W.A.S.P. - Weight, Activity, Shoes & Partnership

The narrative around WASP is something that typically sits in the background of our consciousness, serving its function in a relatively unnoticed way, until it stings us. Now we pay attention. We spring into action to address its effects.  This becomes the service/clinician and patient facing acronym.

S.T.O.P.S - Symptoms, Therapy Modalities, Orthotics, Partnership, Strength/Stretch/Strapping

If we can't rid ourselves of the effects with self management, or if the effects are significant, we seek help further medical help. We ask someone to 'Make it STOP!' This becomes the clinician facing acronym.

MSK Podiatry Virtual Escalation clinic

The MSK Virtual Foot & Ankle clinic was established as a preferred means of escalation for MSK Podiatry patients with the intention that this would not only allow for rapid escalation for an Orthopaedic perspective, but also to provide opportunity for peer to peer and group learning. 

Hallux Abductovalgus

Hallux valgus or bunions is the most common condition affecting the forefoot (front of the foot) in adults. It affects around one in five adults and is more common in women than men. It may affect one or even both of your feet. Usually one foot is affected worse than the other.

Hallux Limitus/Rigidus

Hallux limitus/rigidus is a gradual condition where the movement at the big toe joint decreases with time. In the early stage, the movement at the joint will have only reduced a little, but as the problem advances the movement becomes less and eventually the big toe joint becomes stiff.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is where there is inflammation and pain in sesamoid bones and surrounding soft tissues. Pain is felt under the big toe joint. Young active people are most commonly affected. While sesamoiditis pain can come and go it can cause great discomfort especially when walking.

Capsulitis

A joint capsule is a covering that surrounds a joint and consists of a thick outer layer which gives it its strength and a thinner synovial layer which produces the fluid to lubricate the joint. Micro trauma or damage to the joint capsule can result in excess fluid being produced which causes the joint to swell and become painful when weight bearing.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia or ball of the foot pain is very common and will affect around 80% of the population at some point in their life. It is made up of a group of conditions that can cause pain and inflammation around the bones and joints in the ball of the foot. Finding comfortable footwear can be difficult.

Plantar Plate Pathology

The plantar plates are deep ligaments that form the bottom part of the joint capsule within each of the joints in the ball of the foot. Repeated micro trauma can lead to tearing or partial tearing of the plantar plate. If left untreated this can cause deformity of the affected toe.

Plantar Digital Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma can be a painful condition that affects the nerves that runs between your toes in the ball of the foot. It develops because of irritation and thickening in the nerves that supply your toes, triggering pain and numbness.

Lesser Toe Deformities

Tailor's Bunion

Plantar Fasciopathy

Plantar fasciopathy used to be called plantar fasciitis, this is the most common condition affecting the foot. The condition is usually diagnosed by clinical findings alone. When pain develops in the plantar fascia, it can be very disabling. Every step can become more painful and cause you to change the way people walk.

Fat Pad Syndrome

Fat pad syndrome is a condition that usually happens in the centre of your heel and is most often due to thinning and degeneration of the fat pad. Symptoms can appear very similar to those of plantar fasciopathy.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a common disorder that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and weakness of the Achilles tendon. It supports and absorbs the body’s weight while walking and running and can sometimes become over worked resulting in pain and discomfort. Achilles tendinopathy is usually categorized into either insertional or non-insertional pain. 

Peroneal Tendinopathy

Peroneal tendinopathy is a condition that often causes pain around the outside of the ankle or foot which eases with rest and worsens with activity such as walking, running and jumping.

MSK Quick Guide

The following is a rough guide aimed at providing assistance for you dealing with musculoskeletal (MSK) foot and ankle conditions. This quick reference aims to offer valuable insights into understanding, managing, and seeking appropriate care for various foot and ankle issues.

This guide is intended to serve as a starting point in navigating the complexities of MSK foot and ankle health, offering you a foundational direction for seeking appropriate care.

Footwear Anatomy

This section gives you an interactive shoe anatomy encompasses various components that collectively contribute to the structure, comfort, and functionality of footwear.