Here you will find a list of common physiotherapy and podiatry conditions we treat at Adelaide Physio and Podiatry Clinic.
You will find information on common sports injuries, back pain , heel pain, foot pain, aching feet and leg pain conditions our Physiotherapists and Podiatrists commonly encounter at Adelaide Physio And Podiatry Clinic.
Simply click on the conditions of interest for more information.
Vertigo Physiotherapy
Vertigo a type of dizziness that occurs when your head is moved in certain positions. These positions can trigger a sudden, intense spinning sensation. The spinning sensation may last for several seconds to minutes and can be very disorienting and nauseating.
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The exact cause of TMJ syndrome is unknown, but it is thought to be related to problems with the way the upper and lower teeth fit together (occlusion). TMJ syndrome can also be caused by injury to the jaw, arthritis, or clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism).
Whiplash Injury
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward or backward. This can damage the ligaments, muscles, and nerves in the neck and cause pain and other symptoms. Whiplash is most often caused by car accidents, but it can also occur during falls, sports injuries, and other traumatic events.
Wry Neck
Wry neck is a term used to describe pain and stiffness in the neck. It can be caused by many things, including muscle strain, arthritis, or a pinched nerve. Wry neck can be very painful and make it hard to move your head. Treatment for wry neck depends on the cause but may include physical therapy, pain medication, or steroid injections.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Treatment
The rotator cuff muscles are responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint. When these muscles are unable to do their job properly, the shoulder joint becomes unstable and can be extremely painful. Treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy typically involves a combination of physical therapy, medications, and rest. Surgery is usually only necessary if other treatments fail to provide relief.
Subacromial Bursitis
Subacromial bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) located between the acromion (bone at the top of the shoulder) and the rotator cuff tendons. This condition can cause pain and difficulty moving the arm. Treatment typically involves a combination of rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain in the elbow and arm. It is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm. Treatment for tennis elbow includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve range of motion and strength. Surgery is rarely needed.
Golfer's Elbow Causes and Treatment
Golfer's elbow is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons of the elbow. The condition is also known as medial epicondylitis. It is a type of tendonitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons. Golfer's elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow.
Repetitive Strain injury (RSI) Treatment
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a type of injury that can occur when you overuse your muscles or tendons. RSIs can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the affected area. Treatment for an RSI may include rest, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a condition that affects the lower back. The main symptom of low back pain is a dull ache or pain in the lower back area. Other symptoms may include muscle spasms, tenderness, and stiffness. Low back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting).
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of different things. It can be anything from a leg length difference or muscle strain to a herniated disc, and it can range from being a minor annoyance to being debilitating. Some common treatment options include physical therapy, podiatry care, orthotics, and massage.
Sciatica Treatment
There are a number of different sciatica treatments that can be used to alleviate the pain associated with this condition. These treatments range from simple at-home remedies to more invasive surgical procedures. In most cases, the goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation and pressure on the sciatic nerve, providing relief from the pain.
Leg Length Difference
A difference in leg length may cause problems when walking or running and can lead to hip, knee or ankle pain. If the discrepancy is severe, it can also lead to back problems. treatment for LLD depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may involve the use of a shoe insert (orthotics), physical therapy, surgery or a combination of these methods.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a condition characterized by pain in the front of the knee and around the patella (kneecap). It is a common knee problem, particularly among young people, that can lead to significant pain and disability. Treatment for PFPS typically involves a combination of rest, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, foot posture correction may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.
Anterior Knee Pain Causes and Treatment
Anterior knee pain is a condition that causes pain in the front of the knee. It can be caused by a number of different things, including arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. Treatment for anterior knee pain depends on the underlying cause but may include rest, ice, and physical therapy.
Osgood Schlatter's Apophysitis
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that results in pain and swelling in the kneecap, or patella. The condition is seen most often in adolescents who are active in sports. Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused by inflammation of the growth plate, or epiphysis, of the tibia, or shinbone.
Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition characterized by pain on the outside of the knee. The iliotibial band is a thickening of the tissue that runs from the hip to the shin and helps stabilize the knee joint. When this tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain.
Torn Meniscus Treatment
A torn meniscus is a common knee injury. It can occur when you suddenly twist or rotate your knee, causing the cartilage to tear. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage. Torn meniscus treatment often depends on the severity of the injury.
Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
This condition is a degenerative disorder that affects the tendons in the lower leg, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include pain and stiffness in the heel and lower leg, as well as a decrease in range of motion. Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment can help to reduce these symptoms and improve the function of the affected tendons.
Compartment Syndrome
Acute compartment syndrome is the first of two types of compartment syndrome that you can develop. This type tends to be more serious, with more severe consequences on the lower limbs, and often requires emergency care. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is the second type and is much more common. While it’s not considered a medical emergency, you may be prone to developing it repetitively, and hence treatment is recommended to help with prevention.
Hamstring Injury and Treatment
Hamstring injuries are among the most common injuries that people experience. The hamstrings are the group of three muscles at the back of the thigh, and they work to extend the hip and flex the knee. Hamstring strains can occur when these muscles are suddenly overloaded or overstretched, and they can be extremely painful.
Leg Pain
Leg pain is any discomfort or soreness that you feel in your legs. This can include your thighs, knees, calves, or ankles. Leg pain can be caused by a number of different things, including injuries, overuse, and medical conditions. Treatment for leg pain will vary depending on the cause.
Orthotics For Shin Splints
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether orthotics can help with shin splints, as the effectiveness of this treatment option depends on the individual case. However, many people find that orthotics can provide significant relief from the pain and discomfort associated with shin splints.
Sprains and Strains
Our physiotherapists and Poiatrists will help assess the severity, stage, and type of injury. Whether it be a sprain or strain, to help determine the best management for you. Usually, the type/severity of the injury can be classified into Grade 1,2 or 3
Ankle Pain
Treating ankle pain starts with getting the right diagnosis by having an assessment with your podiatrist. You’ll then receive a custom treatment plan that will focus on both relieving your current symptoms and managing the injury that is causing your pain.
Ankle Sprains
Inversion sprains, where the foot is twisted inwards and you roll outwards onto your ankle, account for approximately 85% of ankle sprains. Inversion injuries usually only affect the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Anterior Ankle Impingement
When you have an anterior ankle impingement, it means that the joint capsule at the front of the ankle is being pinched, compressed or wedged when you move your foot up on your ankle (toes towards the sky). This produces pain, swelling, restricted movement or a locking sensation, and even weakness around the foot and ankle.
Unstable Ankle After Sprain?
If you have a history of ankle sprains and now feel a weakness in your ankle, have a sensation of giving way, or have a tendency to roll out on your foot more, you may have ankle instability. You may also feel that you have poor balance and control at your ankle.
Os Trigonum Syndrome
Os Trigonum Syndrome is a big cause of pain at the back of the ankle that we see particularly in those that are active in sports or activities that have you repetitively pointing your toes downwards. It stems from the presence of an extra (accessory) bone, approximately the size of a small pebble, right behind the ankle joint.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
Your posterior tibial tendon is a fibrous cord which runs down the inside/back of your leg, beneath your ankle, and down into your arch. It plays a major role in helping us walk and holding up the arch. When this tendon is injured, it is medically referred to as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD).
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
This tunnel is the home of the posterior tibial nerve, which then splits off into branches that give sensation to areas of your feet. When the space in the tunnel is narrowed, the nerve gets pinched and compressed. This is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Iselin's Disease Treatment
If you’re worried about the term ‘disease’ here – don’t be. Iselin’s disease or syndrome is a temporary growth-related condition that affects the outermost long bone in the foot called the fifth metatarsal. It is a condition that impacts adolescents – meaning that it only affects physically active boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 14 years.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common arthritis that occurs in kids, affecting approximately one in 500 children. Technically, JIA is an umbrella term for any arthritis affecting those aged below 16 years. The cause is typically unknown, hence the term idiopathic
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis can be a painful, restrictive and debilitating condition. While pain and discomfort is one aspect, arthritis in your feet can also cause permanent changes to the joints that can impair mobility, make comfortable shoes more challenging to find, and ultimately affect your quality of life and independence.
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Athlete’s Foot is a fungal skin infection on the bottom of the feet and between the toes. The medical name tinea pedis literally translates to ‘ringworm of the foot’ and gets the name ‘Athlete’s Foot’ because of its high prevalence among athletes. It affects the outer layer of the skin and can get very itchy and uncomfortable.
Styloid Process Avulsion Fracture
While a regular fracture describes a break in the bone that tends to occur suddenly, and a stress fracture describes tiny hairline cracks that develop slowly over time, an avulsion fracture is one where the stress and tension from a tendon or ligament that is attached to a bone pulls of a piece off the bone, fracturing it.
