Did you know that almost 40% of all children, teenager and adolescent injuries are sports-related? Injuries in the young athlete are often trivialised. They are usually asked or encouraged to “toughen up and play through the pain.” This approach is not in the young athlete’s best interest for the following reasons: It often leads to
Metatarsalgia is a term used to describe a painful foot condition in the area just before the small toes (more commonly referred to as the ball of the foot). Metatarsalgia can affect anyone who spends significant time on their feet and frequently affects runners and other athletes who participate in high impact sports. Although generally
A fungal nail infection, referred to in medical terms as onychomycosis, occurs when fungi, a kind of microorganism infect your nails. You may first notice the infection as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. Symptoms of a fungal infection may include brittleness, discoloration, thickening and crumbling of the nail, as
Podiatrists play a major role in managing painful foot conditions. The majority of patients who present for foot care are motivated by a desire to eliminate or reduce a painful condition. In essence, we are pain management specialists, albeit in a very different way. Not all feet are created equal! Some feet seem to take
Welcome to winter! Australia is a sports-loving nation, as both participants and spectators. Australia’s mild winters mean that in most parts of Australia, participation in outdoor exercise and sports can occur all year round. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), over 60% of Australians participate in sports and exercise programs. The Medibank Private
Tight hamstrings are often a problem for many athletes and active people. Below is a very simple hamstring stretch that anyone can do. Sitting Hamstring Stretch Sit on the floor with the stretching leg extended in front of you, keeping your toes pointed away from your face Bend the opposite leg and place the sole
What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become fragile and brittle. They fracture more easily than normal bone. Even a minor bump or fall can cause a serious fracture. Half of all women and one-third of men over 60 in Australia will have a fracture due to osteoporosis. What is osteoporosis?
Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, direct impact, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand. An injury that happens suddenly, such as a sprained ankle caused by an awkward footfall, is known as an acute injury. Chronic injuries are caused by overusing the same muscle groups
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs as a result of the build-up of uric acid in the body and the joint fluid. This accumulation of uric acid typically occurs when the body has difficulty processing certain protein substances called purines that are found naturally in our diets. The actual build-up of uric acid
Do they complain of foot or leg pain? Do they often ask to be picked up? Do they have instability issues or trip frequently? Do they kick their shoes off before undoing their laces? Does your child walk differently to other kids? Recent research has revealed that certain foot types (flat feet or high arched