Foot Pain
More people than you realise are suffering every day with unnecessary foot pain that can be fixed with relatively simple solutions or treatments. We understand that foot pain can significantly impact your daily life, and we love nothing more than getting you moving pain free once again.
Foot pain can stem from various conditions, affecting your mobility and overall quality of life. Whether it’s a sharp ache, burning sensation, or dull discomfort, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes to seek the right treatment.
At Expert Foot Care, we provide in-depth consultations that involve innovative techniques and tailored treatment plans designed to restore your mobility and eliminate foot pain. We take the time to test our diagnosis by trialling more conservative treatments first before proceeding with higher cost treatments to ensure we are offering 100% satisfaction to our patients. We provide:
In-depth consultation
We dive into the current symptoms you experience and link in any potential past medical issues that could be affecting your lower limbs while also looking at the general day-to-day habits you have that may be contributing to your pain or discomfort.
Personalised physical exam
We take the time to fully assess your foot and ankle, assessing swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Once diagnosis is decided we ensure we thoroughly test this with temporary solutions before we dive into more costly treatments methods to ensure you receive the right treatment plan from your first visit.
Biomechanical assessment.
We perform strength and flexibility testing and analyse your walking pattern and gait to identify potential biomechanical issues that may be the contributing to your cause of your pain.
Multi-disciplinary advice
Where it becomes obvious that there are different or combined disciplines that would be most effective for diagnosing and treating your pain will we help provide referrals to other disciplines like physiotherapy or occupational therapy and recommend further investigation like ultrasounds or x-rays where necessary.
Some of the more common types of foot pain we treat are:
- Plantar Fasciitis: This common condition causes heel pain (often starting as a ‘stone bruise’ type feeling. This is due to inflammation and/or irritation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Overuse or strain of the Achilles tendon can lead to pain at the back of your heel, particularly during physical activity.
- Metatarsalgia: Characterised by pain in the ball of the foot, metatarsalgia often results from excessive pressure on the forefoot.
- Morton’s Neuromas: These are swollen and inflamed sections of nerves of the foot, often occurring between the toes, leading to sharp, burning pain and occasionally numbness.
- Bunions and Hammertoes: Structural issues like bunions and hammertoes can cause significant discomfort and can worsen without proper treatment.
- Heel pain: including plantar fasciopathy and Haglund’s Deformity
- Flat feet and high arches: Both can cause heel, arch or knee pain and strain on the Achillies and other tendon surrounding the ankle and foot.
- Neuropathy: Nerve pain often associated with burning, numbness and tingling of the feet.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ingrown Toenails: A condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. This can be both hereditary or from a trauma to the nail.
- Corns and Calluses: Hardened layers of skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself against friction or pressure.
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FAQs
What are the common causes of foot pain?
Common causes of foot pain include conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, flat feet, and arthritis. Injuries such as sprains, fractures, and overuse from activities like running or standing for long periods can also contribute to foot discomfort.
How can I relieve foot pain at home?
To relieve foot pain at home, you can try several methods: rest your feet and avoid activities that worsen the pain, apply ice for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation, elevate your feet, and use over-the-counter pain relievers. Additionally, soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt can help soothe sore muscles.
When should I see a doctor for foot pain?
You should always seek the advice of a podiatrist in the first instance as doctors will often refer you to a podiatrist as a first line of treatment. If your foot pain persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by swelling or redness, prevents you from walking, or if you experience sharp, severe pain or deformity than see a podiatrist immediately. Any signs of infection, such as fever or discharge, warrant immediate medical attention from your doctor.
What are the best stretches or exercises for foot pain relief?
- Calf stretches: Lean against a wall with one foot behind the other and gently press the heel of the back foot down.
- Plantar fascia stretch: Sit with one foot over the opposite knee and gently pull on your toes backwards to stretch the arch.
- Achilles tendon stretch: Stand on the edge of a step and let your heels drop off the step approximately 45 degrees to stretch the Achilles tendon.
- Toe curls: Picking up small objects with your toes (such as a towel) to strengthen foot muscles.
- Calf raises: Standing on the edge of a step and lifting your heels to strengthen the calf muscles.
- Foot roll: Rolling your foot over a tennis ball or frozen water bottle to massage and stretch the arch.
Incorporating these exercises into your routine can help improve foot strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of pain.
Can shoes cause foot pain?
Yes, shoes can cause foot pain if they don’t provide adequate support, fit poorly, or have an inappropriate heel height. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or made from non-breathable materials can lead to conditions like blisters, bunions, corns and callus’, hammer toes or plantar fasciitis.
How long does foot pain usually last?
The duration of foot pain can vary widely depending on the cause. Acute injuries may resolve within a few days, while conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis can lead to ongoing pain for weeks or months. If foot pain persists for longer than a few weeks, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.