FAC Articles
Sydney Orthotics Case Example – Patient A
FAC ArticlesSydney Orthotics Case Example – Patient A Rear View: Uncorrected free standing Front View: Uncorrected Free Standing [wpforms_selector form_id="1493" show_title="on" _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"...
Illotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) Support
FAC ArticlesCustom orthotics created using the Vertical Foot Alignment system can provide numerous benefits for individuals...
Leg Length Difference
Leg Length Difference or Unequal leg lengthFAC ArticlesUnequal leg length, also known as...
Knee Pain
FAC ArticlesExcessive rotational forces coming from the ground up can have a significant impact on the body, particularly on the knees. When the foot posture is not ideal, these rotational forces can be transmitted throughout the entire body, leading to knee pain and...
Heel Spur Relief
FAC ArticlesA heel spur is a condition that affects the heel bone, causing an abnormal growth to develop. This growth is a result of calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia, a band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot, pulls away...
Hip Pain
FAC ArticlesExcessive rotational forces coming from the ground up can have a significant impact on the body, particularly on the hip joint. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint that is designed to absorb strain in multiple planes of movement. However, when there...
Toe Walking For 11 Years
18 Year old patient presents that has been toe walking for 11 years. He was told he needed surgery to fix the condition, after speaking to his worried mother we investigated our options to see if we could help.Toe walking refers to a walking pattern in which a person...
I have been suffering tendonitis for a few years.
FAC Articles Tendinitis is inflammation of the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. These cords are called tendons. The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint. Tendinitis can occur in any tendon. But it's most common around shoulders,...
Managing Ankle and Knee Pain: Understanding the Problem, Identifying Causes, and Exploring Solutions
Ankle and knee pain can be debilitating, particularly for individuals who spend prolonged periods standing, such as those with professions that require extensive standing or walking. If you're experiencing discomfort in your ankles and knees, understanding the...
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms and How to Manage Them
If you're a runner, an athlete, or someone who spends a significant amount of time on their feet, you've probably heard about plantar fasciitis. It's a common foot condition that can cause significant discomfort, and understanding its symptoms is the first step toward...
Flat Feet Over Pronation
Flat Feet Over PronationFlat feet and overpronation are related conditions that affect the way a person's foot functions while walking or running. Flat Feet Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition in which the arch of the foot is lowered or absent, causing...
Foot Pain Our Most Common Search
Foot Pain Our Most Common SearchFoot pain is the most common internet search term that will bring you to our site, and that’s a good thing because we fix feet. Foot pain can be different for everyone. Feet have a lot of parts and there are many injuries and diseases...
Debilitating heel pain
Debilitating heel pain can be caused by a number of problems including plantar fasciitis, plantar fascia tears and fibroma. The treatment of all can include surgery and prolonged periods of discomfort. Complete tears are mostly caused by trauma of the heal or bottom...
Condition Treated List
Achilles tendonitis Is inflammation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon, and should not be left untreated as there is risk of rupture.Individuals who suffer from Achilles tendonitis often complain that their first steps out of bed in the morning are extremely...
Tips for keeping feet happy in the office
Tips for keeping feet happy in the officeBeth Fechner (Podiatrist Leichhardt and Marrickville Clinics) has created a list of tips and exercises to help keep your feet happy in the office. (1) Wear runners or walking shoes for your commute (2) Don’t sit for too long!...
Plantar Fasciitis – Pain in my feet
Plantar Fasciitis – Pain in my feetIt’s cold; I’m tired. Today is about to start the same as every other day. I can hear the alarm, and I know I have to get up. I don’t want to get up, but I know I have to get up. I also see vividly in my mind the pain I am about to...
Bunion Treatment
Bunion TreatmentBunions referred to in the medical community as Hallux Valgus, are one of the most common forefoot problems. Symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe. Bunions worsen over time and cause...
Shin Splints Treatment
Shin Splints TreatmentShin Soreness, Why? Put simply shin soreness or shin splints is a definition used to explain agony in the shins. Shin soreness is a common injury for those new to exercise and in many running based sports, e.g. basketball, netball, football. It...
Sciatica pain
Sciatica Nerve PainSciatica pain is a type of pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back, travels through the buttocks, down the back of each leg, and ends in the feet. Sciatica...
Sever’s Disease Treatment
Sever’s Disease TreatmentSever's disease is a common condition that affects children and adolescents who are going through growth spurts. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, and it can be very painful. Kids that are prone to Severs are...
Recurrent Muscle Injuries
What are Recurrent Muscle Injuries. When your body is well exercised, fit and healthy, you have appropriate muscle tone to manage the stresses carried by your calf, quads, groin or hamstrings. If your base of support is not stable then the muscles of the...
