Pain and Injury Management
Mount Eliza & Mornington Peninsula Area
We take a collaborative approach to foot and ankle injuries, focusing on both treatment and prevention. Our thorough assessments not only diagnose your condition but also uncover its root cause — whether from lifestyle, hobbies, or profession. By understanding what led to your injury, we create tailored treatment plans that relieve pain, promote recovery, and prevent future issues.
Pain and Injury Management at Step Ahead Podiatry:
We cater our Pain & injury care to all walks of life
Athletes and Active Patients
Engaging in sports and maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly impact foot and ankle health. It’s crucial for athletes and active individuals to understand potential risks and injuries.
Sports injuries, such as sprained ankles, are common and can sideline you from your favorite activities. Being aware of these risks helps with prevention and recovery. Below are some common injuries and tips to manage them:
- Sprained Ankle: Caused by the sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports activities.
- Stress Fractures: Typically occur from repetitive overuse or high-impact activities that put excessive pressure on the bones.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Caused by overuse or strain on the Achilles tendon, often from activities like running or jumping.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Caused by repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, often due to improper footwear or overexertion.
- Turf Toe: Hyperextension of the big toe, often from pushing off too hard or twisting the foot during sports on artificial surfaces.
Physical Occupations
For professionals with high physical demand occupations, such as construction workers, dancers, and delivery personnel, understanding the risks associated with foot and ankle injuries is essential. Your job requires constant movement, making you susceptible to overuse and common ankle injuries. Recognising these risks enables you to take preventive measures and maintain your health.
- Strains and Sprains: Overuse can lead to muscle strains or ligament sprains.
- Stress Fractures: Repetitive impact on hard surfaces increases fracture risk.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Long hours on your feet may cause inflammation of the plantar fascia.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Frequent jumping or running can strain the Achilles tendon.
- Ankle Instability: Previous injuries might result in chronic instability.
Being proactive in managing these issues helps you stay active and pain-free.
Aged Care Patients
As the population ages, understanding the specific needs of aged care patients becomes essential in managing foot and ankle injuries effectively.
You’ll find that ankle arthritis is a common concern, often requiring specialised treatments for ankle pain.
When caring for aged patients, we consider the following:
- Ankle Arthritis Management: Tailored treatment plans that address inflammation and pain.
- Ankle Support: Use of braces and footwear that provide stability.
- Fall Prevention: Safety measures in living spaces to minimise tripping hazards.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises that improve strength and flexibility.
- Regular Check-ups: Frequent evaluations to monitor conditions and adjust treatments.
Our empathetic approach guarantees aged care patients maintain their quality of life.
What’s included in our Comprehensive Assessment
At Step Ahead Podiatry, we believe that a thorough and comprehensive assessment is the crucial first step in addressing any foot or ankle injury. When you come to see us, here’s what you can expect during your injury assessment:
- Understanding Your Story: We will begin by taking the time to listen to you and understand the history of your current problem. This includes discussing when the pain started, how it developed, what activities make it better or worse, and what your goals are for your recovery. We’ll also ask about your past medical history, any previous injuries, and your family medical history, as these can sometimes play a role in your current condition.
- Considering Your Background: We recognise that everyone is unique. We will take into account any cultural considerations, your lifestyle, and your general health to ensure our assessment is tailored to your specific needs. We also want to understand how your injury is impacting your daily life and what your expectations are for treatment.
- Explaining the Process: Before we begin the physical examination, we will explain what the assessment will involve and answer any questions you may have. We want you to feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
- A Comprehensive Physical Examination: Our experienced podiatrists will conduct a thorough and objective physical examination of your foot and ankle. This may involve:
- Observing how you stand and walk (gait assessment).
- Palpating (feeling) the affected area to identify areas of tenderness, swelling, or any abnormalities.
- Assessing the range of motion in your joints to see if there are any limitations or pain on movement.
- Evaluating your muscle strength to determine if there is any weakness that may be contributing to your injury.
- Performing specific clinical tests to help identify the source of your pain and rule out different conditions.
- Considering Further Investigations: Based on our initial assessment, we may need to request further diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or other medical imaging, to get a clearer picture of your injury. If we suspect a more serious underlying issue, we will take appropriate action.
- Developing a Diagnosis: After gathering all the necessary information, we will use our clinical reasoning and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other relevant sciences to develop a provisional and relevant differential clinical diagnosis. We will carefully consider all the findings to pinpoint the most likely cause of your pain.
