We provide assessment, diagnosis, management and prevention of a wide range of foot, ankle and lower limb conditions.
Here is a list of common podiatry conditions we treat at Pacific Podiatry.
Common sports injuries, heel pain, foot pain, aching feet and leg pain
conditions our Podiatrists commonly encounter.
We deal with a wide range of conditions. We have expert diagnostics
combined with the latest techniques for effective treatments and
management.
Heel Pain
This is possibly the most common foot complaint we treat. There are 26 bones in the foot, of which the heel bone ( calcaneus) is the largest. The human heel is designed to provide a rigid support for the weight of the body. When we are running or walking it absorbs the impact of the foot when it hits the ground, or springs us forward into our next stride. Experts say that the stress placed on a foot when walking may be 1.25 times our body weight, and 2.75 times when running. Consequently, the heel is vulnerable to damage, and ultimately pain.
There are a number of causes linked to this symptom such as plantar fasciitis, nerve entrapment and bursiitis. Often it is due to the abnormal biomechanics of the foot and leg or incorrect footwear. Treatment can involve a stretching and strengthening program , massage, strapping techniques, acupuncture , trigger point therapy, change of footwear and an orthotic device.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. It may feel like you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or sock. Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. You may experience a sting, burn or numbness. Treatment involves spreading the metatarsals and thus reducing pressure on the nerve. This may include different footwear, a metatarsal dome applied to the shoe or an orthoses with a dome padding.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is one of the most common foot complaints which include Plantar Plate tears (ligament under the 2nd or 3rd toe) and Morton’s neuroma. Usually there is an excessive load over the lesser metatarsals which leads to tissue damage. Our biomechanical assessment using the Zebris Gait System will illustrate the abnormal weight bearing. Treatment involves shoes, orthotics, exercises, acupuncture and sometimes injection therapy.
Bunions
A bunion , also known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. The joint at the base of the toe points outwards, resulting in the toe deviating in an inward direction towards the second toe. In some cases, excess bone formation may also occur. As the bunion becomes more prominent, pain can develop. The little toe can also develop a bunion , this is known as a Tailor’s bunion. The cause is often genetic , incorrect biomechanics and footwear. Bunions are seen more frequently in females due to nature of women’s footwear which are often narrow, this is made worse in high heels as the foot is pushed forward into the already narrower space. Other predisposing factors include arthritis, foot deformities, flat feet, and postural problems such as pronation. Treatment involves suitable footwear, plantar metatarsal dome padding, and orthotics to re-align the bones and help redistribute weight. Manipulation, massage and trigger point therapy is also useful.
Shin pain
Shin splints is a term referring to pain felt anywhere along the shinbone from knee to ankle. It is a common injury in many running based sports, e.g .basketball, netball, hockey and football. The pain develops slowly without history of trauma and may begin as a dull ache along the front of the shin after running or walking. The athlete’s gait will be assessed at Pacific Podiatry.
Causes are due to excessive pronation, lateral foot strike, overuse, or unbalanced muscle groups. Treatment involves advice on correct footwear, stretching strengthening program, orthotic devices, acupuncture, massage and myofascial release techniques.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s Disease , otherwise known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel of growing children, typically adolescents. The condition presents as pain in the heel and is caused by repetitive stress to the heel and is thus particularly common in active children. Peak incidences are for girls- 8 to 10 years old and boys 10 to 12 years old. Foot and leg biomechanics are a predisposing factor. These include decreased ankle dorsiflexion, abnormal hind foot motion e.g. over pronation and supination, tight calf muscles , excessive weight bearing activities e.g running. Treatment is initially rest, ice. Exercises will be advised to stretch and strengthen. Heel lifts are often beneficial. Orthotic devices may be prescribed to correct the abnormal biomechanics and footwear advice
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a term that commonly refers to an inflammation of the Achilles tendon or its covering. It is an overuse injury that is common especially to joggers and jumpers, due to the repetitive action .Over-use, sudden change in training surface, over-pronated feet, cavus foot type (high –arched foot), tight hamstrings, toe walking, poor footwear, hill running, poor eccentric strength.
At Pacific Podiatry we analyse the cause and offer advice on footwear, strengthening and stretching , footwear and possibly offer heel raises and or orthotic devices along with massage and taping techniques.
Ingrown toenails
This is when the nail grows into the skin, usually at the sides of the nail. This causes pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the toe. Bacteria may enter the toe in a break in the skin, resulting in pus draining from the area.
If treated quickly and effectively , discomfort can be prevented. Conservative treatment of removing the offending spicule is often all is required. If not a simple procedure under local anaesthetic is performed which does not involve cutting the skin or stitches and recovery time is short. In most cases normal activity can be resumed the next day.
Knee pain
The most common knee problem we see is patella femoral pain. The patient will present with pain and aching and tenderness in the knee with bending and straightening . The joint is overloaded which may be caused with over-pronation , genu valgum(knock-knees) , weak quadriceps.
Treatment may involve the use of prescription orthoses and correct footwear to realign the body. Michelle ( our qualified Pilates Instructor) can also assess and provide specific exercises.
Back pain /Hip pain
We often hear of postural complaints with our patients which can be caused by abnormal biomechanics of the of the lower limb. A full assessment using the Zebris Gait System is carried out which will show symmetry or asymmetry between the limbs which can lead to back pain.
Orthotic devices, footwear and exercise programs are often beneficial to reducing back pain. Michelle ( our qualified Pilates Instructor) also assists in full rehabilitation programmes.