapping and taping are often utilised to help identify if orthotics are appropriate and can be used to relieve arch and heel pain.
Our Podiatrist manages all aspects of biomechanical problems from analysis and diagnosis, to treatment and prescription of appropriate footwear, orthotics and treatments.
