Sports InjuriesThe North Queensland Foot and Ankle Centre specializes in the treatment of lower limb sports injuries. With the latest in computer and video equipment at our disposal, we treat all levels of athletes, from recreational to elite sportspeople. Many of the common conditions we manage include lower back and hip complaints (when they originate from the feet), knee pain, shin splints, ankle disorders, achilles tendonitis and various foot complaints arising from sporting activities.  There are many causes of sports injuries in the lower limbs, including excess inward rolling (pronation) or outward rolling (supination) of the feet. Incorrect or ill-fitting footwear, lack of muscle flexibility, foot type and over-training are also associated with a variety of sports injuries. Each patient presenting with a sports injury will have an extensive medical and training history taken by our Podiatrist, along with in-depth video gait analysis and 3-D computerised pressure mapping of the feet. This information, along with a full assessment of foot joint ranges of motion and muscle strength testing, is used to formulate a treatment plan tailored to meet the individual needs of the athlete and particular sporting activity. Return to top 
Children's Feet Many adult foot problems have their origins in childhood. During the first year of a child's life, their feet grow rapidly, reaching almost half their adult size. By 12 years of age, a child's foot is about 90 percent of its adult length. This is why Podiatrists at the NQ Foot and Ankle Centre consider the early years to be the most important in the development of feet. Neglecting foot health can also lead to problems in other parts of the body, such as the legs, hips and lower back.
"Don't worry - they'll grow out of it", is a common response to parents' concerns about the development of their children's feet. In some cases this may be true, however, as children grow, their feet and legs undergo various stages of development. Podiatrists at the NQ Foot and Ankle Centre will be able to advise you whether your child's development falls within acceptable limits for their age, or if treatment may be required. Don't dismiss your child's consistent complaints of aches as "just growing pains". Return to top
Heel Pain Heel pain is one of the most common and disabling foot problems in Australia today. Our Podiatrists regularly treat between 5 to 10 cases a day. The most common cause of heel pain is a condition known as Plantar Fasciitis or "Heel Spur Syndrome". The Plantar Fascia is the thick, inflexible fibrous material on the bottom of the foot connecting the toes and the heel. A painful tearing of the plantar fascia may result in either plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Recent research suggests this condition is mostly degenerative (due to wear and tear) and most people will experience pain in this region at some stage in their life. Symptoms can last between 6 to 18 months.
A heel spur is a point of excess bone growth on the heel, which usually extends forwards towards the toes. Heel spurs are visible on x-ray but are not the cause of the pain. The pain results from the plantar fascia pulling on the heel and irritating the bone. Treatment for plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome involves addressing the cause of the symptoms. This may include using custom inserts (Orthotics) in shoes to address any excess inward or outward rolling of the feet, to offload pressure from the fascia. Other treatments include specific stretching and strengthening exercises, self massage, changing footwear, physical therapy, acupuncture and shock wave therapy. Cortisone injections and surgery are always the last resort. Return to top
 Care of feet in the workplace is a prime safety consideration. The types of activities performed in a specific work area can often create foot and lower limb problems. Jobs which require continual standing, stepping up and down ladders, carrying heavy loads, working in water or long periods of walking or bending down all day can lead to foot, leg and lower back pain.
Podiatrists at the NQ Foot and Ankle Centre specialize in the detection and treatment of all occupational foot disorders. Stress fractures, sprains, strains, corns, callous and ingrown toenails are just some of the foot problems that can occur in the workplace, or be aggravated at work. Deep aches or pains in the arch, ball of foot or heel may be related to muscle or ligament strain, which is associated with poor foot posture. Our Podiatrists are trained to detect any problems with foot function or ill-fitting footwear, and will advise you regarding appropriate treatment options. Return to top
DiabetesDiabetes is one of the biggest health problems facing the world today. Approximately 94,000 Australians have diabetes and over half of those are not aware they have the condition. Damage to the nerves and blood supply of the feet caused by diabetes can place them at risk of damage. The damage is more likely when people have had diabetes for a long period of time or their blood glucose levels have been erratic. Smoking, lack of exercise and being overweight are the other main factors which increase the chances of developing complications in the lower limbs. Many patients with diabetes are referred to the NQ Foot and Ankle Centre for a thorough evaluation and screening. A series of diagnostic tests are performed to check for any possible complications in the lower limbs. These tests include comprehensive vascular examinations using state of the art doppler ultrasound to check for adequate circulation, and various neurological (nerve) tests to check for adequate sensation in the feet. We recommend annual foot checks for people with diabetes, to help detect and avoid any possible complications. Return to top
Your feet absorb the impact of at least three times your body weight with every running stride. This makes it extremely important to choose the correct shoe for your foot type, to help prevent injury. Inappropriate, ill-fitting or worn out shoes can cause blisters, corns and callouses and foot injuries such as heel and arch pain, achilles tendonitis and stress fractures. Our Podiatrists can help you choose the correct footwear to suit your foot type and particular sporting activity. Before purchasing new shoes, a treadmill and computer analysis of your particular walking/running style is undertaken, to determine your foot type and function. This information is then used to write a detailed footwear prescription to suit your individual needs. Return to top
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