Foot Pain

Foot Pain is most often caused by:
Traumatic incident(i.e. landing from height, trip or a fall).
Without trauma (bursitis, repetitious walking / running, poor foot posture, muscle imbalance, muscle weakness).

Foot pain is usually caused from one of the following:

  • Ligament Sprain (Inter-tarsal, Joint Capsules)
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (Synovitis)
  • Nerve Irritation/ Compression / Referred Pain (Radial, Ulnar, Medial, referred pain from the neck or shoulder)
  • Boney degeneration of the Foot (cartilage damage, bone degeneration, arthritis)
  • Joint stiffness (Tarsal, Metatarsal)
  • Poor Foot Biomechanics (dynamic stability)
  • Muscle Tears/Spasm (Muscular- Flexor/Extensor Hallicus, Peroneals, Tibialis musculotendinous junction – extensors, flexors)
  • Tendonitis (Extensors, Flexors)
  • Impingement
  • Joint or Bone fracture (cuboid, base of 2nd & 5th ) / cartilage damage
  • Dislocation
  • Subluxation / Dislocation of tendon(s)
  • Bursitis/ Fat Pad Bruising
  • Avulsion Injury (pulling off a piece of bone)

FOOT BONES    FOOT MUSCLES

If your foot hurts, don’t ignore it. Physiotherapists are well trained to give an accurate diagnosis and treatment the problem. We can refer for MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound or blood test as required. We are able to provide a proven, safe and effective treatment.

Physiotherapy Aims
1) Treat the pain and other symptoms
2) Help identify the causes to prevent recurrence
3) Provide self-management strategies

Treatment: Strong Evidence in Literature
1) Specific foot strengthening and general exercise programs
2) Mobilisation, Manipulation and Hands On Therapy – Myofascial Release (Manipulation is traumatic and should only be used for certain conditions)
3) Acupuncture / Dry Needling
4) Electrotherapy (TENS)

Treatment: Others
1) Postural Modification
(taping, innersoles, orthotics, body awareness exercises)
2) Hydrotherapy (great supportive environment)
3) Supportive Taping / Bracing
4) Use of Gels, Creams, Hot & Cold
5) Sports Specific Rehabilitation

Foot pain is very individual due to the large number of structures and factors that contribute to your condition. What works for others may not work for you and you will have to trial various treatments under the guidance of your Physiotherapist to find what works for your particular condition.