- Getting back into an exercise routine post lockdown?
- Beginning a weight loss journey?
- Your sport season starting back up?
- Increasing the intensity or frequency of your current training regime?
Whatever your workout background and current exercise status, overuse injuries are the most common form of injury we see. Please read the following for some information and don`t hesitate to contact us here at Pivot with any related issues or concerns.
What is an overuse injury?
Overuse injuries occur when excessive and repetitive force is placed on the bones and other connective tissues of the body. Little or no pain might be experienced in the early stages of these injuries and the athlete might continue to place pressure on the injured site. This prevents the site being given the necessary time to heal. Eventually the damage accumulates, and the injured site becomes inflamed, and therefore painful.
Risk Factors for overuse injuries:
- A change in training (increasing intensity or frequency)
- Poorly planned training programs (E.g., Not allowing an appropriate amount of time to recover between sessions)
- Poor technique
- Poor equipment (E.g., footwear)
- Trying to do too much too fast when starting to get back into exercise or if starting exercise for the first time
- Poor stretching/recovery regime
Common overuse injuries we see and treat as Podiatrists:
- Achilles tendinopathy (insertional and/or midportion)
- Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome
- Meniscal/Ligamentous injuries of the knee and ankle
- Compartment Syndrome
- Plantar plate tears
- Stress fractures
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
- Tendinopathies of the lower limb
If a patient presents to the clinic with an overuse injury, as Podiatrists we can:
- Complete a Biomechanical assessment consisting of various measurements and a gait analysis on the treadmill we have available at Pivot Podiatry.
- Prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises relating to the presenting diagnosis. Our Telehab program allows easy communication and assistance for our patients.
- Prescribe Custom fit Orthotics using our 3D scanner.
- Prescribe Prefabricated orthotics.
- Make correctional or accommodative modifications to existing orthotics, insoles or footwear.
- Advise appropriate footwear.
- Assign a rehabilitation/recovery program for the patient to return to the activity – Also using Telehab.
- Adjust and modify current training programs
Telehab:
The Telehab program that we use at Pivot Podiatry allows us to create a personalized rehabilitation program to each individual patient. This may incorporate stretching, strengthening or balance exercises. There is an app that can be downloaded on the individual’s phone which allows access to the created program, displaying instructive videos and times sessions. The app also allows feedback and communication between the patient and clinician, further supporting the rehabilitation process. If someone does not wish to use the app, a printed version of the program with an attached progress diary is available.
Alexandra Knight
B. Podiatry