At PhysioCentral, we specialise in sports podiatry, an essential discipline focused on understanding, preventing, and managing lower limb injuries related to sports activities. Our comprehensive sports podiatry consultations are designed to provide you with a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan. With our expertise and collaborative approach, we can help you achieve the best possible outcome and ensure optimal foot health.
Our Podiatry Consultation: A Comprehensive Approach
During a sports podiatry consultation at PhysioCentral, you can expect a range of services aimed at addressing your specific needs.
Our consultations typically include:
- Biomechanical Analysis: We conduct a detailed examination of your lower limb biomechanics to identify any abnormalities or imbalances that may contribute to injuries.
- Video Gait Analysis: Through advanced video technology, we analyse your running and walking gait patterns to gain valuable insights into your movement mechanics.
- Footwear Assessment: We evaluate your footwear to ensure there is proper support, cushioning, and functionality, which are crucial for injury prevention and performance optimization.
- Injury Diagnosis: If you are experiencing any lower limb injuries or pain, our podiatrist will diagnose the condition and provide you with a clear understanding of the underlying issue.
- Management Plan: Based on our assessment findings, we develop a tailored management plan that may include various treatment modalities and interventions to alleviate your symptoms and promote recovery.
Understanding the Impact of Foot Health on Overall Well-being
At PhysioCentral, we recognise that foot health is not limited to sports injuries alone. The condition of your feet can have a significant impact on other lower limb and back problems. That’s why we prioritise a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with healthcare practitioners within and outside of our clinics to ensure comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for you.
Common sports-related injuries we treat:
- Heel Pain and Arch Pain
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Big Toe Joint Pain (Turf Toe)
- Shin Splints
- Stress Fractures
- Tendon Overload (such as Achilles Tendinopathy)
- Ankle Pain and Instability
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patello-femoral Pain Syndrome & ITB Friction Syndrome (Runner’s Knee))
- Sever’s Disease
Comprehensive Treatment Options
We offer a diverse range of treatment options to effectively manage your foot pain and promote recovery.
Some common treatment modalities we utilise include:
- Mobilisation/Manipulation
- Massage Therapy
- Taping Techniques
- Shockwave Therapy
- Orthotic Prescription
- Custom Ankle Braces (Ankle Foot Orthoses)
- Rehabilitation Programming
- Footwear Advice
- Tendon Education and De-loading
- CAM Boot Prescription
Orthotic Prescription: Tailored Solutions for Optimal Results
Our podiatrists possess comprehensive expertise in biomechanical analysis and orthotic prescription. Whether you require off-the-shelf orthotics, hybrid orthotics, or fully custom orthotics, we ensure a precise fit that guarantees both comfort and results. Contrary to popular belief, orthotics are not solely about arch supports; we focus on controlling your entire foot biomechanics to deliver the ultimate orthotic solution that makes a significant difference to your foot health.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Enhanced Precision
At PhysioCentral, we embrace the latest advancements in technology to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of our services. Our podiatrists utilise video analysis and 3D scanning techniques to capture electronic images of your feet. These images are then sent to Australia’s premier Orthotic lab, where the perfect fitting orthotics are 3D printed based on your individual scan. This cutting-edge technology ensures a precise and customised approach to orthotic solutions.
Gait Analysis for Optimal Performance
Our video gait analysis services provide in-depth biomechanical information on your running and walking gait patterns. Using state-of-the-art video technology, including iPads and large screens, we can accurately assess gait abnormalities and correct running techniques. By offering the latest running style advice, such as forefoot striking, mid-foot loading patterns, stride length, and timing, we can enhance your running efficiency. Additionally, these techniques help unload vital structures of your foot, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting effective injury prevention and management.
Comprehensive Foot Care Services
At PhysioCentral, we understand the importance of regular foot care in maintaining overall foot health. Our dedicated podiatrist offers general foot care treatment and expert advice to prevent common foot pathologies from escalating into more complex issues. By addressing concerns such as ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and cracked heels, we ensure the well-being of your feet and minimise the risk of complications.
Common foot conditions we address:
- Corns and Calluses
- Plantar Warts
- Ingrown Toenails
- Cracked and Dry Heels
- Fungal Infections
- Blisters
- Foot Odour and Discoloration
Specialised Paediatric Podiatry Services at PhysioCentral
When it comes to children’s feet, they undergo unique developmental changes that differ from those of adults. Until the age of three, children’s feet transition from cartilage to bone, making them particularly susceptible to abnormal pressure caused by factors such as poor biomechanics and ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear.
At PhysioCentral, we emphasise the importance of early intervention and expert assessment by a podiatrist if any signs of abnormal foot mechanics, foot or leg pain, frequent tripping, or unusual skin growths are observed in children. Our podiatrist is well-versed in determining the “normal” limits of foot function and health in children, allowing us to provide the most effective treatment options for their specific needs.
Common paediatric conditions we regularly address:
- Metatarsus Adductus (banana-shaped foot)
- Toe walking
- Intoeing (pigeon-toed gait)
- Out Toeing (duck-like walking pattern)
- Juvenile Bunions
- Flat Feet/High Arches
- Accessory Bones
- Sever’s Disease (painful heels)
- Iselin’s Condition (painful bump on the side of the foot)
- Coalitions (abnormal fusion of developing bones)
- Curled Toes/Claw Toes
Our Approach to Paediatric Podiatry:
At PhysioCentral, we understand the specialised care required for paediatric podiatry. Our podiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose and address the unique foot condition of your child. We are committed to providing exceptional care, helping children overcome foot-related challenges and promoting healthy foot development. Schedule an appointment with us today to give your child the best possible foundation for a lifetime of active, pain-free mobility.
Diabetes and Podiatry
Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels over an extended period. This condition significantly impacts foot health, making podiatry an essential aspect of diabetic care.
The effects of diabetes on the feet are primarily attributed to the occlusion of blood vessels caused by elevated sugar levels. Consequently, tissue healing becomes delayed, elevating the risks of infections and ulcers. Furthermore, diabetes can cause extensive damage to the nerves supplying the feet, leading to reduced or complete loss of sensation. This sensory impairment increases the vulnerability to injuries, as potential foot issues may go unnoticed. For diabetic patients, it is strongly recommended to undergo an annual foot check-up to assess nerve function and blood supply to the feet.
At PhysioCentral, our podiatrist will provide a comprehensive diabetes foot health management plan and assess your risk of ulceration and other associated problems. We are committed to safeguarding your foot health and ensuring optimal care for diabetic patients.