Active Podiatry Blog Posts
Is running a good idea if you have lower back pain? It was a few weeks before the London Marathon and I was in big trouble. My training had gone well so far, but after doing a long run with some friends at a faster pace than I was used to, my back completely…
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Winter Foot Care Tips for Active People: Keep Your Feet Healthy and Warm For walkers, runners, and active people of all ages, winter can bring unique challenges to foot health. Cold weather conditions increase the risk of issues like chilblains, dry skin, and circulation problems, all of which can interfere with your enjoyment of…
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Running and Knee Health: The Myth vs. Reality The idea that running is inherently bad for your knees is a common myth, but current research suggests otherwise. In fact, running might even be beneficial for knee health in many cases. Let’s break down what the evidence says: Myth: Running Causes Knee Osteoarthritis Many people believe…
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Do I need a gait analysis? The aim of a gait analysis is to identify if the way you walk and run is contributing to or increasing your risk of injury. Movement patterns such as excessive rolling in of the foot, or pronation, and instability at the hips due to hip muscle weakness, can…
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What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar Fasciitis, or Plantar Fasciopathy, is a repetitive strain injury to the thick band of connective tissue, called the Plantar Fascia, which runs underneath the foot and gives extra support and stability when standing and walking. As it is a major load bearing structure of the foot it is predisposed to…
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Pain on the outside of the foot, from the heel to the toes, is quite common in active people and can have different causes, with the majority being due to overuse. Traumatic injuries to the foot such as ankle sprains, stress fractures and dislocation can cause significant pain and swelling, but the most…
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Last year I found myself in the position of having to do the exercises that I regularly give to my patients, as I injured my calf while out running. I found out that, yes, exercises are repetitive and boring! And of course as a result I didn’t want to do them, but I also understood…
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The Soleus is one of three calf muscles that run down the back of the leg from the knee to the Achilles tendon. This group of muscles, the Gastrocnemius, Soleus and the smaller accessory Plantaris are active throughout running, absorbing the shocks on landing, then plantar flexing the foot downwards to push us off…
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What is the Retrocalcaneal Bursa and where is it located? The Retrocalcaneal bursa is a fluid filled cushion that sits between the achilles tendon and the heel bone at the back of the heel, reducing friction where the Achilles tendon bends over the back of the heel before it goes up the leg. You cannot…
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Heel pain can be a debilitating issue, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional who spends long hours on your feet, or simply someone who enjoys walking, heel pain can significantly impact your daily life. Understanding the underlying causes of heel pain is crucial for effective management…
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