Sports Injuries

Achilles tendon injuries are highly common in athletes due to overuse. Other causes included training on hard or sloped surfaces, wearing unsupportive footwear and poor running or exercise form. This problem can cause pain and swelling as well as stiffness of the Achilles tendon.

Treatment: Our podiatrist may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises and orthotics as part of treatment for Achilles tendinopathy.

A partial or fully torn or ruptured tendon is generally identified by a ‘pop’ noise followed by a sharp pain through the ankle and lower leg. This type of injury happens when sudden stress is put on the tendon, such as stepping in a hole, falling from a height, jumping or sports with increasing amounts of intensity.

Treatment: Surgery may be required for severe tears or ruptures. For less severe cases, we may prescribe exercise modification, stretches, calf strengthening exercises and orthotics.

A stress fracture is a crack in the bone, which if left untreated can eventually fracture the whole way through. This type of injury can be caused by placing excessive stress on the metatarsal bones, weight, foot deformities, sudden increases in activity levels, improper exercise form, running on hard surfaces, unstable shoes and people with decreased bone density.

The pain level can vary from a dull ache to constantly severe, with it increasing if the foot is bent or being used to walk, run or jump. A crunching noise can also be heard.

Treatment: We will typically immobilise the foot and recommend crutches to allow the stress fracture to heal.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a condition that occurs through excessive stress on the shin bone and surrounding muscles. It may feel like an ache, heavy or tired legs, or even a sharp pain preventing you from performing physical activity.

Shin splints left untreated can lead to a stress fracture in the shin bone, so it is important to have the cause of the problem rectified quickly. Training errors, such as intensity or frequency overload, body alignment issues, and unsupportive footwear can all be contributing factors to the progression and healing of the condition.

Treatment: We may suggest training modifications, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, footwear advice, and orthotics as part of a treatment plan.