Sports Podiatry | Treatment Of Lower Limb Injury | Peak Performance
Specialised Care for Active Lifestyles
Here at Callen Olive Podiatry, Sports Podiatry stands as a distinct branch, which exclusively focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and lower limb injuries associated with sports activities. This specialised field requires in-depth knowledge and experience in catering to athletes and physically active individuals.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Podiatry Sports Injuries:
Sports podiatrists excel in evaluating and diagnosing lower limb injuries attributed to sports or exercise. Some common podiatry sports injuries include:
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Affecting the Achilles tendon, connecting calf muscles to the heel bone, this condition presents with pain and stiffness in the back of the heel. Overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in physical activity can contribute to its development
- Runner's Knee: A term encompassing various conditions leading to pain around the kneecap. Overuse, misalignment of the kneecap, or a weak quadriceps muscle are often contributing factors
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Resulting in pain along the shinbone, shin splints are frequently caused by overuse or wearing improper footwear
- Ankle Instability: Occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle become weak or damaged, leading to pain, swelling, and an increased risk of ankle sprains
- Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia): Causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, typically resulting from overuse or wearing inappropriate footwear
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle, often stemming from overuse or a sudden surge in physical activity
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Causes pain on the outside of the knee, aggravated by overuse, improper footwear, or activities involving repetitive bending of the knee
Role of Sports Podiatrists:
Sports podiatrists play a pivotal role in designing personalised treatment plans to facilitate athletes' swift and secure recovery from injuries. Employing a range of techniques and tools, including orthotics, physical therapy, and medication, these specialists collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals such as sports physicians, physical therapists, and coaches to deliver comprehensive care.
Preventive Measures and Biomechanical Assessments:
In addition to treatment, sports podiatry clinics actively engage in injury prevention. Providing guidance on footwear selection, prescribing appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises, and advising on training techniques, these clinics assess athletes' biomechanics. Customised orthotics are often recommended to enhance foot and lower limb function and reduce the risk of injuries.
Choosing the Right Sports Podiatrist:
Not all podiatrists specialise in sports injuries, emphasising the importance of selecting a practitioner with specific training and experience in sports podiatry. At Callen Olive Podiatry Clinic, our dedicated team ensures that you receive the most suitable and expert care for your sports-related foot and lower limb concerns.
How Do Orthotics Work?
Scientific studies reveal that the mechanical properties of the foot indirectly trigger your central nervous system. Wearing orthotics sends sensory feedback to your brain, prompting it to adjust walking timing and plantar pressures. This feedback loop enables your brain to send corrective movements to the foot, improving lower limb function and alignment, alleviating pain, and preventing recurrence.
When Are Orthotics Necessary?
A thorough biomechanical foot assessment, including a physical examination and functional tests, precedes the prescription of foot orthotics. This assessment, coupled with gait analysis using OPTOGAIT, ensures a comprehensive understanding of your unique foot dynamics. Orthotics are recommended when there is pain, pathology, deformity, or gait abnormality. Ethically, orthotics are only prescribed to those who genuinely need them, when deformity, dysfunction and or pain is present.
Crafting Custom Foot Orthoses:
Upon identifying orthotics as a suitable solution, we tailor your prescription to your biomechanical needs. Utilizing a 3D digital scan of each foot and a simulated 3D cast, we capture your unique foot anatomy. This cast, along with your prescription, is sent to our orthotic manufacturer in Staffordshire, Europe's leading custom orthotics manufacturer. The result is custom-made insoles that perfectly mold to your feet, offering enduring support and comfort.
Preserving the Lifespan of Orthotic Insoles:
Custom foot orthotics are a long-lasting investment, typically worn for several years before requiring replacement. To extend their lifespan, annual refurbishment is recommended, addressing wear and tear on covers and additions. Our exclusive Protect warranty scheme covers your custom foot orthoses for two years, including outgrowth, replacement, total refurbishment, and prescription adjustments.
Choosing the Right Orthotics:
The type of orthotics you need depends on your specific condition and symptom severity. Callen Olive podiatry team can assess your needs and recommend the appropriate type of orthotic device for you. If you are experiencing foot or lower limb pain, consulting with a podiatrist is advised for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment recommendations.
