How Custom Orthotics Can Help You Walk Better

Custom orthotics help you walk better

Your Guide to Custom Orthotics

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that are tailored to an individual’s specific foot shape and biomechanics. They are often recommended by Podiatrists to address foot and lower limb pain, improve athletic performance, and enhance overall comfort.

Important Questions To Ask Before Getting Them

Some questions you should research and discuss with your Podiatrist include:

  • What is your current foot and ankle condition? 
  • What is the purpose of your orthotics? 
  • Are you an athlete or a sportsperson? 
  • What shoes do you wear? 
  • Other foot or ankle health concerns?

How do you know if you need Custom Orthotics?

You may benefit from custom orthotics:

If you want:

  • Foot pain relief: Individuals experiencing foot pain due to various causes, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high arches, may benefit from custom created.
  • Better sports performance: Athletes involved in high-impact sports, such as running or basketball, can benefit from them to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury.

If you have:

  • Overpronation: People who overpronate or have unstable flat feet may benefit from them to help correct their gait and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Supination: People who supinate or have high arches may benefit from custom orthotics to help distribute pressure evenly across the foot and improve shock absorption.
  • Arthritis: People with arthritis may benefit from them to reduce pain, provide support, and improve mobility.

If you need:

  • Diabetic foot care: Individuals with diabetes may benefit from custom orthotics to prevent foot ulcers, improve circulation, and reduce pressure on the feet.
  • Posture improvement: Individuals with poor posture, such as forward head posture or flat feet, may benefit from them to help align the body and improve overall posture.
  • Comfort: People who spend a lot of time standing or walking, such as nurses or retail workers, may benefit from them to improve overall comfort and reduce fatigue

Do Custom Orthotics work?

Scientific evidence reveals that custom orthotics can be effective in treating various foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and flat feet.

Custom Orthotics work by:

  • Biomechanical correction: They work by correcting an individual’s foot biomechanics, which can improve alignment, reduce stress on the feet and legs, and prevent injuries.
  • Arch support: Custom created provides support for the arch of the foot, which can help alleviate pain and improve overall foot function.
  • Pressure redistribution: They redistribute pressure on the foot to help alleviate pain and prevent injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.
  • Shock absorption: Custom orthotics can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on the feet, which can be particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals involved in high-impact activities.

Custom orthotics allow for individualized design, specifically made for an individual’s unique foot shape and biomechanics, ensuring a proper fit and maximum effectiveness. Made from quality materials, they can provide the necessary level of support, comfort, and durability.

It is through this, that the patient can enjoy pain relief of the foot, ankle, knee and back. Custom orthotics work by correcting alignment and reducing pressure on affected areas. 

Additionally, improved function including gait and balance can occur with them, leading to better mobility and athletic performance.

A professional fitting of the custom orthotics is performed by a trained Podiatrist who takes into account an individual’s foot shape, size, and condition to ensure the best possible fit and effectiveness.

Patient satisfaction is at the center of this treatment, with many reporting significant improvement in foot pain and function after using custom orthotics, again indicating their effectiveness.

Are custom-made better than off-the-shelf?

Custom orthotics are typically better than off-the-shelf orthotics because they are designed to fit the specific shape and needs of an individual’s feet. Off-the-shelf types are mass-produced and may not provide the necessary support or cushioning for a particular foot shape or condition.

Custom orthotics are typically made by taking a mould or impression of the feet and using this to create a personalized insole that is tailored to the individual’s foot shape and condition. This can provide better support, cushioning, and stability, improving comfort and reducing the risk of foot injuries.

However, custom-made can be more expensive than off-the-shelf options and may require a longer wait time for fabrication. Additionally, some individuals may find that off-the-shelf work well for their needs, particularly if they have a relatively common foot shape and condition.

Ultimately, the decision between custom and off-the-shelf orthotics will depend on an individual’s specific foot condition, budget, and preferences. It’s important to consult with a podiatrist or other foot health professional to determine the best option for your needs.

What shoes can I wear with custom orthotics? 

Most types of shoes can be worn with custom-made orthotics, but some styles are more accommodating than others. It’s best to choose shoes with a removable insole or a wide-toe box to accommodate them.

Here are some types of shoes that can work well with custom-made orthotics:

  1. Athletic shoes: Many types of athletic shoes have removable insoles and a spacious toe box, making them a great choice. Running shoes, walking shoes, and cross-training shoes are all good options.
  2. Boots: Boots with removable insoles are a good choice for those who need extra support and cushioning. Hiking boots, work boots, and winter boots are all good options.
  3. Comfort shoes: Comfort shoes, such as loafers, Mary Janes, and slip-ons, often have removable insoles and a wider toe box, making them a good option.
  4. Sandals: Some sandals are designed with removable insoles or adjustable straps that can accommodate custom-made. Look for sandals with a closed heel for better support.
  5. Dress shoes: Dress shoes can be a bit trickier to wear with them, but some styles are designed to accommodate them. Look for dress shoes with a removable insole or a deeper heel cup.

In general, it’s a good idea to bring your orthotics with you when shopping for new shoes so you can try them on together and ensure a comfortable fit.

What to expect from your appointment/s for custom-made orthotics 

Appointments assess, fit and review your custom-made orthotics. When you visit a podiatrist for custom-made orthotics, here are some things you can expect:

First appointment

  • Consultation and Examination: Your podiatrist will examine your feet, discuss your medical history, and ask about your symptoms and activities. They will also evaluate your gait and foot structure to determine the type that would be most beneficial for you.
  • Cost and Insurance: The cost of custom-made orthotics varies depending on their type and design. Your podiatrist will discuss the cost and insurance coverage with you before they are made.
  • Orthotics Prescription: If custom-made orthotics are recommended, your podiatrist will take a mould of your feet to create a precise fit. They will also discuss the materials and design options with you, taking into account your foot condition and lifestyle.

Second appointment

  • Fitting and Adjustment: Once your custom-made orthotics are ready, you will have a fitting appointment with your podiatrist. They will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that they are comfortable and provide the appropriate support and alignment.

Third appointment

  • Follow-Up Care: Your podiatrist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the fit of your orthotics and make any additional adjustments if needed. They may also guide how to care for them and when to replace them.

Overall, a podiatry appointment for custom-made orthotics will involve a thorough evaluation of your foot condition and gait, as well as a personalized prescription and fitting process to ensure that they provide the best possible support and comfort for your feet.

How long does it take for custom orthotics to correct my feet?

Custom orthotics can correct various foot conditions, but the time it takes to see improvements depends on several factors. These factors include the type and severity of the foot condition, the consistency of wearing the orthotics, and the patient’s adjustment time. 

Patients may experience discomfort or soreness as their feet adjust to the new support, and it may take a few weeks to several months before seeing significant improvements. It’s important to wear the orthotics as directed by your Podiatrist and follow any recommended exercises.

Custom orthotics may not be effective for everyone and may require adjustments to ensure their effectiveness. If no improvement is seen, additional treatments may be necessary.

Conclusion

Have you got pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back? Call and book a comprehensive biomechanical assessment to determine the best solution for you!

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Dr. Yasmin Karam

Dr. Yasmin Karam graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science/Masters in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Yasmin has had experience working in both private and public sectors, exposing her to a great range of foot complications; from minor nail and skin pathologies to foot mal-alignments and diabetic foot ulcers.

More about Dr. Yasmin Karam

What is bursitis?

What is bursitis and treatment

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that surrounds joints or tendons. A bursa reduces friction by cushioning muscles or tendons and bones that move back and forth across each other. The elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, and other joints contain a cushioning bursa. You could have pain in these areas that are caused by an inflamed bursa.

What causes bursitis?

Irritation, injury, or pressure to a bursa can cause inflammation, resulting in swelling and pain. 

Causes of bursitis include: 

  • Injury of a joint from sports activities, such as baseball, football, tennis, soccer, golf, and running, can cause the disorder. 
  • Frequent irritation or friction on a body part from other activities, including everyday household jobs such as yard work, shovelling dirt or snow, and house painting, can cause bursitis. 
  • One of the most common areas where bursa gets inflamed is the shoulder. This will cause impingement and pinching when raising your arm above your shoulder.

Symptoms from a bursitis

Symptoms of bursitis usually include swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area, which is normally near a joint. 

Bursitis diagnosis and prevention

How is it diagnosed?

One of our Practitioners will examine you to determine if you have bursitis or another condition. These are some simple physical tests that can be done to assess this condition. Grouped together with a thorough case history and discussing your lifestyle, our practitioners should be able to diagnose the condition competently. Ultrasounds can be requested to confirm the diagnosis.

How is it treated and will it go away on its own?

To relieve symptoms of bursitis: 

  • Rest the affected area, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, or hip. 
  • Do not put any pressure on the sore and swollen area until the swelling subsides. 
  • Put an ice pack on the area for up to 1 hour before going to bed.
  • Maintain your range of motion by moving the joint to help keep the joints from getting stiff. 
  • Gradually build strength in the area with progressive strengthening exercises. 
  • You may need to rest from your sport. A practitioner will guide you through this.

How long will the effects last? 

With treatment, the pain and swelling of bursitis usually clear up within 2 to 4 weeks. 

How can I help prevent bursitis? 

In its essence, bursitis is an inflammatory problem caused by excess strain on one part of the body. Keeping the body functioning well with regards to symmetry and range of motion may help prevent a build-up of abnormal forces in one area. This may reduce the onset of bursitis. Seeking regular visits with our practitioners at the clinic every 4-6 weeks, in our experience, has shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammatory conditions like bursitis.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the skin around the nail. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe, but they can occur on any toe.

Symptoms of ingrown toenails can include:

  1. Pain and tenderness along the edge of the nail
  2. Redness and swelling around the nail
  3. Infection, with pus or drainage
  4. Difficulty walking or wearing shoes due to the pain

In practice, a lot of my patients will report ingrown toenails being sore when they put socks on, wear shoes, and get into bed with bed sheets touching their toes!

What are the causes of ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails and associated pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  1. Improper nail trimming: There is a fine line! Cutting the nails too short, rounding the corners, or tearing the nails can cause them to grow into the skin. A lot of people I speak to report cutting their nails straight across to avoid an ingrown. Although in theory that sounds like the right way to avoid an ingrown, we’re meant to round the corner of our nails, following the natural curvature. Leaving the sides of your toenails to grow straight may cause an ingrown!
  2. Heredity: Some people may be more prone to ingrown toenails due to inherited traits, such as the shape of their nails.
  3. Trauma: Injury to the toe, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it, can cause the nail to become ingrown.
  4. Shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toes and cause the nails to grow into the skin. This is a big one. It’s an ingrown waiting to happen!
  5. Fungal infections: Fungal infections of the nails can cause them to become thick, brittle, and more likely to grow into the skin.
  6. Foot structure: Certain foot structures, such as those with excessively curved nails or toes, may be more prone to ingrown toenails.
  7. Poor foot hygiene: Poor foot hygiene, such as not keeping the feet clean and dry, can increase the risk of developing ingrown toenails.

In some cases, a combination of these factors may contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.

Take me for example. I don’t usually suffer from ingrown toenails. However, when I leave my toenails to grow too long (not because I want to, but because life with three kids can be busy) and then decide to wear enclosed shoes, (again not because I want to, but because I need the fastest shoes possible to chase my toddler), that’s when the sides of my big toenails start to hurt. The nail feels like they’re digging in and the skin around it starts to feel tender. Now imagine this was an ongoing thing that I didn’t address or take notice of until it was too late… it’s not going to be pretty.

Will ingrown toenails heal themselves?

In some cases, mild ingrown toenails may resolve on their own without treatment, particularly if they are caught early. 

However, in most cases, ingrown toenails require some form of treatment to fully resolve. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and lead to more serious complications.

As a Podiatrist, I’ve seen mild ingrown toenails which are managed regularly with our general treatment of cutting toenails and excess callus (every 6 weeks). I’ve also seen when patients miss their regular appointment for whatever reason and the ingrown worsens to the point of needing antibiotics and sometimes a minor surgery. 

Don’t be that person. Early intervention with a Podiatrist is key.

What are the main treatment options for ingrown toenails?

The only way to properly treat an ingrown toenail is to remove the part of the nail that is piercing the side of the skin. Depending on the severity of the ingrown, this is generally a pain-free and quick process. There are other things you can do to help manage the pain of an ingrown which include:

Here are some common treatments for ingrown toenails:

  1. Soaking the affected foot in warm water: This softens the nails which allows you to gently move the nail away from the skin. This doesn’t apply to everyone as soaking your foot can increase your risk of infection. This is more of a preventative strategy or if the ingrown is not fully established.  
  2. Antibiotics: If the toenail/skin around it is red, swollen, painful and filled with pus it might be infected and will require an antibiotic prescription
  3. Wearing good-fitted shoes: Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes that put pressure on the toes. Wear shoes with a wider toe box which allows room for the toes to move.
  4. Proper nail trimming: Follow the natural curve of the nail. Avoid long toenails and also avoid cutting them too short. Find a happy medium. 
  5. Partial nail avulsion: In more severe cases, a partial nail avulsion (PNA) may be necessary to remove the portion of the nail that is causing the problem. This is a minor surgical procedure that is performed under local anesthesia.

It is important to seek medical attention from a Podiatrist if the ingrown toenail is severe, infected, or does not improve with home remedies. A Podiatrist can assess the condition and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Picture of Dr. Yasmin Karam

Dr. Yasmin Karam

Dr. Yasmin Karam graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science/Masters in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Yasmin has had experience working in both private and public sectors, exposing her to a great range of foot complications; from minor nail and skin pathologies to foot mal-alignments and diabetic foot ulcers.

More about Dr. Yasmin Karam

The Value You Never See

The Value You Never See

It’s always hard to place a value on health. Many people say there is nothing more important than your health, but putting a dollar value on that is difficult. For the father that can’t work and provide for his family because of debilitating spinal pain, relief can often be priceless. For the mum that can’t look after her children because of back pain, a reduction of pain is literally life-altering. How do you price that? And what are you really paying for when you have a consultation? Therapists often struggle with charging the correct amount of money for the service they provide. But do patients really understand what they receive for their payment? It’s a real struggle because the results we get and the time spent becoming good enough to get those results are hard to quantify from person to person and very hard to justify to a community looking for their version of the value.

The Value You Never See

Health costs and consultation time

Pricing your health results is more than just time spent in consultation

One thing I know for sure is that therapists who are motivated primarily by income don’t last long in the business. It’s ok (and preferable) that good therapists make a decent living and do well from their professions. Successful hard work should have great rewards, one of those being financial. But the main motivation for most of the professionals I know (including myself) is primarily to help people. We got into this line of work so we can make a significant difference in people’s lives. Money is a byproduct of how successful you are at that and how much reach you can achieve. I don’t know of any Allied Health professionals who are billionaires from this line of work. Sure they make a decent living, but there is only so many hours in the day, so many people you can see and only so much you can scale a service-based business. So when the general public, your clients, get the impression that you are in this primarily for the money, they are usually dead wrong!

value of health professionals
True health and wealth are inter-related. We want to help you, that’s what we’re here for

Health and wealth value

Now I can’t (and shouldn’t) speak for a whole health profession, but at least in our case, at our clinics, commercial interest is not our primary motivation. This was pounded into me by my mentors and I have made sure to only work with those people who share a similar value. We believe in trying to get the best result, in the most time and cost-effective way possible. We don’t like unnecessary treatment and we definitely don’t want you to be in pain for longer than you have to. In saying that, not everyone will get it. Not all our clients will be convinced, and some will never see the value you give them, even after helping them for many years, through many painful periods in their life. They’re sceptical and counting the dollars they spend with you.

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Time and cost-effective treatment is one of our core values

Time and cost value treatments

So when patients see us, because they have a booking at a certain time, they assume that they’re paying for our time and that’s it. That may be true, but not in the way you think it’s true. Patients aren’t paying for our time in that consultation, they are paying for our time at University (5yrs), they are paying for the accumulated time (and money) spent (and still spend) doing courses, they are paying for the time we spend reading and learning, they are paying for the time we spent examining and assessing, they are paying for the time we spend with our colleagues discussing their problems, they are paying for the lessons I’ve learnt from the countless mistakes I’ve made, the countless injuries I’ve seen just like theirs. Because of all of that, the whole accumulated 16yrs of knowledge, mistakes, wins/losses, hard work goes into a diagnosis and a treatment. In short, you’re not just paying for my time, you’re getting value from the many years of accumulated knowledge and hard work, that gets more efficient every day, allowing me to get more results for you in the shortest amount of time possible.

value of physio osteo chiro
Flying to Melbourne to attend a 2-day course on Neuro-Typing and Program Design

One thing I have learned in my years is that overtreatment is a real thing. Like overcooking meat, overtreatment can lead to the opposite effect that you’re looking for. The body can tighten and guard, and because you’ve worked on too many structures, the nervous system fails to respond to the specific problem that we’ve identified. There are some types of people who require less frequency and more time to bring about the desired result. Older people, people with arthritic degenerative conditions are some examples. But if you’re generally healthy, but have a problem that’s developed over time from you doing something over and over again, you may require a more direct approach. These issues require shorter, more targeted treatment, more frequently. This is so because you’ve developed a bad pattern, and to break that pattern, a good therapist will identify the pattern, be able to bring it into a better balance with the rest of the body, then leave the body alone to do its magic and heal. They will do this again within the space of about 2-4 days until they assess that there’s been a change to the system. In most cases, this may take 4-8 sessions, twice a week for two, three, maybe 4 weeks. But the key here is not to overcook them in the treatment. If you do too much, spend too long, if you lose efficiency, you’re likely to get poor results. This will obviously cost you more time and money than coming in once a week, but not as much as it will cost you to get a poor result. And once you get a good result, you can move the patient into less frequency, encourage more activity at a higher intensity and slowly get them off treatment altogether. So…Why in the hell would you want me to spend 30-60 mins with you when I can achieve the result in 15 mins?! Do you not see the value in the result?! Do you not see the value we’ve given you in however many months/years we’ve helped you time and time again?! Do you really think we’re primarily commercially driven?

investment in osteo osteopathy
Efficient treatment needs to requires specific diagnosis and targeted application

I’ve learnt the lesson the hard way. I’ve worked on people for way too long when they’ve asked for it, knowing in my gut that it was not what they needed, but what they wanted. They say that getting more of my time meant more value for them. They never improved and they never came back. Yes, some people require more of your time, for example, if their problem is soft tissue (muscle) based, it will take you more time. So you give it to them. But if their problem is more structural/mechanical, then efficiency is key. Here, less time is required depending on the skill level of the practitioner. That may upset you if you’ve previously required more time from me. You might see that as getting less value, and you might get upset and go looking for solutions elsewhere, solutions that fit what you want, not what you need. Maybe we need to do a better job communicating that discrepancy, but in my experience, most of these patients come back. And we welcome them with open arms, without judgement, because primarily we are here to help. There are a few stubborn ones, but we figured out real quick that we don’t want them anyway.

professional health advice gives value
Communication is key to helping people understand the most efficient approach

Most professionals in my field are agreeable people. Agreeable people tend to be more empathetic and go the extra mile to make others happy. Whilst empathy is a powerful character trait to possess, agreeableness without consideration will ruin a good practitioner. It will burn them out. As people demand more of them, they give more. But there’s only so much you can give. You learn to become efficient. Almost cerebral in the application of your profession. You retain your empathy because the project you’re working on is an actual person, flesh and blood, with hopes, dreams, a story and character. You are but a helper on their journey. We don’t want to waste your time. Even if you want to waste your own time, we don’t want to waste our time. Because we’re also flesh and blood, with hopes, dreams, a story and character. You have come to seek our professional help, to seek our skills and passion. So let us help you using our accumulated knowledge. See the true value and assess us on that. When we assess you, you expect us to ask about and understand the months and years you’ve spent creating this problem for us to solve. So when you judge our performance as therapists, why don’t you see the years we’ve spent to help you right now?!

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Let us help you. Together, we can help save you time, money and pain

If you’re seeking a good practitioner that will provide you with true value, find someone that empathises with your situation, learns and understands how it is you got to where you are that you need their help, and then let them help you based on how they got to where they are. Only then can you judge if you’re getting true value. And if you have been seeing someone for years, and they have a history of getting good results for you, you are very lucky. They will generally understand your body better than anyone else and be able to be very efficient with their assessment and treatment. In most of these cases, you’re receiving far more value than the dollars you’re paying.

Whiplash pain – prevention, diagnosis and treatment

What You Must Know About Bulging Discs

Whiplash injury can be a result of sudden and unexpected force applied to the neck or back. There are thousands of cases of whiplash every year and many of which are caused by car or motorbike accidents. This post will give an overview of whiplash in general, as well as different causes, symptoms, diagnoses and treatments for whiplash injuries.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash can occur when the lower back or neck undergoes a sudden contraction of the spine. People with whiplash can have a harder time controlling their internal muscles and tend not to be able to properly support their own weight or that of another person.

In many cases, a patient will have whiplash pain caused by a muscle or ligament that has been stretched beyond its normal range of movement. The cause of this pain might be a combination of poor movement patterns, misuse of joints, and even physical trauma from riding a bike or driving.

Whiplash causes

The neck and spine are a complex network of muscles and bones that control movement and help us think and remember. Injury can damage the connective tissue that holds these tissues together. This type of injury may cause numbness, tingling and sharp pain.

There are a number of causes of whiplash injury, these might include:

  • Automotive accidents
  • Injuries caused by collisions
  • Contact sports
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Extreme sports
  • Crash landings

Automotive causes of whiplash

Whiplash in automotive settings can be the result of sudden and sharp movements, such as hitting the side of the steering wheel after a car crash. The key term is “sudden” sharp movements, such as hitting the side of the steering wheel after a car crash. When the neck and spine bend and turn violently, you might experience the condition as a whiplash injury.

For instance, it might occur when you fall off or ride a motorcycle in a hard corner. You may have whiplash injury in a car or motorcycle if:

  • Your car goes out of control while you’re driving
  • You experience a sudden turn, a bump or a jolt
  • You experience a sudden stop
  • Your car suddenly collides with another car or stationary object

Whiplash in sportspeople

Whiplash is a surprisingly common injury that many professional sports players deal with repeatedly. When this happens to the ligaments in the neck or upper back, the result can be pain that can be very debilitating and costly to the athlete. 

Whiplash is considered one of the most common sports injuries. It usually happens to the neck and upper back, but it can also happen to the shoulder and arm. One of the reasons for this is because it involves rotational forces that are causing the joint to move in a twisting or turning motion.

How can you prevent a whiplash injury?

As we age, our muscles become weaker and less flexible and so whiplash can get worse. Muscle spasms may occur due to muscle fatigue, which may increase the risk of whiplash. No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen.

Be careful when you drive your car

Take extra care when you drive and avoid doing anything that could cause a whiplash injury. Here are some suggestions that may help reduce risks:

  • Ensure that diagonal seat belts are securely fastened
  • Backhand turns and jerky driving are more likely to lead to whiplash injury
  • Avoid driving while you’re tired or fatigued

Neck strength for contact sports

Strengthening the neck is vitally important for athletes involved in collision sports. Not only does it help with reducing whiplash injuries, but improves outcomes associated with concussions.

Symptoms of whiplash

So, what are the signs and symptoms of whiplash?

If you have whiplash, you might have pain, weakness, and stiffness in your neck and arms, especially in the lower back and neck. You might also be experiencing headaches, neck pain, and discomfort or numbness in the lower back.

Is whiplash permanent?

When you’re injured in a car accident, you may experience whiplash. This is a severe type of pain that manifests after your neck is jolted by a sudden impact with a vehicle. If you experience this pain regularly, it can be hard to tell if it’s temporary or permanent. You should consult with a healthcare provider to assess and diagnose.

How whiplash is diagnosed?

Most of the time, whiplash is a symptom of another injury, such as whiplash in car accidents. The doctor or healthcare professional may try to pinpoint the cause of the whiplash injury. If you’re suffering from whiplash, you can avoid a lot of hassle by knowing how to identify and treat whiplash injury.

Transverse rib injury and Pit Bull Syndrome

The word “whiplash” can be a misleading term, as it has been used to describe a wide range of different injuries. Another term used might be “transverse rib injury”, which can more precise because it better reflects the actual condition of the injury. Whiplash includes any rib or vertebra injury and is also known as a “vertical neck fracture” or “vertical transverse rib fracture.” The condition most commonly associated with whiplash is the infamous “Pit Bull Syndrome” (often abbreviated as PBS).

Diagnostic tools

X-rays, CT Scans and MRI may show the spine, or any vertebrae, flexing and twisting. This tool may show a disc protruding from between the vertebrae, which may be evidence of whiplash injury.

In addition, a CT scan is a helpful diagnostic tool. It can help detect herniated discs and blood clots, among other things.

Physical examination

Baseline physical examination may also be conducted to find out if there are any immediate problems. This will help in ruling out any further injury or issue that is related to the injury.

Sensory evaluation and testing are also done to diagnose the injury. The severity of the injury, pain and immobilization on the neck is assessed by the doctor. Steps of this exam may include moving your neck and back in particular positions and medical teams detecting any numbness, tingling or any other signs of disc protrusion.

Treatment for whiplash

There are several treatment options to treat whiplash injuries. The standard treatment for whiplash may include physical therapy and the use of pain medications like Voltaren and Ibuprofen. But this often leaves the underlying mechanical issues unresolved.

Other treatment options by medical teams can include spinal adjustments, sports medicine, physiotherapy, dry needling, chiropractic treatment, massage, and osteopathy. All these treatments may treat the problem, the underlying mechanical trauma, and prevent future complications.

If you feel that any of the information we’ve given you here resonates with you and you feel we are in a position to help, please BOOK ONLINE as we would welcome the opportunity. If you feel that we can help you in any other way, please reach out to us via our CONTACT PAGE.
Picture of Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

I’ve been a qualified Osteopath since 2004. I’ve been playing football ever since I could remember and I have a passion for it. I’ve played at the highest level in the NSW State League at both Youth and Senior levels, and have also been Head Physician at numerous State League Clubs. I’ve travelled internationally and consulted with Sports academies in Barcelona and Italy. I have a special interest in Strength and Conditioning for footballers, as I believe it gives them an edge in their physical competition. My passion involves bringing all of this knowledge into every single treatment that I provide for all athletes. If you feel that I can help you and want to reach out to me, contact me.

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