Bursitis Treatment
The most common cause of bursitis that we see here at Adelaide Physio and Podiatry Clinic is from overuse – meaning that repetitive activity, strain and heavy loads on the bursa exceed what it can safely handle, and it becomes injured.
Capsulitis Treatment
If you have capsulitis, it means that the capsule surrounding one of your joints has been damaged and inflammation has resulted. This can compromise the function of the joint, and you can become vulnerable to joint dislocations, injury to the structures surrounding the joints, and a great deal of pain.
Kids Feet
When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Foot Pain? There is never a time where foot pain in children is ‘normal’. You may easily be able to distinguish the cause of some foot pain, like blisters on the toes from tight or narrow shoes. Other times, like when your child starts getting knee, shin or foot pain during sports, the cause may not be clear.
Delayed Walking in Kids
There is no need to be concerned as long as your child is walking within 17 months. Some kids may simply be more interested in building other skills, like improving their communication, thinking and new emotions, which also occur around the same age.
Turf Toe Treatment
Simply put, a turf toe is a sprained big toe. It gets the name turf toe because many of these injuries are sustained on artificial turf, like during games of rugby, hockey, sprints and the like.
Feet in Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder where the cell division of a developing baby results in them having an extra copy of chromosome 21. The result is physical and developmental changes in the child.
Feet in Stroke Patients
A stroke is caused by a sudden interruption to the blood supply to the brain. When the brain lacks sufficient blood flow for a certain time, the brain tissue becomes damaged and cell death can occur.
Flat Feet in Kids
If you’re looking at your child’s feet and wondering “is it okay that my child’s feet are so flat?” – you’re definitely not alone! The answer is that it depends on their age and any other symptoms they’re experiencing.
Big Toe Joint Pain | Gout
Gout is a unique type of arthritis that is caused by needle-like crystals forming in your joints.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is best known as the wear and tear arthritis that is a common cause of joint pain and mobility restrictions in older adults.
Out-Toeing
Out-toeing describes the position where the feet are turned outwards when you walk instead of facing straight ahead. If you out-toe, it is sometimes labelled as being ‘duck-footed’.
Warts Treatment
Warts are small, rough, thick and often painful lumps on the skin that are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). When a wart is present on the bottom of your foot, it’s called a plantar wart.
Smelly Feet (Bromhidrosis)
Having odorous feet isn’t something you have to accept and put up with. If your feet are particularly smelly, you can bet there will be a cause – and as with any cause, a solution.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone that develops gradually over time, often starting as a barely noticeable niggle or a dull ache and gradually increasing in severity.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
The plantar fascia is a long, thin connective tissue that connects the heel to the front of your foot, It supports the arch of the foot and helps with shock absorption when stepping and running. But sometimes, too much pressure may irritate, damage or tear the tissues. This will all in tun cause inflammation at the connective tissue, which results in the heel pain and stiffness of plantar fascia.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels occur when dry, thick skin on the heels of the feet crack or split. When the cracked heels only affect the outer layer of the skin, you may not notice any pain.
Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis, often referred to as heel spurs, is the most common cause of heel pain that we see and treat. It causes pain at the bottom and inner edge of the heel, and can range from mild to severe.
Heel Spur Treatment
Pain after work If you’ve had ongoing heel pain for some time, especially heel pain that is worse first thing in the morning or when standing after rest, then you may have developed a heel spur.
Heel Pain in Kids | Sever's Disease
Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain in children aged 8-14 years. Don’t worry, Sever’s is not a true disease, but a temporary condition that affects growing children.
9 Things You Must Know About Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis is the leading cause of pain beneath the heel or into the inner arch of the foot. It is often commonly, yet mistakenly, referred to as a heel spur.
Arch Pain
Arch pain can be frustrating, debilitating, and can impair your ability to work or enjoy the activities you love. Having arch pain means that either something in the arch has become damaged, like your plantar fascia.
Orthotics for Flat Feet
What Are Flat Feet? If your feet appear to have no arch and excessively roll inwards and downwards towards the floor when you’re standing, then it’s likely that you have flat feet.
High Arched Feet
What are high-arched feet? A high arched foot is the opposite of a flat foot, where instead of the foot rolling down (pronating) to have a low or flat arch, the foot does not roll down very much and maintains a high and curved arch.
Bunion Treatment
Bunions are one of the most common foot problems affecting both men and women. Bunions are characterised by a bony bump seen on the inside of the foot, by the big toe joint.
