Sports PodiatryWhen we engage in sporting activities, the chances of using our feet to carry our body weight increases significantly. Our feet carry our entire body weight, the more and fast our feet move, the more mechanical forces and stresses they have to endure. These forces overtime having cumulative effect can potentially cause significant wear and tear in the soft tissues, bone and joints resulting in tissue stress in short term, wear and tear such as arthritis in the long run.
Podiatrists are well trained to deal with many foot and ankle injuries and traumas. When it comes to a Sports Podiatry patient, bio-mechanical examination may be performed. This examination may start from non-weight bearing assessment of the feet, ankles, legs, knees and the hips followed by static weight bearing assessment and eventually dynamic gait analysis. The range of assessment may include looking into the range of motion in the joints, performing muscles tone and activity tests and as well as assessing the posture and alignment of the feet, ankles, leg and further up the spine and shoulders. Bio-mechanical assessment may be utilized on patients presenting with the following complaints along with the relevant examination for specific anatomical and painful areas. Digital/toe deformities Bunions Flat feet Metatarsalgias Morton's Neuroma Bursitis Capsulitis Forefoot pain Arch pain Plantar fasciitis Heel pain Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Calcaneal fractures Ankle pain Peroneal Tendonopathy Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Accessory Navicular ATFL Strain and Tear Achilis Tendonopathy and pain Shin pain Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) Chronic Excersional Compartement Syndrome (CECS) Calf pain Knee pain Patelo-femoral pain syndrome MCL/LCL strain and rupture Hip or back pain Childrens' growing pains Hyperpronation |
