Foot & Leg Pain Clinics

ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY – A common repetitive stress syndrome

It’s estimated that Achilles tendinopathy may affect up to 24% of the population, with higher rates seen in certain athlete populations. At Foot and Leg Pain clinics we see a range of people presenting with this condition especially individuals who engage in physical activities that involve repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon. These include tradies, athletes and active adults and kids.

Ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, Achilles tendinopathy can lead to complications if left untreated. Appropriate management, is key to healing and helping prevent the condition from worsening. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment can occur when diagnostic imaging is incorrectly interpreted, or when symptoms are misunderstood due differing manifestations in different individuals. Inappropriate treatment can also be prescribed when underlying causes are not considered. Tight calf muscles, postural concerns, improper footwear, structural issues with the feet, and sudden increases in physical activity, can all contribute to Achilles tendon issues.

The experience and specialisation of your treating practitioner is important. A musculoskeletal expert with experience in diagnosing and treating tendon conditions is essential for ensuring both short and long-term health and healing.

Call us on 1300 328 300 for any achilles advice.

No 1. MISDIAGNOSED FOOT CONDITION...?
In our 25 years of experience, Plantar Fasciitis has proved to be the most commonly misdiagnosed and misunderstood foot condition.

Contrary to common belief, most plantar fascia concerns are not a true inflammatory condition but rather tissue degeneration or nerve impingement. Even if inflammation is present, in the majority of cases, it is a side effect and not what needs to be treated. This is why plantar fascia concerns can be so difficult to resolve – The wrong thing is being treated!

Too often anti-inflammatories or cortisone injections are prescribed and this can result in further tissue damage and recurrence of the condition.

In all cases, the cause needs to be identified and addressed to achieve successful, long-term outcomes. Degenerative and inflammatory conditions have very different treatment requirements, so a correct diagnosis is paramount.

If you need advice on plantar fascia concerns, call us for a consultation - 1300 328 300.

THE MOST SUFFERED FOOT CONDITIONS IN THE WORLD...!

If you're experiencing foot pain, odds are you've been diagnosed with one of the following conditions: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, bunions, Morton's neuroma, or flat feet. These foot conditions are some of the most frequently reported and treated worldwide. However, at our Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, we often encounter individuals who have received an incorrect diagnosis and/or inappropriate or ineffective treatment of these concerns.
With over 25 years of experience successfully treating these conditions, we thought it would be helpful to delve deeper into each of one over the coming months. We’ll provide insightful information, interesting facts, and dispel common misconceptions.

The most important thing to know is that all of these conditions are treatable, and many can be addressed quickly and easily - if you receive a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment! So, stay tuned for upcoming posts. In the meantime, if you have any foot or leg pain that requires attention, call us for a consultation on 1300 328 300.

❄️COLD WEATHER'S IMPACT ON FOOT & LEG CONDITIONS❄️

Winter doesn't have to be synonymous with increased foot and knee pain, however cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow and circulation. This can increase joint stiffness, aggravate pain and injuries, and effect mobility. Whilst wet and icy conditions can increase the risk of slips and falls.

Below are a few tips to help your feet and legs through winter.

✅ Stay active! Rug up and get walking, go to the gym, an indoor heated pool or jump on a home exercise bike. Exercise will improve blood flow and circulation assisting aches, pains and stiffness. Remember to warm up well though.

✅ Stretch! Stretching, or yoga, assists flexibility and mobility of joints and tissues.

✅ When outside be cautious of slippery surfaces. Wear shoes with good traction and support. Consider knee / ankle braces or strapping for existing injuries.

✅ Even if you’re spending more time at home, indoors, make sure you wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Socks and slippers can contribute to bad foot posture or slips and falls.

✅ If you have persistent or recurring foot or leg pain call us for a consultation on 1300 328 300.

IS YOUR HEEL BEING A PAIN?
Whilst heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, unfortunately it is also one of the most ineffectively treated. We assist people nearly every day who have sought treatment elsewhere without successful, long-term results. If you have heel pain and want an effective, long-term solution call for an appointment - 1300 328 300

BACK TO BUSINESS
With the New Year well underway we're seeing a lot of people with new injuries, aches and pains. Much of this is due to increased bare foot activity or extended periods of wearing non-supportive shoes like thongs and slip-ons over the summer holidays. If this is you, make an appointment today so we can help get you on track for a pain-free and active 2023!😁

CHRISTMAS IS NEARLY HERE!
We hope you're all fighting fit and ready to tackle the silly season, but if you do have any pain or injuries you need help with before Christmas please note Foot and Leg Pain Clinics will be closing for our annual break on Monday the 19th December. That's just over 3 weeks away so if you are in need give us a call asap so we can find an appointment you. If all is going well, excellent, ENJOY!! :-)

THINKING OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent floods in Victoria and our gratitude goes out to all the volunteers and assisting services.

