If you want to get active just run right? We all know how to do it don’t we? But is it that simple? Do we need lessons on how to run? Currently there is a big debate about running technique – the 2 main camps being heel vs toe (or barefoot) What’s the difference? A normal step: Heel contact Outer foot, using the arch Roll onto the toes push off…
For keen athletes, in an ideal world, every time you train you would do as the professionals do and see a physiotherapist to untangle any kinks. However in the real world we rarely have the time and resources to follow every ideal. So here are my 4 top tips and tricks for keeping you going even when you haven’t got a physio at home. 1. A tennis ball – A…
Gout – first diagnosed in Ancient Egypt in 2600 BC, isn’t new. But more and more patients are receiving this diagnosis. What is Gout? Gout is a metabolic disorder which causes arthritis (arth = joint and itis = inflammation), usually of the big toe but other joints can be affected. The body stops processing uric acid properly causing it to build up in the body. These sharp uric acid crystal…
It’s always interesting what prompts people to take action. What one movement that hurt which made them make an appointment. Interestingly many people are unbothered that their knees hurt when walking long distances but, when they start to have pain going up and down stairs – this is a big problem. So why are stairs a problem? When we are walking on a flat surface our knees don’t have to…
Few things are more frustrating for a runner than shin splints. They’re painful, restrict your movement and training and seem difficult to treat. What are Shin Splints? This is a useful “catch all” term for pain in the leg below the knee. But true shin splints are painful on the inner part of the shin. Although the pain starts intermittently, running and walking may quickly become extremely painful. If you…
I love this old fashioned name for Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain. It goes well with the “flat foot” description of a policeman, as it is often associated with . . . flat feet! What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar – relating to the sole of your foot Fascia – A sheet of connective tissue around muscles and organs in the body ‘itis – inflammation So we have inflammation of the…
If you have pain in the knee or back you probably think something is wrong with your knee or back. You see your doctor, perhaps get an X-ray or MRI scan. But what if these investigations don’t show a problem? You still have pain in your knee but your doctor is saying there is nothing wrong. Or worse, you receive a lot of treatment (sometimes including surgery!) but make no…
This one day course will give you the skills to confidently assess your patient’s foot and lower limb function and pathology quickly and accurately and clearly explain this and its impact to your patient. Detailed information on foot anatomy, mechanics and function and lower limb biomechanics. The 6 Key Tests for patient assessment – a practical, hands on workshop with key consultation techniques to find out the most appropriate route…
What are hamstrings? Hamstrings are the tendons connecting the group of large muscles at the back of the thigh to the bone. But the word is often used to refer to the entire group of muscles connecting the knee to the hip at the back of the thigh. The Hamstring muscles bend the knee and straighten the hip and while not very important for walking and standing they are very…
It’s that time of year again folks. The days are getting warmer, the chiringuitos are opening . . . and here in Spain we’re thinking about packing away the boots and jumpers and finding the shorts and sandals. So here is this year’s range of sandals that are good for your feet!! I will be placing the first order on Friday 8th May so if you want something let me…