Plantar Fasciitis – Heel Pain Treatment
The following document will outline heel pain and the appropriate Plantar Fasciitis symptoms, solutions and treatment. Heel pain is our most searched term. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It is a common problem...
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome is a myofascial syndrome whereby the piriformis muscle (due to excessive work in trying to stabilize the hip) develops trigger points. Increased tension in this muscle can cause entrapment of the sciatic nerve and hence sciatic like symptoms. As...
Patella Maltracking Treatment
If your base of support (your feet) is not stable then the muscles of the lower limb, pelvis and back are overworking to compensate. A pronated foot is likely to overwork the lateral compartments of the calf and thigh hence resulting in micro trauma, soft tissue...
Pelvic Imbalance Treatment
Pelvic imbalance may arise from a multitude of causes including lifestyle and occupational habits. Interestingly the shape of your feet and your leg length can put uneven strain on your pelvis. A recurrent pelvic imbalance (“upslip”, “inflare” etc.) may be due to an...
Muscle Imbalance
If you suffer from pain and discomfort, your body tries to make allowance. Muscle imbalance refers to the balance between strength and length of muscles acting around one or more joints. Muscles respond to the stresses placed upon them. Therefore it is of utmost...
Insoles For Flat Feet
Arch Support Shoes Or Arch Support Insoles. What Should I Get?What are Arch Support Shoes. If you suffer from arch issues or are prone to plantar fasciitis, there are plenty of shoes out there that claim to be able to support your feet. Most are generic in nature and...
Osteoarthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis Treatment Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the...
Osgood Schlatter Disease
Osgood Schlatter Disease During your child's adolescent growth spurt, his or her bones grow rapidly. If your child is involved in a lot of running and jumping activities during this time, he or she is at risk of developing Osgood-Schlatter disease (tibial tuberosity...
Metatarsalgia Treatment
Metatarsalgia Treatment Metatarsalgia occurs when one or more of the metatarsal heads become painful and/or inflamed, usually due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. It is common to experience acute, recurrent, or chronic pain with this common foot...
Calf pain and tightness are common complaints that can significantly impact an individual’s mobility and overall quality of life. The calf muscles, specifically the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, play a crucial role in various activities such as walking, running, and jumping. When these muscles become tight or experience pain, it can be a result of several factors. This note aims to explore the causes of calf pain and tightness, as well as the potential role of custom orthotics in their treatment.
Calf Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Causes of Calf Pain and Tightness:
1. Muscle Strain: Overuse or sudden excessive stress on the calf muscles can lead to strains, resulting in pain and tightness. This can occur during activities like running, jumping, or sudden movements.
2. Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in other muscle groups, such as the quadriceps or hip flexors, can cause compensatory tightness in the calf muscles. Imbalances in muscle strength and flexibility can lead to calf pain and tightness.
3. Inadequate Warm-up and Stretching: Failing to properly warm up or stretch the calf muscles before physical activity can contribute to tightness and increase the risk of injury.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, or nerve impingements can cause calf pain and tightness as symptoms. These conditions require medical attention and may require additional treatment beyond custom orthotics.
Role of Custom Orthotics in Treatment:
Custom orthotics, also known as orthotic inserts or shoe inserts, are specially designed devices that are customized to an individual’s foot structure and specific needs. They can play a significant role in the treatment of calf pain and tightness by addressing underlying biomechanical issues and providing support.
1. Correcting Foot Alignment: Custom orthotics can help correct foot misalignments, such as overpronation or supination, which can contribute to calf tightness. By providing proper support and alignment, they help distribute pressure more evenly throughout the foot and lower limb, reducing strain on the calf muscles.
2. Reducing Excessive Stress: Custom orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reducing excessive stress on the calf muscles during weight-bearing activities. This can alleviate calf pain and tightness and prevent further injury.
3. Improving Biomechanics: By improving foot and lower limb biomechanics, custom orthotics can optimize muscle function and reduce the risk of muscle imbalances. This can indirectly help alleviate calf tightness and prevent future issues.
4. Enhancing Shock Absorption: Custom orthotics can provide additional cushioning and shock absorption, reducing the impact on the calf muscles during activities. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with calf tightness.
Calf pain and tightness can significantly impact an individual’s daily activities and overall well-being. While there can be various causes for calf pain and tightness, custom orthotics can play a valuable role in their treatment. By addressing foot alignment, reducing excessive stress, improving biomechanics, and enhancing shock absorption, custom orthotics can help alleviate calf pain and tightness. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a specialist at the Foot Alignment Clinic to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include custom orthotics as part of a comprehensive approach to managing calf pain and tightness.