Exploring common injuries for Foot Health Month!

This October is the APC’s Foot Health Month, and we’re really getting on board with the theme, Our Feet are for Life! It’s important to remember that no matter how old you are and no matter what you do, your feet should always be a priority. Ensuring you maintain the proper level of care and keeping them in top working order is something that takes dedication and mindfulness.

Issues can arise for anyone, from children to the elderly and every single adult in between. This week, Stephanie from our Biomechanics Podiatry team has given us a snapshot of some of the most common problems for each age group.

Children:

Rear heel pain (Severs disease)

This often occurs when the growth plate of the heel becomes inflamed with achilles tension. This is very common in active kids playing football, rugby and basketball – so if you have children who like to run around and love their sport, the chances are you’ll encounter this a lot!

Knee pain AKA Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

Again, common in active kids who are involved with running and jumping sports. The growth plate of tibia (shin) becomes inflamed with quadriceps tendon tension.

Ankle sprains and strains

We’d say this is the most frequent injury for kids. It’s most common in kids with hyper mobility who engage with sports and activities such as Netball, basketball and tennis. While a hurt ankle can often be nothing, it is always worth having it checked out!

Adults:

Plantar fasciitis

This is the Inflammation of the bottom of the heel where the plantar fascia (thick fibrous band of connective tissue forming your arch) attaches. You can end up facing this problem if you have high or low arches, poor biomechanics, or a sudden increase in physical activity.

Bunions:

This is a nasty one, occurring when you have an excess bony formation over the side of the main big toe joint. It may include lateral deviation of the joint towards lesser toes also. The joint can become painful and rigid. It can make your feet very inflexible, leaving you unable to complete physical activity! It can also be hard to find shoes that fit…

Seniors:

Balance and co-ordination:

As we age, muscle tone, bone and muscle strength are often reduced. This can lead to a lower sensory input which directly affects balance and control. This is part of the reason that seniors can be more susceptible to falls, fractures and stress fractures.

Many of these issues are very quickly treatable, particularly through the biomechanics podiatry practiced by the Live Active team. Our focus is on identifying problem areas and conditions rather than fixing symptoms, meaning that a full treatment can be a relatively simple process. As with all aspects of the care we at Live Active provide, it’s easier to treat early rather than late! When we can identify a problem before it becomes a major issue, you can be back on your feet before you know it.

Make sure you get in touch if you’re committed to Living Active and keeping your feet healthy – for life! P: 02 8073 3337 E: info@liveactiveclinic.com.au