Chevron Island Physio

Your One Stop Shop for Health and Wellness

Severs Disease

By

What is Sever’s disease?

Sever’s disease is an acute injury to the growth plate at the back of the heel common in young athletes. It is most common between the ages of 10-12.

How does Sever’s disease occur?

The calf muscle has a common tendon (Achilles tendon) that inserts into the posterior aspect of the heel bone. The function of the Achilles tendon is to help transmit forces produced by the calf muscle to the heel bone. In children, there is a growth plate located where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone. During periods of rapid growth the calf muscle and Achilles tendon becomes tighter causing excessive forces through the growth plate. Forcible and repeated contraction of the calf muscles (i.e. exercise) can injure the growth plate causing pain.

What are the symptoms of Sever’s disease?

Pain is experienced through the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone and there is usually more pain during and after exercise. The back of the heel can be tender to touch and there may be some localised swelling.

What are the causes of Sever’s disease?

* Excessive tightness through the calf

* Weakness through the calf

* Poor foot biomechanics (excessive pronation)

* Over training

* Playing sport on hard surfaces

* Inadequate footwear

What are some treatment options your podiatrist can discuss with you?

* Rest

* Activity modification

* Icing

* Anti-inflammatory gel

* Foot taping

* Padding

* Heel raises (for short term relief)

* Soft tissue treatment (massage and stretching)

* Calf and Achilles strengthening

* Orthotic therapy

 

Wade, our Podiatrist, is available for consultations at Chevron Island Physio on Tuesdays. BOOK NOW

Illiotibial Band Friction Syndrome

By

Definition
Pain and inflammation on the outside of the knee, where the iliotibial band (a muscle on the outside of the thigh) becomes tendinous, and results in a friction syndrome by rubbing against the femur (thigh bone) as it runs alongside the knee joint.

Symptoms:
Initially, a dull ache 1-2 kilometres into a run, with pain  remaining for the duration of the run. The pain disappears soon after stopping running. Pain is worse on running downhill, or on cambered surfaces. Pain may be present when walking up or down stairs.

Causes:
Anything that causes the leg to bend inwards, stretching the ITB against the femur.  For example over pronation (feet rotate too far inward on impact), tightness of the ITB muscle, lack of stretching of the ITB, incorrect or worn shoes, excessive hill running (especially downhills) and running on cambered surfaces.

Treatment of Illiotibial Band Friction Syndrome:

* Rest – activity should be limited to those which are unlikely to aggravate the injured site such as swimming and cycling.

*Ice – ice will help reduce inflammation in to the area and will also help to reduce pain involved with the injury.  Ice should be applied for 10 minutes 3 times per day for the first 72hrs or following
activity.

* Anti-inflammatory medication – will reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the injury and will speed up recovery. Anti-inflammatory medication can be purchased over the counter from your chemist (Neurofen).

* Strapping – helps to rest the injured site without limiting your activity.  Strapping is also used to temporarily correct any mechanical abnormality in foot function.  If strapping has reduced the
amount of heel pain then an orthotic can be uses as permanent measure.

* Stretching & Strengthening – stretching of the iliotibial band helps to relieve the tension on the iliotibial band, which will reduce the amount of discomfort.

* Orthotics –  used when there is a mechanical deformity in the bony structure of the foot (usually rolling in).  Orthotics balance the foot which allows it to function more efficiently.  This will in turn relieve the amount of force that travels through the iliotibial band.

* Physiotherapy – some cases of iliotibial band friction syndrome require physiotherapy treatment in order to fully recover.

* Surgery – is used when all of the above treatments have failed to relieve the pain.  This usually involves a cortisone injection into the ITB, or surgery to release the ITB may be indicated.

Recovery

Your recovery will depend your individual health.  If you are suffering with iliotibial band friction syndrome, it normally takes about 4 to 6 weeks for a healthy individual to recover.  This of
course depends on the duration the condition has been untreated for.
If you have any questions or require treatment we have highly qualified Podiatrists and Physiotherapists available for consultation.

 

Wade Ellis, Podiatrist

Countdown to GC Marathon!

By

The Gold Coast Marathon has been one of the greatest fitness attractions over the past decade, drawing in runners from across the globe. Lucky for us, you don’t have to be an Olympic runner to participate. The weekend boasts events for not only the competitive, but also beginner and social runners too!

We are now 22 weeks from the big event, which means it’s time to start getting serious about your training. In order to make it to the big day injury free, it’s important to consider not only endurance, but also the strength your body needs to participate in this kind of event.

For those who have never run before, it’s never too late to start! While you will naturally become stronger during your running training, weakness in your pelvic muscles is one of the most common causes of injuries in runners – in other words, weak glutes! Without appropriate strength in these key muscles, your body is unable to hold the correct position, leading to excessive and unnecessary stress in other parts of the body. As a result, this may not appear as pelvic pain, but could also cause soreness in your knees, back, ankles or feet – so ensure you are listening to your body while you train, and consult a physiotherapist or podiatrist if you are unsure.

To get your body in the best shape possible, here are a few exercises to consider including into your training program:

1. Squats: these are a great exercise to develop your larger gluteal muscles, the powerhouse and main driving force through your hips. Start with your feet slightly wider than hip width, and slowly lower down until your knees and hips are at 90degrees, then drive through your heels to stand back up, making sure you don’t bounce at the bottom.

