Sports Injuries
Sports injuries involving the feet and legs are extremely common. Injuries generally fall into two broad categories: sudden acute injuries such as sprains and torn ligaments and overuse type injuries that occur over time. Sports injuries can occur for a number of reasons including:
- Pre-existing injuries
- Inadequate footwear
- Inefficient biomechanics
- Not warming up
Our expert podiatrists have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot issues and nail care problems including:
We Can Help
Inefficient running action, biomechanical imbalances, leg length differences, pronation and alignment problems as well as inadequate footwear can play a major role in all types of sports injuries. Our podiatrists are experts in analysing the way you move and use the latest biomechanical and 3D gait analysis to diagnose the cause of your injury.
We can get you back on your feet as soon as possible and provide a lasting solution to make sure you can achieve the optimal performance levels you deserve.
We use a range of proven and effective treatments for including:
- Custom orthotics—for support and relief of pressure points
- Supportive cushioning—to take the weight of inflamed areas
- Exercises–to build flexibility and strength in muscles
- Foot manipulation—to increase mobility and flexibility
- Pedirollers—to stimulate healing and rejuvenation of tissue
- Fisiocrem linament—for naturally powerful pain relief
Custom orthotics serve a vital role in healing and preventing sports injuries and we can supply and fit orthotics to suit all sports and footwear types. We also supply a range of specially designed shoes that provide really effective support.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a common sports injury that triggers pain in the heel and the arches. It occurs when the plantar fascia (tissue connecting the heel to the toes) becomes inflamed.
The pain is usually more severe at the front of the heel but may spread throughout the foot and into the ankles severely limiting activity.
Over-pronation, insufficient arch and foot support are common causes for plantar Fasciitis. It’s important to seek early treatment from your podiatrist because soft tissue injuries can rapidly lead to chronic conditions that are more difficult to treat such as heel spurs.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis usually occurs as the result of overuse and affects the tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel. The onset of pain is usually gradual. The tendon may feel tight and you may also notice an inflamed bump near the heel.
You may notice the pain on beginning an activity particularly after a period of rest. Achilles tendonitis is common in runners especially those with tight calf muscles. Seeking treatment early on is vital so you can get back to the activities you love as quickly as possible.
Without adequate treatment Achilles tendonitis can contribute to other challenging conditions such as heel spurs or Haglund’s Syndrome.
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are common especially in sports that involve sudden direction changes or rough or unstable ground. Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists and stretches the ligaments that support the ankle beyond their normal range resulting in a tear.
Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe and may involve swelling and pain. With minor sprains the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) techniques will reduce the swelling and speed recovery.
More serious sprains where the pain is severe, you can’t put weight on your foot and the swelling does not subside need the attention of an expert podiatrist. Your podiatrist can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Improper treatment of sprains can lead to a serious weakening of the ankle and ongoing problems.
Shin splints & stress fractures
Runners and walkers frequently experience that painful condition known as shin splints especially after a sudden increase in workout load. The symptoms of shin splints include a general pain in the shin bone region during exercise. The pain usually disappears during rest but reoccurs when you begin exercising again.
Shin splints occur when the muscles and soft connecting tissue become overworked and inflamed. Inefficient biomechanics, inadequate foot support, and pronation issues are common causes of shin splints.
Your best course of action is to ease up on your training programme and visit your podiatrist. Ignoring shin splints will make them worse and may lead to stress fractures. We will identify the cause of your shin splints, offer really effective treatments and work with you to get you back on your feet again.
Knee pain
Many sports place enormous pressures and forces on the knees. Poor alignment and other biomechanical issues can make the knees highly prone to overuse injuries such as:
- Chondromalacia patellae (runner’s knee)
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) and Patellar tendinopathy occur when the tendons or ligaments are overworked and become inflamed. Pain can be significant but usually fades when you stop the exercise.
Chondromalacia patellae is an overuse injury that affects the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). Biomechanical issues or abnormal alignment cause most cases of knee pain. Appropriate treatment is essential for knee pain as ignoring the pain will make the problem worse and trigger more serious problems down the track.
If in doubt , give us a call to discuss.
Expert Podiatry Care
Our expert podiatry care can help keep your toenails looking and feeling perfect.
Our extensive range of nail care services covers everything from nail trimming, shaping, and surgery to, treating fungal problems, and providing orthotics or advising on more comfortable footwear.
We have depth/width footwear at Croydon Total Footcare and staff are trained to measure and fit appropriately to ease your pain and discomfort.
About Us
CROYDON TOTAL FOOTCARE
Address: 139 MT Dandenong Rd,
Croydon, VIC, 3136
Phone: (03) 9722 9422
Email: info@croydonfoot.com
Opening Hours
Mon: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tues: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wed: (by appointment)
Thurs: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fri: (by appointment)
Note: Times are subject to change