- Explaining Our Findings: We will then explain our clinical diagnosis to you in a clear and understandable way, along with its implications. We will discuss the likely cause of your injury and what factors may have contributed to it.
- Discussing Management Options: Following the assessment, we will involve you in planning the management of your condition. We will discuss the available evidence-based treatment options and help you understand the benefits and risks of each. We will take into account your preferences, lifestyle, and ability to adhere to a treatment plan to develop a collaborative and tailored approach to get you back on your feet.
At Step Ahead Podiatry, our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of your injury and a personalised plan to achieve the best possible outcome. We are here to support you throughout your recovery journey.
Safe and Effective use of Pharmaceutical Products
At Step Ahead Podiatry, while our focus is on conservative and physical treatments for your foot, lower limb, and ankle concerns, we also incorporate the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical products within the scope of podiatry practice to enhance your care. It’s important to understand that while podiatrists in Australia are highly skilled in foot and ankle health, general podiatrists primarily focus on the application and management of certain medications and do not typically prescribe oral or systemic medications. Here’s what you can expect from us regarding pharmaceutical products:
- Therapeutic Recommendations: Based on our assessment and your specific condition, we may recommend the use of certain pharmaceutical products to manage your symptoms and aid your recovery. These recommendations will always be evidence-based and aligned with best practice.
- Focus on Topical and Local Treatments: Podiatrists are highly skilled in the application of topical medications such as creams and ointments for skin conditions of the feet.
- Understanding the Medications We Use: We will explain clearly what any recommended or applied medication is, how it works, its potential benefits, and any possible risks, or precautions to take. We will also ensure you understand how to care for the treated area and monitor for any reactions.
- Collaboration with Your Healthcare Team: If your condition requires medications that fall outside the scope of general podiatry practice or require a prescription from a medical doctor (like oral antibiotics or strong pain relievers), we will communicate and collaborate with your General Practitioner (GP) or other relevant healthcare professionals. We can provide them with our assessment findings and recommendations to ensure you receive the most appropriate and comprehensive care.
- Monitoring and Review: With regular checkups we can monitor any medication you are using as part of your podiatric treatment and help manage any adverse reactions should they occur. We will also review the ongoing need for these products as your condition improves.
At Step Ahead Podiatry, our priority is your health and well-being. When it comes to pharmaceutical products, we focus on their safe and effective application within our scope of practice and work collaboratively with your broader healthcare team to ensure you receive the best possible care for your foot and ankle health.
Step Ahead Podiatric Clinic
We’ve outlined the key aspects of injury and pain management in podiatry, focusing on patient history, comprehensive foot assessments, and targeted treatment strategies. By evaluating the musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular components of foot health, we can identify underlying causes of pain and prevent further complications.
It’s important to stay proactive in managing foot injuries and discomfort, seeking timely care to address issues before they worsen. With early intervention and tailored treatment, we can improve recovery outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients experiencing foot pain or injury.
If you think that you may have any of these conditions (or another) and want some friendly expert advice and treatment, please feel free to contact us at Step Ahead Podiatry.
Step Ahead Podiatry is located in Mount Eliza, along the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria.
We are ready to take your enquiries for a consultation on 03 9708 8626 or you can find our contact form at our Contact Us page if you prefer written communication.
Can Foot and Ankle Injuries Lead to Long-Term Complications?
Yes, foot and ankle injuries can lead to long-term complications if not properly managed. You might experience chronic pain, instability, or arthritis. It’s essential to seek professional care and follow rehabilitation plans to prevent these outcomes.
What Are the Best Shoes for Supporting Injured Feet and Ankles?
For injured feet and ankles, choose shoes with excellent arch support, cushioning, and stability. Prioritise features like a wide toe box and a supportive heel counter. Consult a specialist to guarantee you’re selecting the best option for your needs.
Are There Home Remedies for Reducing Foot and Ankle Pain?
You can try elevating your foot, applying ice, and using compression wraps to reduce pain and swelling. Gentle stretching and resting also helps. However, consult a professional if symptoms persist or worsen. Always prioritise your health.
How Can I Prevent Future Foot and Ankle Injuries?
You can prevent future injuries by wearing supportive footwear, practicing balance exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight. Don’t forget to stretch regularly and listen to your body, resting when needed to avoid overuse. Stay proactive and attentive.
Book an Appointment
Book an appointment below or give us a call or email through the contact us page.