Blog, Western Weekender
Sam is 10 and loves his footy! He plays once a week, trains twice a week and you can’t stop him from playing at school and in the backyard with his brothers. He plays cricket in the summer he is a typical Australian boy – loves his sport, and loves getting in and getting dirty.
Of late something has stopped Sam being as active as he would like to be. He has recently developed a pain around the back of his heel that occurs after he has been active, particularly such as after playing or training for football. Sam’s dad is worried because it means Sam sometimes starts to limp during a game and has had to come off the field once because it became too painful. This worries his parents more now because Sam would like to play reps this year and his dad thinks if this wasn’t a problem he may have a chance.
So how did A Step Ahead Foot +Ankle Care get to meet Sam?
Sam’s dad found us through the internet after reading one of the articles Brenden had written, talking about dealing with foot pain. We checked Sam’s walking and posture using our Dartfish gait analysis equipment. We also undertook a series of muscle tests and palpated the muscles and tendons around his heel and ankle. After some more questioning we diagnosed Sam with Severs Disease – which sounds rather horrible, however, while painful this should really be called a condition rather than a disease.
Heel pain in children
In very basic terms Severs Disease is an irritation of the growth plate. During growth spurts, the heel bone sometimes grows faster than the leg muscles and tendons. This can cause the muscles and tendons to become very tight and overstretched, making the heel less flexible and putting pressure on the growth plate. This is more common than people realise and often parents are told that their child needs to rest or that there is nothing that can be done. Worse still, parents can sometimes be told this is simply growing pains.
There are many things that can relieve pain in children affected by Severs Disease. In Sam’s case we designed some stretching for him to undertake, started on a series of deep massages to help stretch out Sam’s very tight muscles. We also gave some heel raises to Sam to take the load of the growth plates. We contacted Sam’s football coach and gave him some details of the condition and went through a warm up program with the coach so Sam would be able to play at his best.
The good news is Sam made the rep side!
After a couple of sessions of massage and Sam being very good at warming up as we had instructed him, things began to improve. Sam had 5 sessions of massage and we continued with his stretching at home and before sport for the whole season. Sam is now pain free and still loves sport and getting dirty! (Apologies to Sam’s mum, the getting dirty bit we can’t fix!)
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Diabetes leads to serious problems of the feet. One major problem is neuropathy, which refers to damage of the nerves of the feet and this leads to total loss or reduction in sensation by the feet. If you suffer from this condition diabetes and feet care is important, because the feet will be affected by the effects of the disease.
In addition to neuropathy, diabetes can also lead to formation of ulcers and wounds on the foot. The skin of the feet may also be affected and it should be monitored by a foot care specialist. A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Care Clinic offers special diabetes and feet care to people with diabetes to prevent the onset of secondary conditions like Charcot foot, which refers to collapsing of the Charcot joint found in the midst of the feet, hammer toes or bunions.
You should act as soon as possible to get the right diabetes and feet care. At advanced stages of diabetes, the only treatment option available is amputation; for example, when the bones are infected or there is gangrene. Failure to seek proper diabetes and feet care may even lead to death.
As soon you notice that your body has a problem with regulation of sugar levels, visit A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Care clinic immediately for diabetes and feet care and advice. The Principal Podiatrist of the clinic, Mr Brenden Brown, is experienced in podiatry and will give you the right attention and treatment. He has over 15 years in experience in diabetes and feet care and has in the past been the president of Australasian Podiatry council.
For all your Foot and Lower Limb Care needs, come and see us at:
A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Care
24 Phillip Street, St Marys; or
Suite 4, 36 Woodriff Street, Penrith
www.astepahead.com.au
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Nothing can lower your dignity and respect like having Smelly feet. If you suffer from this condition, you should visit a podiatrist or podiatry clinic for advice and treatment.
The bad odour from smelly feet may sometimes be so intense that people close to you can smell it even when you are in shoes. Mr Brenden Brown, Principal Podiatrist at A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Care explains the cause of smelly feet as follows:
Smelly feet are caused by bacteria which feed on the sweat produced by the feet. Your feet have to sweat first; then the bacteria will start feeding on that sweat. The bacteria will then start excreting and getting rid of waste. This waste is inorganic acids. These acids have a pungent, bad and rotten smell. Your feet will stink like hell (if it smells).
Some people think having Smelly feet is normal; to them, it may be normal but to others it is a nuisance. Improper drying of feet after your bath or after stepping on wet surfaces, and then putting on closed shoes will create a medium for the growth and habitation of the bacteria and this will cause Smelly feet.
For all your Foot and Lower Limb Care needs, come and see us at:
A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Care
24 Phillip Street, St Marys; or
Suite 4, 36 Woodriff Street, Penrith
www.astepahead.com.au
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In determining the relationship between bunions and shoes, it is good to determine what bunions are in the first place. Bunions refers to the condition of the feet in which the big toe of the foot points towards the second toe.
Bunions and shoes go hand in hand. If you wear shoes which are too tight, they will apply too much pressure on the big foot toe bones and its ligaments. To conform to the shoe, the toe will bend as per the shape of the shoe towards the other toes. This will lead to the formation of a permanent hump.
The relationship between bunions and shoes is therefore a direct one. The type and nature of shoes you wear will determine whether or not you will suffer from bunions. Most of the patients who visit A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Care Clinic for the treatment of other conditions suffer from bunions and they do not know it.
Mr Brenden Brown, the Principal Podiatrist at the clinic states that because of the direct relationship between bunions and shoes people should wear ‘soft shoes’ which are well fitting. Alternatively you can wear open or sport shoes. Most men suffer from this condition of the feet because most of them wear closed and tight fitting shoes.
For all your Foot and Lower Limb Care needs, come and see us at:
A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Care
24 Phillip Street, St Marys; or
Suite 4, 36 Woodriff Street, Penrith
www.astepahead.com.au
Blog, Fungal Nails, General Podiatry, Heel Pain, Kids Feet, Shockwave, Sports Care
We recommend you check your orthotics every 8-12 months! Your custom orthotics are made with your biomechanics in mind. They cater for your many differences in length, width, foot pronation and injury. Over time, these specially made devices start to wear out. The plates that sit under your arch start to loose integrity after a period of time and that will impact the prescription of your orthotics. Kids’ foot orthotics will more often than not need changing in relation to the growth of your child. As the foot grows, the plates become less effective. Remember to get your orthotics checked by your podiatrist on a regular basis to avoid any potential injuries!
For all your Foot and Lower Limb Care needs, come and see us at:
A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Care
24 Phillip Street, St Marys; or
Suite 4, 36 Woodriff Street, Penrith
www.astepahead.com.au
Dr Brenden’s White paper report on the “6 Reasons You Won’t Beat Heal Pain” outlines what’s stopping you from beating this and tips on how to stop it in its tracks!