Southside Osteopathy
Podiatry
With today’s busy lifestyle, trying to fit in work, sport, family and a social life, it comes as no surprise that our feet, legs and lower back sometimes get painful with daily activity. Often these aches and pains are dismissed as being “normal”. This is not necessarily the case, many of these aches and pains can be caused by poor footwear, poor foot posture and poor general posture. The following podiatry services offered by Alex Copper at Southside Osteopathy are:
Biomechanical Analysis
Biomechanics is the study of human movement. It looks at how muscles, joints and limbs move in relation to each other and how one part of the body can have an effect on another part of the body. Depending on your condition, you will be examined standing and walking, muscle testing will be performed, joint range of movement will be assessed and your footwear will be reviewed. This Biomechanical evaluation will enable Alex to determine the best treatment plan for you, your lifestyle and the condition being treated.
Treatment can include exercises, footwear advice, strapping and taping, lifestyle changes, customised Orthotic devices and possible referral to an Osteopath if required.
Orthotic Services
Orthotic devices, sometimes called “Orthotics” are customised shoe inserts that are prescribed following a thorough Biomechanical examination.
A plaster cast of your foot is made with the foot held in its anatomically correct position. Once the cast is made the Orthotic device is manufactured to assist in maintaining correct positioning of your foot and alignment of the feet, legs and hips.
Footwear Advice
Many conditions can be assisted or treated simply by changing footwear. Alex has a vast knowledge of the different types of sporting footwear, safety footwear, dress shoes, military footwear, children’s shoes and school shoes.
Your old footwear can be examined. The wear patterns on your shoes explain many things about how you walk throughout the day. This can then be used to advise you of the appropriate footwear for your lifestyle and condition being treated.
Conditions Treated
Alex treats many types of foot, leg, knee and hip and pain.
- Heel pain
- Arch pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Foot pain
- Leg pain
- Knee pain
- Some hip and lower back pain (in conjunction with an Osteopath)
- Postural Biomechanics
- Sports injuries
- Work place injuries
- Orthotic therapy
- Footwear concerns
- Callus and corns
If you are experiencing daily aches and pains, your foot posture and general posture as well as wear patterns in your footwear can be used to assess your condition. Simply make an appointment and bring some of your older regularly used shoes with you. Alex would be glad to talk with you and discuss how best to manage your condition. Creating a stable foundation at your feet is the key to good Biomechanics, posture and wellbeing for a busy modern life!