Musculoskeletal Podiatry
Musculoskeletal podiatry is the assessment of the muscles and joints of the foot and lower limb, which may be contributing to painful conditions affecting these areas, or further up the kinetic chain.
What is musculoskeletal podiatry?
Musculoskeletal podiatry is a specialism within podiatry that focuses on muscular and orthopaedic complaints affecting the foot and the lower limb. Podiatric musculoskeletal problems occur when a person is weight-bearing, which includes, but is not limited to standing, walking, running, and jumping.
Musculoskeletal podiatrists are interested in the way the foot interacts when it makes ground contact. During a musculoskeletal assessment the podiatrist will pay close attention to the way that you walk (gait analysis), assessing the forces acting on the joints, and looking at muscle activity, as well as any compensatory mechanisms that may be occurring.
What problems can musculoskeletal podiatry help with?
Musculoskeletal podiatry can help with a number of muscular and orthopaedic problems, for example:
- Tendonitis
- Tightness
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Ankle instability
- Flat feet
- Shin splints
- Callus and corns
- Joint pain
- Hip pain
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Foot pain
- Heel pain
- Hallux limitus
If you suffer from any of the above complaints why not book in for an assessment with us at Macclesfield Podiatry.
What are the benefits of musculoskeletal podiatry?
If you have a muscular or orthopaedic complaint affecting your lower limb or foot then musculoskeletal podiatry will benefit you. Musculoskeletal benefits are achieved through a combination of exercises, orthoses, strapping, pads and footwear or exercise modification. Treatment options are designed individually, therefore the treatment option most suitable for you will depend on your individual signs and symptoms. Benefits that can be achieved through musculoskeletal podiatry include:
- Pain reduction
- Improved lower limb function
- Improved gait
- Improved posture
- Improved performance
- Reduced risk of injury
- Reduction in corns and callus through pressure redistribution
- Improved muscle strength
- Improved muscle flexibility
The benefits that can be achieved vary according to the individual, and individual patient needs. The assessment will provide the podiatrist with the information necessary to formulate a treatment plan, which will include realistic goals and expectations, all of which will be discussed with you at the assessment.
How can i arrange an appointment for musculoskeletal podiatry?
To arrange a musculoskeletal podiatry assessment with us at Macclesfield Podiatry please email office@macclesfieldpodiatry.co.uk or call us on 0161 883 0099.
