Foot Pain And Injury (Musculoskeletal Podiatry)

Foot, knee, hip or lower back pain can affect some people from time to time. Foot pain can stem from various causes, such as injuries, inadequate foot posture, or underlying structural issues. Certain foot types may be more susceptible to injuries, including muscle sprains, tendon and ligament problems, and occasional fractures. It’s worth noting that foot alignment can also impact other areas of the body, such as the ankles, knees, and hips.

Rather than ignoring the issue, it is advisable to have the problem assessed at an early stage. Common foot problems include heel pain, forefoot pain (metatarsalgia), and flat feet. Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of your foot pain is crucial, as it enables the development of the most suitable treatment plan to facilitate your recovery.

At VS Podiatry we can offer a musculoskeletal assessment to diagnose the cause, provide advice and treatment. Treatment options may involve tailored exercise programs, laser therapy, and the use of prescription foot orthoses, which are custom-made inserts that support and correct foot alignment. The goal is to address the root cause of the pain and provide appropriate interventions to help you regain mobility and alleviate discomfort. Your MSK appointment usually takes 1 hour.

FAQs

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Heel pain
  • Achilles tendon problems
  • Metatarsalgia (forefoot pain)
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Arch pain
  • Painful corns and callus
Your podiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your feet, which encompasses the following:

  1. Functional Assessment (Biomechanical Assessment): This involves evaluating muscle strength, range of motion in each joint, and the alignment of the forefoot and rearfoot relative to each other and the leg. The objective is to understand the biomechanical factors contributing to your condition.

  2. Analysis of Contributing Factors: The podiatrist will examine any underlying factors that may be contributing to your foot concerns, such as footwear choices, walking or running patterns, and lifestyle factors.

  3. Custom-Made Orthoses and Fitting: If necessary, the podiatrist may recommend and provide custom-made orthoses or insoles to support and correct your foot alignment. These devices are tailored specifically to your feet and can help alleviate pain and improve foot function.

  4. Follow-Up Assessment and Advice: After the initial assessment and any prescribed interventions, a follow-up assessment will be conducted to track progress and provide further guidance. The podiatrist will offer advice on specific stretching or strengthening exercises, as well as ongoing care and management strategies.

Based on the comprehensive assessment, the podiatrist will determine if additional treatment is required. This may involve laser therapy, prescription orthoses or insoles, along with specific exercises to address your individual needs and promote optimal foot health.

ENHANCED METABOLIC ACTIVITY K-Laser therapy stimulates crucial molecules such as haemoglobin, water, and cytochrome c, leading to improved tissue oxygenation, ATP synthesis, and intercellular exchanges. These effects trigger a cascade of photochemical reactions that accelerate the healing and regenerative processes.

IMPROVED BLOOD CIRCULATION K-Laser therapy induces vasodilation in the treated area, promoting angiogenesis and optimising blood circulation. This results in enhanced tissue nutrition, removal of cellular waste and inflammatory factors, and improved lymphatic drainage, leading to reduced swelling caused by bruising or local inflammation.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT Laser therapy expedites the resolution of the inflammatory process. It has been shown to reduce the levels of Interleukin-1, a cytokine involved in immune and pro-inflammatory responses, while increasing the levels of the antioxidant Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), which helps reduce damaging free-radical activity.

ENHANCED NERVE FUNCTION Laser therapy facilitates the normalization of nerve signal transmission in autonomic, sensory, and motor neural pathways. It has been demonstrated to improve Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) and Nerve Latency values, as well as stimulate axonal sprouting and cell regeneration in damaged nerves.

ANALGESIC EFFECT K-Laser therapy alters nerve activity, reduces localised inflammation and swelling, thereby providing pain relief. This analgesic effect is observed following a course of K-Laser treatment.

ACCELERATED TISSUE REPAIR AND CELLULAR GROWTH K-Laser wavelengths, power, and pulse frequencies penetrate deep into tissues, promoting cellular reproduction and growth by increasing metabolism. As a result, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones experience faster repair at the cellular level.

REDUCED SCAR TISSUE FORMATION Early K-Laser therapy can help prevent excessive scar tissue accumulation after tears, burns, or surgery. Tissues that have been treated with K-Laser therapy exhibit improved elasticity and minimal scarring, reducing the likelihood of chronic pain associated with scars.

IMMUNE SYSTEM REGULATION K-Laser therapy enhances leukocytic activity and lymphocytic response in treated tissues, aiding in the removal of nonviable tissue components and promoting rapid repair. Wounds treated with K-Laser are more resilient to secondary infections.

ACCELERATED WOUND HEALING K-Laser therapy optimises collagen and elastin deposition, leading to faster wound healing and increased tensile strength. It has shown efficacy in treating chronic diabetic ulcers and traumatic wounds, preventing further breakdowns.