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Mid-Season Junior Football Injuries

Now that we are well and truly into the winter sport season our young sporting stars may be complaining of some aches and pains. Due to the nature of football codes it is not uncommon for our kids to suffer from foot, ankle and leg injuries at this time of the season. These injuries may range from a bump or a bruise, sprained ankle or something a bit more serious like a fracture. Participating in sport should be an enjoyable experience and therefore attending to pain and injury is essential to ensure our children continue to enjoy their sport. Inversion Ankle Sprain The most common injury suffered across all the … Continue reading

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Spotting a Plantar Plate Tear

One of the most common forefoot complaints that presents to my FootDr podiatry centres is a plantar plate tear.   This is seen most frequently in middle-aged women who present with constant plantar metatarsal pain and swelling extending towards the toes (mostly affecting the 2nd toe).  Often swelling and redness can also be noted across the dorsum of the forefoot along with symptoms exacerbated by extended periods of walking or running and the use of high heel shoes.  As the plantar plate tear progresses, clawing and splaying of the toes is seen. Early diagnosis and management of a plantar plate tear can often be challenging due to the complex structure and anatomy … Continue reading

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Heel Pain in Junior Footballers

Watching a young footy player hobbling off the field is never a good sight to see. One of the most common problems often responsible for this is a type of heel pain known as Severs Disease. Severs Disease or calcaneal apophysistis affects physically active boys aged 12 to 14 years and girls aged 10 to 12 years, which corresponds with the early growth spurts of puberty.  Symptoms usually come on gradually and can include: • Unilateral or Bilateral heel pain • Heel pain during physical exercise, especially activities that require running or jumping • Increased pain level after exercise • A tender swelling or bulge on the heel that is … Continue reading

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Barefoot Running

In the past decade somewhat of a “fad” has gained considerable support throughout the health and fitness industries. This is the belief that running barefoot is the be all and end all when it comes to running training. At one end of the spectrum there are barefoot enthusiasts who believe that running barefoot is better for you and running shod causes injuries. On the other hand there are sceptics who will tell you that barefoot running should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, as with most issues, these “extremists” gain the most media coverage and therefore it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that you are either … Continue reading

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Solestar Cycling Orthotics

my FootDr Podiatry Centres is proud to offer cyclists the hidden secret which many professional cyclists have in their shoes called the Solestar cycling orthotics; the leading cycling orthotic as used by the pro peloton. Solestar orthotics have become standard for the likes of Fabian Cancellara, Frank and Andy Schleck, Andre Greipel and the entire Trek Leopard and Radioshack Nissan professional teams. Solestar orthotics are handmade in Germany to ensure each one meets their high standards and build quality. The carbon simply offers a perfect combination of stiffness and flexibility whilst remaining extremely light and thin. Solestar orthotics store energy while pushing and give it back while pulling in your … Continue reading

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Paediatric Lateral Foot Pain – Is It Iselin’s?

Children often complain of aches and pain that settle with little more than rest. However, if you child is suffering from acute pain, or general soreness that last more than 5 days it is wise to have this checked out by a Podiatrist. Children complaining of pain on the outside of the foot may have a condition known as Iselin’s disease/syndrome. Below is a summary of this often misdiagnosed condition. Generally children suffering from Iselin’s syndrome will report pain on the outer boarder of the foot, at the prominence known as the styloid process. Some redness and swelling over the area will be present. Barefoot activity, jumping sports and narrow … Continue reading

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Queensland Bulls use Podiatry to Ensure Peak Performance

The Queensland Bulls cricket team is already well into their preseason training and are hot favourites to retain the Sheffield Shield in the 2012-13 summer. So too the Brisbane Heat, who despite just falling short of the making the Big Bash finals last year are expecting big things this coming December and January. The squad welcomes back Nathan Hauritz after 6 years playing in Sydney and Usman Khawaja, the exciting left-handed opening batsman has also made the move north inspired by the unique coaching style of Darren ‘Boof” Lehmann. The squad is also bolstered by a number of emerging junior players and a solid list of experienced campaigners including captain … Continue reading

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Sore feet and legs after the Bridge to Brisbane?

Were you one of the 40 000 plus Queenslanders who braved the early morning chill to climb the Sir Leo Hielscher bridge and walk or run your way to the RNA showgrounds? This was the 4th time my 11 year old daughter and I have participated, and we love the exercise and carnival atmosphere of one of the Australia’s largest fun runs. We walk and jog the course, enjoy the scenery and make a mad dash for the line to try and improve on last year’s time! Being a podiatrist, it’s an occupational hazard walking alongside such a large pack of people; I can’t help but to observe the variety … Continue reading

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my FootDr podiatry and the Steady Steps Program

Podiatrists Darren Stewart recently presented to a group of south side locals on the importance of good foot health and footwear as part of the Steady Steps Program. Margaret Coates, Physiotherapist and Tai Chi instructor runs the Steady Steps program to improve the awareness of people of that factors that influence balance and provide advice which can reduce the incidence of falls. Falls prevention is a critical issue for our aging population, as one incident of a fall can lead to a loss of confidence and independence, or even a serious fracture or head trauma resulting in hospitalisation. General factors include reduced muscle strength, slowed reflexes, vision impairment, altered cognitive … Continue reading

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my FootDr Podiatrist’s Professional Development – Kinesio Taping

At our quarterly weekend continuing professional development conference, Anouska Edwards (Physiotherapist) presents the theory of Kinesio Taping. K Taping as is often referred to, was developed in the USA over 30 years ago but gained popularity after the 2008 Olympic Games after many athletes were seen donning colourful K taping on the upper and lower limbs. K taping works on a different theory to traditional rigid sports taping, as it is elastic and does not restrict joint movement. Instead, it works by influencing the mechanoreceptors in the skin and increasing microcirculation to injured structures by lifting the skin and improving lymphatic drainage. We see the benefits to our patients will … Continue reading

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