For anyone assisting with flood clean up, in regards to lower limb health and safety, please remember to wear protective footwear whenever possible to protect from hidden debris and underwater hazards. Also keep any open wounds covered and dry to protect from flood waters.

If anyone wants advice regarding these issues please call us on 1300 328 300

FOR ALL THE HIGH HEEL LOVERS OUT THERE!
Spring Racing Carnival and summer festivities are fast approaching so your high heel wearing may be on the increase. If you have any foot or leg pain or concerns, make sure to get them addressed now so you're able to enjoy donning your favourite high heels on those special occasions! Call 1300 328 300 for an appointment

READY FOR SPRING?
It's been a long cold, wet winter, which means you may have been less active than usual. So with better weather on the horizon, make sure you get back into activities and exercise gradually. Muscles and tissues can lose condition and be more prone to injury after periods of less activity or inactivity. If you find you have some old injuries surface or some new aches and pains arise - book into your local Foot and Leg Pain Clinic so we can get you pain-free and active for the warmer months ahead. 1300 328 300

THE MANY BENEFITS OF SIMPLE EXERCISE ON PAIN, INJURY & ARTHRITIS 😁
Regular, simple exercise like walking is extremely underestimated for its benefits on musculoskeletal conditions i.e. joint and tissue pain, inflammation and degeneration. It can:
• aid joint lubrication and nourishment
• ease pain and stiffness
• improve joint and tissue flexibility & function
• increase blood supply to support healing
• build muscle strength to assist movement
• improve balance and posture
• assist bone density

So rug up and get walking today!
If pain or discomfort prevents you walking/exercising, that's where we can help. Call 1300 328 300 for an appointment 😀

WONDERING WHY FOOT PAIN CAN GET WORSE IN WINTER?

Here's 5 possible reasons and tips to help.
1. Cold temperatures can cause tissues to contract and pull on the nerve endings, contributing to stiffness and pain.
2. The cold can restrict blood supply to joints and tissues exacerbating injuries or degeneration.
3. Less activity in winter can lead to weaker, tighter foot muscles, more prone to injury
4. Any winter weight gain can increase tissue stress contributing to pain, injury and eventually degenerative conditions like plantar fasciitis
5. Extended periods in unsupportive shoes, like slippers, can can result in pain.

TIPS:
• Wearing supportive shoes at home and around the house;
• If you have orthotics, wear them at home, even in slippers;
• Keep exercising. A simple daily walk can have amazing benefits

If you have pain, recurring or consistent soreness get it checked by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist

For appointments at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics call 1300 328 300

FOOT AND LEG PAIN CLINICS NOW IN RINGWOOD

Have a look at our new Ringwood clinic.
For appointments phone 1300 328 300 😃

FOOT and LEG PAIN CLINICS WILLIAMSTOWN HAS MOVED!

We're still in Ferguson Street but our new home is now at Williamstown Specialist Centre - 87 Ferguson St, Williamstown. For appointments you can still call us on 1300 328 300 🙂

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Foot and Leg Pain Clinics wish you all a very safe, happy and healthy holiday season.

We will close for holidays at 5pm on Wednesday 22nd December with reception re-opening on Friday 7th January and clinics re-opening from Monday 10th January 🙂🎄

FEET FIT FOR SUMMER?!
If you have any foot or leg pain, now is the time to get it seen to. Foot and Leg Pain Clinics closes for Christmas break on the 20th December for 3 weeks so you have just over 4 weeks left for us to help you get your feett and legs fit for fun in the sun!
Call 1300 328 300 for appointments 🙂

OPEN THROUGH LOCKDOWN
As an essential service Foot and Leg Pain Clinics is open during lockdown with both in-clinic and Telehealth consultations.

Exercising throughout lockdown is really important for both body and mind! So if you have any foot, knee of leg pain, injuries or degenerative concerns or have children needing assistance let us help so you can keep active. Call 1300 328 300

BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL!! 😃

With lockdown behind us we're back to business as usual, and SO HAPPY to see you face-to-face for in-clinic appointments once again.

Whilst we've had to stop all in-clinic consultations until Thursday 18th Feb (fingers crossed its just until Thursday) we're still able to provide video Telehealth consultations. Our reception staff are still working (from home) so please feel free to call throughout lock-down with any queries or to make future in-clinic or Telehealth appointments. We look forward to seeing you all in person soon!! 😃