Sports Medicine Institute Specialist Therapists
Podiatry
The feet are amazing works of engineering and often the forgotten soldiers of the body. Through complex design they are flexible to adapt to uneven surfaces or increased demands of movement, and then conversely move to be a rigid efficient lever.
Clinically, some foot problems are the result of compensating for external influences, for example, knock knee. On occasions poor foot structure can cause, or at least aggravate problems within the legs, knees or even neck. Some foot problems are a consequence of the actual structure of the foot.
Podiatry seeks to determine if the feet are the cause of the compensation. Treatment can involve rehabilitation with orthotic therapy.
Athletes in particular magnify the force experienced by the feet, which means that frequently feet function remarkably differently from walking to running. Assessment of running and analysis of sport specific movement patterns is a critical part of how we manage podiatric injuries.
On top of all of this, footwear adds another dimension that can dramatically change foot function. The technically correct shoe for one person is not necessarily the correct shoe for another person. Footwear advice, including model recommendations is an important part of podiatric management