Understanding netball lower limb injury Passion Podiatry is a proud sponsor of Phoenix Netball Club and hence, it triggers a thought for us to write an entry specifically on how podiatry is related to netballers. Podiatry and netball go hand in hand. Netball is a fantastic sport and there are many different foot and leg injuries that are common to netball as netball involves plenty of sudden stopping, changes of direction, jumping and agile movements. Here are 4 of the most c

What is metatarsalgia? Metatarsalgia is a broad term often used to describe pain and inflammation experienced in the ball of the foot. People with metatarsalgia may find that they tend to walk on the outside of the foot or on their heels in an effort to avoid putting any pressure on the ball of the foot that can result in pain and discomfort. Sometimes a callus may form in the area due to increased pressure and pain. Symptoms of metatarsalgia Throbbing, dull aching, a bruise

Understanding Idiopathic Toe Walking Most children begin walking at about 12 to 15 months of age. As they learn to walk, they often try different foot positions, such as walking on tiptoes. By around 24 months, they should walk with their feet flat on the ground. By 3 years of age, children should walk with a heel-toe pattern. Toe walking is a condition that occurs in childhood where only the ball of the foot rests on the ground while the child is walking. Toe-walking can var

What is intermittent claudication? Intermittent claudication is a symptom of the vascular disease. It is a predictable pattern of lower leg pain caused by inadequate blood flow to exercising muscles. Intermittent claudication pain has three characteristics: It is a cramping pain in the calves. It is relieved by rest. It is reproducible, almost always brought on by walking a certain distance. The pain may occur earlier if walking uphill or more quickly. Causes of intermittent

Understanding Plantar Plate Injury Plantar plate injury is one of the most common causes of pain in the ball of the foot, though it may be a condition that is not widely recognized by the public. What is plantar plate? The plantar plate is a thick fibrocartilaginous or ligamentous structure of the joint capsule under the ball of the foot. It connects each of the metatarsals to the corresponding proximal phalanges of each toe. It serves to stabilize the metatarsophalangeal (MT

What is a stress fracture? A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone. Most stress fractures are common in runners and athletes who participate in running sports, such as soccer and basketball. It occurs when the muscles become fatigued and unable to absorb added shock. Eventually, the fatigued muscle transfers the overload of stress to the bone causing tiny crack, a stress fracture. (Picture Credit: www.foothealthfacts.org) Symptoms of a stress fract

Exercises It’s best to do each of the exercises below 3 or 4 times during the day, starting in the morning, after getting out of bed. After you have completed the exercises, put on your shoes with orthotics inside them. Do not start the day walking barefoot on hard floors or tiles! NOTE: Please be careful when performing these stretches. These exercises should create a “pulling” feeling - they should not cause any pain. Toe Strengthening Exercise 1. Toe Squeeze Place small s