Farnham Sports Injury Clinic

Foot pain or discomfort in many parts of the body may be connected with biomechanical foot problems. The bones in our body are connected by a ‘kinetic chain’ which may result in a foot condition creating problem higher up the kinetic chain e.g. knees,hips and spine

Biomechanics is science behind the way your body moves, in particular the movements of your lower limb and the affects within the kinetic chain.

Foot pain or discomfort may be acute or choric sometimes following a trip, fall or sporting injury. In all these cases a biomechanical examination will identify the original cause and result in specific treatment options. Waverley Foot Clinic’s Podiatrists can also explore the possibilities of additional problems being associated with an original foot problem e.g. hip or back pain.

Athletes & Sports Related Problems

Athletes or anyone who enjoys taking part in sports activity may find they have a specific sports related problem or injury to the feet and lower limb. For example Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS), Achilles Tendon Pain, Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome) or Heel Pain (plantar Fasciitis) are common sport related problems.

According to The College of Podiatry,

‘All of the above injuries need treatment and you should consult a podiatrist’.

Athletes can benefit from the increased levels of control and support and offered by our sports orthotics / insoles by reducing the risk of injury and therefore improving performance. Waverley Foot Clinic has Podiatrists who can assess your foot and lower limb biomechanics and offer advice to aid performance and prevent injury in the future. Should there be a need for insoles or orthotics we will discuss the most appropriate design to ensure comfort and function within your sports shoe.

Biomechanical Assessment Technology

The GaitScan™System at Waverley Foot Clinic assesses your need for prescription custom made foot / insole orthotics. Should an orthotic be required we will discuss the best options available to offer a long term solution to any injury issues. The clinical design and comfort of the orthotic / insole are equally important ensuing a comfortable fit within your sports footwear. The custom made orthotics are manufactured from unique memory flex plastics to meet your individual foot care needs and come with a guarantee of 7-10 years.

GaitScan technology

You should wear shorts for this appointment, or at least some loose fitting trousers. It would also be helpful if you brought along a variety of shoes you wear for different activities, such as trainers, work shoes, walking shoes and in particular the footwear that causes the pain (if it is specific).

Following the assessment, a treatment plan will then be formulated between you and your Podiatrist. Treatment options may include insole prescriptions, footwear advice or exercises to improve foot function.

Ankle Sprain

Is one of most common of all ankle injuries which occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint tear following excessive pressure. This can occur during sporting activities or simply a trip or fall. Usually the pain is experienced on the outside of the ankle and mid-foot with inflammation and bruising. Initially immobility of the joint is important followed by cold/ice packs. Long term treatments include improving the ankle muscle strength to aid recovery and prevent reoccurrence. At this stage a full biomechanical examination and possible orthotic / insole prescription can assist in the medium to long term recovery. This provides the ankle musculature support improving the balance capabilities required to help prevent further ankle damage and sprains.
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Ankle and foot pain may also be caused by a condition known as Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This tendon loses its ability to support the foot arch and becomes inflamed and painful often resulting in a flatter foot shape. Biomechanical examination can confirm the diagnosis following specific treatment options. Sometimes the weakness of the Posterior tibial tendon is helped by an orthotic / insole to support the foot arch and therefore reduce the pressure within the tendon which lead to the initial discomfort and possible ongoing problems.
Shin Splints

Shin splints is a general term used to describe exercise-induced discomfort and pain in the shin bones (tibia) or lower front, inner area of the legs. This can be felt during and following strenuous exercise such as running or sports that require sudden starts and stops e.g. Tennis, Rugby, Football and Basketball. The shin pain can be felt during or after strenuous activity, particularly running, or sports with sudden stops and starts, such as rugby, basketball and tennis. The pain may start as a dull, aching pain but can become extremely painful. The pain is felt along the shin bone (tibia), which runs down the inner part of your shin. At first you will feel a dull, aching pain. If you ignore it and continue to exercise, it can become very painful and you may have to stop exercising altogether. Biomechanical assessment and possible insole / orthotic prescription for your sports footwear to give you the right amount of cushioning and support for your weight and foot type e.g. Pronation (flat footed).
Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendinitis will present as a dull or sharp pain along the back (usually close to the heel) of the Achilles tendon with possible redness, heat and reduced mobility. The tendon inflammation is usually the result of overuse and may be connected with a in change activity intensity, playing surface or footwear. Correct diagnosis following Biomechanical Assessment is advised followed by specific treatment and recovery advice.
Plantar Fasciitis (Policeman’s Heel)

This painful and debilitating condition is typically pain beneath the heel when pressure or standing and walking occurs. Often the pain is worse first thing in the morning or after periods of rest. Rest in some cases followed by stretching exercise to several muscle groups or even steroid injection can help. However this condition can often return and often an orthotic / insole can prove to be an effective long term solution. A prescribed insole can simply reduce the pressures within the muscles and bone attachments causing the pain thus providing long term pain relief.