Active Podiatry Blog Posts

Why is it important to do exercises as part of your recovery from injury?

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 Super Soleus. An important running muscle.

  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 Retrocalcaneal Bursitis and how can it be treated?

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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Understanding Heel Pain:  3 Top Causes and How to Manage Them

Heel pain

  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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Achilles Tendon Injuries – The Facts

      Achilles Tendon injuries are common amongst runners and active people. The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body and attaches the calf muscles to the foot. It is active in providing stability as the foot lands in the early contact phase of gait and in propulsion as the foot leaves…

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How can you take advantage of the early Spring to improve your running fitness and put a Spring back in your step?

  How can you take advantage of the early Spring to improve your running fitness and put a Spring back in your step?   Spring is here, although Winter is fighting a rearguard action as I write this! Here are some ways you can use the Spring season to your advantage in building your running…

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3 signs that it is ok to start running again after an injury

  3 signs that it is ok to start running again after an injury You are more or less pain free in normal daily activities and cross training exercises such as cycling, swimming and walking. Pain levels should be low, not increasing with activity and settling quickly after exercise. You have been doing your rehabilitation…

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PLantar fasciitis or a bruised heel?

Plantar Fasciits or a Bruised Heel? Heel pain is probably the most common type of foot pain that I see in my clinics on a regular basis, often several a week. Although often diagnosed as Plantar Fasciits there are many other causes, and the treatment is different for each one, so vitally important that you…

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Gait retraining? What are the benefits?

What are the benefits of gait retraining and can it reduce the risk of injury? The idea behind gait retraining is to change elements of your running gait technique or style in order to effect a change, leading either to improvements in performance or a reduction in the risk of injury. As runners we are…

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Let’s talk about – Ankle Sprains

What is an ankle sprain?   An ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls out excessively, causing the supporting ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch and tear. This usually happens when walking on uneven ground or participating in sports. How do I know if I’ve got one? There will usually be a…

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