Ergoworks sports injury physiotherapists provide:
- Same day appointments
- One on one treatment
- Convenient CBD location
- Claim on the spot
- Full assessment of the area and accurate diagnosis
- Treatment of the cause not just the symptoms
- Hands on treatment and advice about appropriate strengthening and stretching exercises
- Referral to specialists if required
Ankle Sprain
The most common injury to the ankle is an inversion sprain or “rolled ankle”. An ankle sprain involves tearing or over-stretching of the ligaments, typically the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Occasionally damage can occur to the tendons running behind and underneath the lateral malleous (the lateral ankle bone).
Treatment involves the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) principles, along with manual therapy to restore normal ankle range and function. Proprioception and balance exercises are important to restore strength and stability to the ankle, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Ankle fracture
Ankle fractures can typically occur in the same fashion as an ankle sprain, ie. rolling over on the outside of your ankle. Your physiotherapist is trained in diagnosing the difference between a fracture and a sprain and will always refer you for an x-ray in the event they suspect a fracture.
Treatment for a fracture involves immobilising the ankle in a boot or cast for 4-6 weeks.
Achilles injuries
Common achilles injuries include achilles tendinopathy or achilles tendon rupture. Achilles tendinopathy is a overuse injury of the achilles, typically caused by biomechanical issues such as foot alignment and muscle imbalance or environmental factors such as training intensity and poor footwear. Achilles tendinopathy is managed conversatively with physiotherapy and addressing any biomechanical or training issues. Achilles tendon rupture is an acute injury in which the fibres of the achilles tendon either partially or completely rupture.
Management is either conservative, including physiotherapy and immobilisation in a boot, or surgical depending on the severity of your injury.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis presents as pain on the under-surface of your foot around the heel area. Symptoms typically include pain first thing in the morning or after sitting for prolonged periods and pain with prolonged walking or running. This is commonly caused by biomechanical issues relating to your foot alignment and typically is managed with physiotherapy treatment. In some cases you may need to be referred to a podiatrist for further assessment and management.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is an incomplete fracture or crack in the bone. In the foot stress fractures are commonly seen in the metatarsal bones. Weight bearing activity (such as running) places load through the bones. When these loads are excessive or highly repetitive, bony damage can gradually occur over time, leading to a stress fracture. Scans may be necessary to diagnose a stress fracture.
Treatment will initially involve a period of immobilisation in a boot, followed by physiotherapy to restore range of motion and strength.