FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES

Orthotics are prescribed and worn for a variety of reasons. They are also known as insoles, shoe inserts or orthoses. Orthotics work by improving foot efficiency, lower limb alignment, therefore reducing stress on the problem area resulting in pain relief. The most common reasons orthotics are recommended are:

• Arch and heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
• lower leg tendonitis (Achilles tendonitis and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction)
• Shin splints
• Knee pain, such as chondromalacia patellae, iliotibial band syndrome (Runners knee)
• Leg length discrepancy
• Low back pain

We are able to asses whether you’d benefit from orthotics by combining our knowledge & expertise of injury and how the foot and ankle works with a dynamic computerised foot scan. Following this we can make appropriate recommendations based on your individual case and circumstances.

1. Biomechanics It’s crucial to assess whether your foot and leg biomechanics (e.g. flattened arches, knocked knees etc.) are contributing to your injury and may need correcting. Here at goPhysio, our Physio’s can do this quite easily as part of your initial session by combining their physical assessment findings with performing a computerised foot screen using our cutting edge Gaitscan system.
2. Training Patterns and Intensity If a runner or keen walker has the condition, it’s vital to look at the historical loading of the fascia and modify their training schedule to a level that allows the condition to heal. Without breaking the cycle, the tissues won’t be able to recover. However, we like to keep people doing what they love, so rather than advise complete rest, we try wherever possible, to modify your activity or suggest alternatives in the short term that will promote recovery.
3. Lower Limb Stability Often muscle imbalances further up your body in your knee, hip or pelvis, will have an impact on the foot. As part of your recovery we will always address these elements too to help prevent re-occurrences.
4. Age Research suggests that older people experience more severe and more prolonged episodes of inflammation and pain. So, if you’re 40 years plus and enjoy an active lifestyle, your pain is unlikely to settle with just rest. It will be easily aggravated when you resume normal activities, as the cause and actual injury hasn’t been addressed.
5. Footwear Unsupportive, flat, old, worn out shoes or trainers can both contribute to causing plantar fasciitis and will inevitably prolong the condition.