2. Static Lunges: these are a great stability exercise that will strengthen both your legs and your pelvis girdle. Standing up straight, step forward and lunge down over your front leg. Make sure your knee is not too far in front or behind your toes. Push through your heel and return to standing, repeat on the other leg. For an added challenge, try walking lunges next!

3. Step ups: this exercise is wonderful for single leg and pelvic stability, and will assist in preparing you for any stairs or uphill running that you may encounter during your training. This exercise is as simple as it sounds – stand in front of a step, and with alternating legs step all the way up (both feet together at the top) and then down off the step. As these get easier and you can control both your knees and hips, progress to a larger step, for example a park bench.

Always perform these exercises in a safe manner and avoid performing on slippery and unstable surfaces. Remember, exercise should be fun and enjoyable, so drag some family or friends along with you!

Most importantly, make sure you remain well hydrated and well-nourished while you run! Your body will recover and perform at its best when provided with sufficient nutrients. A well rounded diet, plenty of water and rest are the easiest ways to remain injury free this running season.

Happy running from the team at Chevron Island Physio!

Diabetes and Your Feet

By

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is characterized by uncontrolled raising and falling of blood sugar levels.  This is due to a lack of secretion or lack of sensitivity of the hormone that controls blood sugar levels (Insulin).

 

Types of Diabetes

There are two major types of diabetes;

  1. Insulin dependant diabetes melitis (IDDM) also called type 1.
  2. Non-insulin dependant diabetes melitis (NIDDM) also called type 2.

There is no such thing as “mild diabetes” only “well controlled diabetes” which involves regular checkups, self monitoring, exercise and a well planned diet.

 

What Causes Diabetes?

The body uses sugar from foods for energy. For this energy to enter the body’s cells where it can be used requires a key.  Insulin is this key that allows sugars to move form the blood into the cells.

If insufficient or ineffective insulin is produced and the doors into the cells are not unlocked your blood sugar levels will rise (diabetes).  This irregular rise in blood sugar level can be controlled by either;

  1. Injecting insulin (IDDM)
  2. Diet & exercise / Tablets (NIDDM)

 

Why Are Blood Sugar Levels Important?

When blood sugar levels are too low (<3mmol/l) the function of the brain in inhibited, which can cause fainting. When blood sugar levels are high (>8mmol/l) the sugar is toxic to bodily organs such as nerves, eyes, kidneys and arteries.

 

Tests For Blood Sugar Levels

You can monitor your blood glucose levels at home with a blood glucose meter.

Your doctor can order a test called a HbA1c which gives an indication of your blood sugar levels for the previous 3 months.

 

What Does Diabetes Have To Do With My Feet?

When high blood sugar affects nerves and blood vessels they lose their ability to function.  This leaves the person with nerve and blood vessel damage at a higher risk of foot trauma (they can’t feel it) and with a reduced capacity to deal with the foot trauma(the blood vessels can’t get blood to the area).

The statistics speak for themselves.  Foot problems are 2 times morel likely in people with diabetes.  50% of all cases of gangrene are seen in people with diabetes.

How Can I Prevent foot Problems?

  1. Wash and dry feet daily.
  2. Use Moisturizer on dry skin 1-2 times daily.  Cream with 10% urea is usually the best.
  3. Trim your toe nails straight across.
  4. Inspect your feet daily for injury or change.  Use a mirror if you have trouble getting down.  Have a podiatrist treat your corns and callus.
  5. Check shoes every time you put them on for sharp edges or foreign bodies
  6. Wear footwear whenever you are out of bed.

If you need any help with managing your foot problems, wade our Podiatrist is available for appointments on 5504 7000.

 

Pregnancy and Foot Pain

By

Treatment for foot pain during pregnancy is often overlooked as other medical problems are prioritised. Yet most pregnant women experience foot pain for prolonged periods
throughout pregnancy and the discomfort can be significantly debilitating in an already stressful period of life.

The following five podiatric complications are common during pregnancy and should be included in the overall pregnancy support plan.

1. Weight gain can have a biomechanical impact on the feet as the centre of gravity shifts throughout pregnancy. Weight gain can cause or exacerbate metatarsalgia, bursitis and neuroma, along with corns and calluses. Patients should be advised to avoid wearing high heels or any shoes without adequate support.

2. Production of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy will relax ligaments of the feet and ankles as well as of the cervix. This can cause instability and discomfort through overuse of the muscles in the foot for supplemental support and may lead to long-term, irreversible changes to the feet.

3. Increased force to knees and ankles can cause injury and pain. Added force on the feet combined with biomechanical changes cause over pronation and can result in irreparable arch collapse. Arch height is usually reduced during pregnancy and will become worse with future pregnancies.

4. Oedema is common in the feet and, as well as causing discomfort, may result in problems getting into their usual shoe size. Professional fitting is recommended. Patients should be advised to keep feet elevated while sitting down, to avoid crossing the legs, and to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Walking is recommended to improve circulation.

5. Foot and leg cramps are common during pregnancy due to altered calcium levels, muscle fatigue and increased pressure on nerves and blood vessels. Massage and exercises are recommended to alleviate symptoms.

A podiatrist can help with the above complaints in a variety of ways, including prescription orthotics which can help to support the feet and to relieve symptoms to assist in a more comfortable pregnancy! Call us on 5504 7000 to book an appointment with Wade Ellis.

Reference: Theresa Tram Phan, 2013

CONNECT WITH US

21 Adori St, Chevron Island, QLD 4217

ASK A PHYSIO

Do you have a physiotherapy related question you need answering? Complete the form below and we will get back to you shortly.

Ask Your Question

RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFERS