OUR EXPERTISE
MUSCULOSKELETAL PODIATRY
A Musculoskeletal Podiatrist will have a thorough understanding of the way your foot interacts with ground forces and be able to recommend effective strategies to minimise any excessive forces which cause pain or injury. It is also referred to as biomechanics (which is the application of mechanical principles to living organisms) and encompasses Sports Podiatry.
Initial Assessment
Our 60 minute Initial Assessment considers your presenting symptoms, history and objectives. It includes clinical gait analysis, biomechanical assessment and 2-metre plantar pressure studies. We take the time to talk you through what what's going on in a way that you can understand it. This information is very visual, with anatomical models and where possible with reference to your own x-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds.
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Gait Analysis
Gait Assessment is the study of how you move and the relationship between forces and injury. We consider the movement of the body as a whole (not just the foot) using Video Motion Capture Software and Plantar Pressure Analysis. These tools allow us to quickly and accurately measure what’s working the way it should and what’s not, whether or not there is a problem, where the problems are, whether they require management and if so, what type of management is likely to bring about the most successful outcome.
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Biomechanical Assessment
A non-weight bearing assessment looks at bony structure, joint integrity, callusing patterns, hallux (big toe) function, range of motions tests and palpation to determine which structures are problematic.
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We look at leg shape, knee function, hip range of motion and strength. It may also involve pelvis and lower back assessment.
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Plantar Pressure Studies
Weight-bearing 2 metre RS-Scan Plantar pressure analysis provides real time information on balance and symmetry of pressures and forces acting on the foot and leg. As most pains and injuries in the foot and leg are caused by excessive stresses acting on weakened tissues, measuring the specific way in which forces act on and flow through the foot is an essential tool, particularly when combined with the information of your video motion analysis and physical assessment.
Running Gait Assessment
Running gait assessment is secondary to baseline walking investigations conducted at an Initial Assessment.
If you are a runner, the data obtained from this assessment exposes your vulnerabilities and highlights what areas require help. The information can be used to identify what muscle groups need to be strengthened, what muscles are too tight, whether running technique modification is appropriate and specifically what modification would be required, what footwear best suits your biomechanics and whether a specific orthotic design strategy has a role in your management.
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Paediatric Assessment
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Children's assessments include a comprehensive lower limb physical review, video motion analysis and when appropriate, plantar pressure analysis. The assessment is used to identify, measure and record relevant findings to help educate parents as to what is a problem and what’s not, diagnose specific areas of mechanical interest, establish an appropriate management plan and to maintain a detailed record for future comparisons to assess how your child is naturally developing and improving..
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Prescription Orthotics
Not everyone will benefit from orthotics. Our role is determine whether the evidence suggests that an orthotic has a role to play. Orthotic prescription is based on our extensive assessment process which clearly defines what’s happening when you move and which tissues are being loaded more than they should.
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In most cases our prescription orthotics are made from EVA, allowing us to tailor a 100% bespoke device from your 3D digital scan. Your device will be unique to you.
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Customised Orthotics
If it's appropriate we'll utilise ​pre-formed devices as an alternative to prescription orthotics. These low cost non-casted devices don't have the durability of a prescription pair or the ability to hold complex features but when correctly customised can be a great strategy for short term-use, growing children, temporary pains, hard to fit shoes or as a trial device in very complex cases.
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ABOUT US
Effective treatment begins with the right diagnosis. At Foot Physics that's our speciality
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Musculoskeletal podiatry is for anyone experiencing lower limb pain and difficulty walking - whether they are aged 2 or 102. Whether they unable to train at their preferred level, or no longer able to move around comfortably for day to day chores.
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For over 20 years orthopaedic surgeons, sports physicians, physios, rheumatologists and general practitioners have been referring patients with complex lower limb and foot pain to David Ferguson.
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David's understanding of the musculoskeletal features of the lower limb and its exposure to excessive forces is second to none. His investigation of chronic foot pain, injury and dysfunction is thorough and comprehensive. Gait Analysis, Biomechanical Assessments and Prescription Orthotics design has been his specialist area since 1992.
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At Foot Physics in-clinic digital technologies enhance his understanding of what is going on and serve as an ongoing record, they never replace his expertise as a clinician as is increasingly the case in many clinics.
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David's purpose built gait lab is located in St Leonards, on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, 10 minutes from the CBD or Chatswood.
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​There is ample FREE 2-hour parking at Coles (cnr of Willoughby and Atchison) and we are 400m from St Leonards Station.
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A GP referral is not required for consultations with David.
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CONTACT US
USUAL BUSINESS HOURS
Monday 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday - CLOSED
Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 5.00PM
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30
Years of Experience
20,000+
Patients
7,000+
Pairs Prescription Orthotics
