Foot and ankle pain is not normal and it is a clear sign that there is something wrong with your feet. Whether it is caused by a hereditary medical condition, repetitive motions at work or during exercise, wearing inappropriate footwear or an injury, podiatrists can quickly identify the cause and prescribe the right treatment plan to get you back on your feet in no time.
Podiatrists are medical specialists who deal with injuries to the feet and lower leg areas as well as a range of other conditions including hammertoes, bunions, warts, athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, flat feet, sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis and sports-related injuries to the foot and ankle. They are trained to recognise and treat these issues as well as perform minor surgery and reset broken bones. They are fully qualified medical doctors and have the same rights as a general practitioner, which means they can prescribe medications and refer you for x-rays or lab tests if required.
Foot And Leg Pain Centre also specialise in gait analysis, which is an examination of the way you walk, run and use your feet to detect any problems that might lead to injury. They can advise on the right shoes for you and supply orthotics, which are specially made inserts that go into your shoes to correct any imbalances in your skeleton or provide extra support for your feet. You can also buy these over the counter in pharmacies but a podiatrist Norwest will be able to provide you with custom orthotics which are made specifically for your feet.
A podiatrist Winston Hills can help you improve your performance and prevent injury by providing regular foot and ankle conditioning programs to strengthen your muscles, increase your balance, stability and flexibility and prepare your feet for the physical pressures that are placed on them during sports. They can also recommend the right footwear for your sport and suggest stretches and exercises to strengthen your feet.
Improving Performance and Preventing Injuries
Podiatrists have the clinical knowledge and expertise to recognise and treat sports-related injuries to the foot and ankle, which are common among athletes. Running and jumping activities place specific demands on the foot and ankle that can irritate the ligaments and tendons of the lower leg, such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis and sprained ankles. Football and soccer players are more likely to develop turf toe and shin splints.
Often these problems are the result of poor training and conditioning, improper equipment or poor technique. A podiatrist can help identify these issues and put in place a program to fix them before they become serious or lead to an injury. A podiatrist can also help with injury prevention by examining athletes to determine the most appropriate footwear and recommending customised orthotics. They can also conduct a biomechanical assessment to look at an athlete’s feet and legs to identify imbalances and weaknesses that may lead to injuries. This can be especially useful for identifying any issues that might occur during high impact sports such as football and basketball.