Foot Corns and Callus
Corns and calluses on the bottom of the foot can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, leaving you feeling like you’re walking on a pebble, step after step.
Forefoot Pain Causes and Treatment
The forefoot, or ball of the foot, is made up of 21 small bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and other tissues.
Juvenile Bunions
While bunions are often seen in adult feet, they can present in children at an early age too. Bunions describe a prominent bony bulge on the inside of the foot by the big toe.
Metatarsalgia Treatment
Metatarsalgia is a broad term that describes pain in the forefoot, in the area of the metatarsal bones. These are the long bones in your forefoot that connect to the toes.
Morton's Neuroma Treatment
A Morton’s neuroma can feel like a hard, painful pebble between the long bones of your feet – often between the third and fourth toes.
Plantar Plate Tear
What is the plantar plate? Your plantar plate is a thick ligament that runs along the ball of your foot, connecting to the joints. The plantar plate is designed to protect the head of the metatarsal (the long bones of the foot) from excess pressure.
Sesamoiditis Treatment
What is sesamoiditis? Sesamoiditis causes pain at the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint. Sesamoid bones are embedded in a tendon, much like the kneecap, acting to increase the leverage of the tendons that control the big toe.
Tailor's bunion
A Tailor’s bunion is similar to a bunion, but instead occurs on the outside of the foot, affecting the joints at the base of the little (fifth) toe. It is also known as a bunionette.
Synovitis Treatment
To best understand synovitis and how it’s affecting you, it’s good to understand what the joints in your body look like. So let us explain!
Curly Toes Treatment
Curly toes, otherwise known as clinodactyly, describes when some of the toes curl inwards when a child is standing.
Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, occur when a fungus comes in contact with and infiltrates a nail. These infections occur in both fingernails and toenails, and are more often seen on toenails...
Hammer Toes Treatment
Hammer toes is the name given to toes that bend downwards around the middle or the end of the toe at its joint, adopting the shape of a hammer instead of remaining straight.
Ingrown Toenail (IGTN) Treatment
Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocrytosis, is a common condition that impacts people of all ages. An ingrown nail is caused by a piece of nail protruding from the side of the nail sulcus skin, or into the nail bed itself.
Lymphoedema Treatment
Lymphoedema is a swelling of part of the body, usually a leg or an arm. This is due to a mechanical failure of the lymphatic system and occurs when the demand for lymphatic drainage...
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis is not a single disease, it is an umbrella term for more than 100 types of diseases involving one or more joints of your body. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Hypertension
What is Hypertension? Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the body’s blood vessels are consistently exposed to elevated pressures. Blood is pumped around...
Neurological Conditions
There are various types of neurological conditions that physiotherapists and Podiatrists can assess, treat, manage and rehabilitate.
Everything About Diabetes
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition marked by high levels of glucose in the blood stream. It is caused either by an inability of the body to produce insulin...
Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Disease (CMT)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) describes a group of different conditions that impact the peripheral nervous system. These nerves transmit sensory and motor (movement) messages...
Clumsy Walking in Kids
Seeing your child struggle to walk with confidence is concerning for any parent. While kids may appear clumsy when they are first learning to walk, most kids will develop a good sense of coordination and balance by the age of 3.
Impingement Treatment
What causes an impingement – and what does it feel like? Taking the ankle as a common example, imagine you have a muscle, tissue, extra bone or nerve at the front of your ankle.
Osteoporosis Treatment
Osteoporosis is a medical conditioning that affects the bones throughout the body, where the bones gradually weaken, become more fragile, and are more vulnerable to breaking from even minor bumps or trauma.
Pregnancy and the Feet
Pregnancy is a very exciting time and is filled with many changes to a woman’s body – including to her feet!
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a destructive inflammatory joint disease that can affect people of any age. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is best known as the wear and tear arthritis.
The Feet and Legs in Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that is responsible for a group of movement and motor disabilities that start in childhood.
Diabetes and the Foot
Diabetes impairs your circulation, your protective sensation (ability to feel) in your feet and legs, and your ability to fight infection due to an impaired immune system. Diabetes does not affect everybody in the same way or with the same severity, but the symptoms do tend to progressively worsen over time.
Hypotonia Treatment
Hypotonia is the clinical name for low muscle tone and tension, and therefore, strength. As healthy muscle tone is what enables us to move, control our posture, and the speed at which we perform physical tasks, problems with muscle tone require urgent attention.