Sports podiatry
Sports podiatry is the treatment of foot, ankle, leg and knee injuries by altering lower limb function using a variety of methods, including insoles, footwear and exercises.
A sports podiatrist will analyse the way an individuals foot strikes the ground and evaluate the chain of motion of the major joints in the leg from the ground up.
By analysing the way that you walk and run the sports podiatrist will evaluate whether or not there are any mechanical reasons that may be contributing to your injury.
Sports Podiatry includes:
- Assessment and treatment of all foot, ankle & lower limb disorders
- Assessment of mechanical causes of lower limb pain
- Prescription of corrective foot orthoses for lower limb realignment
- Prescription of appropriate stretching/strengthening and training programs
- Advice and modification of running shoes, football boots and other sporting footwear
A Sports Podiatrist can determine via biomechanical assessment and specific testing whether your leg alignment and leg stability is normal and is sufficient for performing in your particular sport.
When should I be assessed by a sports podiatrist?
(1) Injury. If you have repeated lower limb injuries , it is likely to be caused by a mechanical problem or imbalance in the body. To relieve the symptoms, the cause of the imbalance must be determined and treated accordingly.
(2) Performance enhancement. For the recreational or elite level athlete who wants to avoid injury and maximise performance.
A Sports Podiatrist will often work closely with a sports physiotherapist as many leg and foot problems are secondary to problems in the lower back and pelvis.
The most common sports podiatry injuries are : Shin splints, Achilles tendin.
What does a Sports podiatrist do?
Sports Podiatrists specialise in the diagnosis and management of foot and lower leg disorders with a particular focus on injuries associated with foot and lower limb function.
Sports Podiatrists provide walking and running assessments to investigate posture and lower limb function which may include a Biomechanical and computerised Gait Analysis.
If you are concerned about any of the following conditions and the problem is not going away, consult a Sports Podiatrist:
- Upper leg pain
- Knee pain
- Lower leg pain
- Ankle pain
- Heel pain
- Foot pain
- High Arches
- Flat feet
- Unstable Gait
Customised TOG Orthotics Testing with Gaitscan
