Foot
We have extensive experience in the treatment, rehabilitation and preventative management for foot pain and injuries.
Below provides a list of common foot conditions. Each patient requires an individual assessment to determine the exact type of injury, it’s causes and any rehabilitation program required. During an appointment with either a Doctor or a Physio you can expect the following assessment questions:
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History of the pain, including location, severity, referred pain, things that make the pain worse or better.
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A family history of foot or similar pain
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Previous injuries
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Occupational or Sporting activities
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Previous treatments
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Current footwear examination
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Physical inspection of the foot.
If you have previously seen a Physio or Podiatrist for this same issue, please bring any relevant notes and we recommend a booking with a Sports Physician if this is the case.
Disclaimer
The common conditions below and the associated information have been produced as a guide only. They do not replace the judgement of a clinician. The below information should never be relied on as a substitute for proper assessment with respect to the particular circumstances of each patient. Patients should consult with an appropriate clinician as soon as practicable post injury to avoid complications.
Common Conditions
Description
One of the more painful conditions to affect our feet are bunions. A bunion is an abnormal, swollen bony bump that appears on the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions are sometimes called hallux valgus.
Treatments
Nonsurgical treatments that may relieve the pain and pressure of a bunion include:
- Changing shoes. Wear roomy, comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes.
- Padding and taping or splinting. Use over-the-counter, nonmedicated bunion pads. Also, your Physiotherapist can help you tape your foot in a normal position. This can reduce stress on the bunion and alleviate your pain.
- Shoe inserts. Padded shoe inserts can help distribute pressure evenly when you move your feet, reducing your symptoms and preventing your bunion from getting worse. Over-the-counter arch supports can provide relief for some people; others require prescription orthotic devices.
- Applying ice. Icing your bunion after you've been on your feet too long or if it becomes inflamed can help relieve soreness and inflammation.
Doctors at TSM may also recommend certain injections that can reduce symptoms, allowing corrective treatments to be more effective
Surgical options
If conservative treatment doesn't provide relief from your symptoms, you might need surgery. However, surgery isn't recommended unless a bunion causes you frequent pain or interferes with your daily activities.
There are numerous surgical procedures for bunions, and no one technique is best for every problem.
To discuss these options with a Doctor or Physio please contact Territory Sportsmedicine
Description
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move more, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or after rising from sitting.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners and people who work on their feet all day. In addition, people who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
Treatments
Physiotherapy
A Physiotherapist can instruct you in a series of exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles, which stabilize your ankle and heel. A physio might also teach you to apply athletic taping to support the bottom of your foot. See video above.
- Night splints.
Your Physiotherapist or doctor might recommend that you wear a splint that stretches your calf and the arch of your foot while you sleep. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight and facilitates stretching. TSM stocks a range of these devices.
- Orthotics.
Your doctor or physio might prescribe off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly. If you wish to be fitted for any of these corrective devices please book an appointment with a Physio.
Surgical or other procedures
When more-conservative measures aren't working after several months there are a number of more invasive options available to our doctors.
These may include injections that help reduce inflammation to assist in recovery or other that use the body's own healing properties to accelerate the healing process.
Surgery is also an option for those who have long term pain, with no relief from either splints, treatment or injections. Our Doctors can help you make the decision that best suits your particular needs
A detailed guide to prevention and management of Plantar Fasciitis can be found HERE
Description & Treatments
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock.
Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb.
High-heeled shoes have been linked to the development of Morton's neuroma. Many people experience relief by switching to lower heeled shoes with wider toe boxes. Sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
Description
Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.
Achilles tendinopathy most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.
Most cases of Achilles tendinopathy can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor or physio’s supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes.
More-serious cases of Achilles tendinopathy can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.
Treatments
If over-the-counter pain medications — such as ibuprofen— aren't enough, your doctor might prescribe stronger medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist might suggest some of the following treatment options:
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Exercises.
Physios often prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to promote healing and strengthening of the Achilles tendon and its supporting structures.
A special type of strengthening called "eccentric" strengthening, involving a slow let down of a weight after raising it, has been found to be especially helpful for persistent Achilles problems.
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Orthotic devices.
A shoe insert or wedge that slightly elevates your heel can relieve strain on the tendon and provide a cushion that lessens the amount of force exerted on your Achilles tendon.
If several months of more-conservative treatments don't work or if the tendon has torn, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair your Achilles tendon.
For a detailed guide to prevention and management of achilles tendinopathies you can download here
Description
The midfoot is the middle region of the foot, where a cluster of small bones forms an arch on the top of the foot. From this cluster, five long bones (metatarsals) extend to the toes. The bones are held in place by connective tissues (ligaments) that stretch both across and down the foot. However, there is no connective tissue holding the first metatarsal to the second metatarsal. A twisting fall can break or shift (dislocate) these bones out of place.
