Podiatry for Track and Field Athletes
Track and Field is comprised of athletes that are either generally explosive in nature or athletes who require large aerobic capabilities to perform their desired event.
For the explosive athletes such as track sprinters, javelin and discus throwers, long, triple and high jumpers we find although each individual build may be different, the demand each individuals size and build requires from their legs to produce maximal force is still relative.
For the middle to long-distance runners, a submaximal force is required over a longer period of time.
Junior Athletes tend to be less specific and more holistic with their training whilst their bodies are growing. Hence we understand the importance of postural alignment and the value of developing strong habits with correct exercise and stretching techniques.
Common Injuries seen:
Junior Track and Field Athletes:
- Severs Disease - Growing pain in the heel
- Shin Splints - Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
- Jumpers Knee - Patella Tendonopathy
- Osgoods Schlatters - Growing pain in the knee
- Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome - Growing pain in the knee
- Ankle Sprain and Fractures
Common Injuries seen with our explosive athletes:
- Calf and Hamstring Tears
- ACL and PCL tears
- Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
- Achilles Tendon pain (tendinopathy)
- Shin Splints - MTSS
- Ankle Sprains and Acute Fractures
- Forefoot Pain - Turf Toe and Greater toe pain
- Ankle impingement Anterior and Posterior
Common Injuries seen with our middle to long-distance runners
- Stress fractures of the foot and leg
- Low back/Sacral Pain
- Medial Knee pain
- Calf strain
Prevention and Treatment
If you are in pain now or simply want to look at ways to prevent injury there is never a better time than now to have your body, training loads and footwear assessed.
All assessments are 30 minutes or 45 minutes for those patients who have had a chronic or resilient problem that until now has been “untreatable” so to speak.
Common Methodology behind Treatments
Our methodology at Melbourne Sports Podiatry is simplified below. Although all of our treatments are tailored based on the individual, the way in which we find out how to best work with your concern starts with the following process:
- Assess specific movement patterns based on the sport
- Assess structures between the lower back and feet
- Identify where the problem is stemming from
- Identify limitations or energy leaks
- Treat on the day and plan ahead.
Common Treatments we use on the first appointment include
- Sports specific strapping and padding
- Footwear assessment
- Soft or Deep Tissue release
- Lower limb Dry Needling
- Balance and Strength Programming
- Running Analysis and Re-training
- PNF stretching and Joint Mobilisation
- In shoe wedging and modifications
Other Treatments we use include:
- Sports specific customised orthotics
- Kids only orthotics
- Joint adjustments
- Advanced Foot and Ankle rehabilitation
We Accept All HICAPS Providers.
No referral is required.
