Sports Injury Clinics in London
Sports Doctors | Physiotherapy | Performance Coaches | Podiatry | Massage | Nutrition
Home
Contact us
Who we are
What we do
Our clinics
Our clients
Jobs in Sport
Education
Register
Origins
News
Video Motion Analysis |
Sports Podiatry
A Specialist Sports Podiatrist deals with pain and injuries that relate to biomechanical function and the lower limbs. Common injuries seen by a Sports Podiatrist are shin pain, arch pain, Plantar Fasciitis, knee pain, lower back pain, iliotibial band pain, big toe joint pain, achilles tendon pain, heel pain and many more. By assessing the patient’s biomechanical structure using a combination of clinical assessment techniques and video analysis, a Podiatrist is able to identify whether the patient’s injury is caused poor structural alignment or function. A Sports Podiatrist can provide input and advice on: insoles (orthotics), general footwear, running shoes, exercise and running technique.
Treatments:
Insoles/Orthotics
Insoles or Orthotics are devices that are worn in the shoes to help improve foot and/or limb function and therefore try to relieve symptoms and prevent injury. A runner, for example, may excessively pronate - where the foot rolls from outside in - and by virtue of the fact that his feet are doing this repeatedly, literally millions of times every year, the abnormal function may result in pain and injury. Orthotics can help to address such a problem and normalise the roll of the foot.
There are many different types of temporary and permanent orthotics, ranging from over the counter insoles to custom-made orthotics. The type of insole that is prescribed to the patient depends simply on the nature of their problem. Temporary orthotics can be made on-site as you wait. In order for custom made orthotics to be manufactured, a plaster of Paris impression or ‘cast’ of the feet needs to be taken. These casts are then sent off to the orthotics laboratory and the devices are made according to a prescription devised by the Sports Podiatrist.
If patients already have orthotics, we are able to assess their effectiveness by using Gait Analysis or sometimes make minor adjustments to improve their function.
Footwear Advice and Modification
Footwear advice plays a large part of a podiatrist’s treatment plans. Podiatrists offer constructive advice on the types of shoes to look for and those to avoid. We are able to adapt certain shoes to address problems and can recommend specific models/types of shoes to suit the individual. We also offer running shoe advice and can point the runner to the specific model that their foot type requires.
Padding and Taping
This is often used as a treatment for acute foot pain. We use various adhesive padding materials and sports tape to support the feet and re-distribute pressure from painful areas. This can be a good way of testing if orthotics or insoles may be an effective part of the treatment plan.
Stretching and Strengthening Advice
Muscle flexibility and strength are assessed during a biomechanical assessment as they can be significant contributing factors to injury. In conjunction with other treatments, a Sports Podiatrist will often recommend stretching and strengthening programs as this comprehensive approach is found to enhance the effectiveness and longevity treatment. We also manufacture custom made night splints for patients to accelerate calf stretches which is particularly helpful with patients who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis and calf pain.