Foot and Heel Pain

Foot and heel pain is a common complaint of many of our clients. The foot is the most complex structure in the lower body. It combines mechanical complexity and structural strength to sustain enormous pressure and provides the body with support, balance and mobility. A structural dysfunction in any part of the foot can result in foot pain and problems in other areas of the body.

Foot pain may be caused by many different conditions or injuries. Acute or repeated trauma, arthritis, disease, or combinations are the most common causes of foot pain.

Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy has helped many clients from Gungahlin and the wider Canberra community with all types of foot pain syndromes.

 

Heel Pain

Plantar Fascitis is the most common heel pain. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick fibrous band of tissue at the bottom of the foot, which runs from the heel to the base of the toes. When placed under too much stress, the plantar fascia stretches too far and tears. It is an overuse injury commonly caused by excessive pronation (flat feet), rigid feet (high arched feet), poor foot biomechanics, poor footwear, muscle tightness and muscle weakness. Repeated trauma of the plantar fascia can lead to the development of heel spurs. Heel fat pad injuries are another common source of heel pain.

Toe Pain

Bunions are an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe may turn in toward the second toe, and the tissues surrounding the joint may be swollen and tender.

Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) is a common problem affecting the joints of the metatarsals.

Morton’s neuroma is a benign growth of one or more nerves between the metatarsals leading to numbness and pain.

Other common sources of toe pain are: sesmoiditis; claw toes, hammer toes and mallet toes.

Most toe pain problems are related to poor foot function and poor fitting footwear.

 

Midfoot pain

Midtarsal joint sprains occur after ankle inversion much in the same way as a ‘rolled ankle’ and is often associated with jumping sports.

Stress fractures of the navicular and other bones of the foot are often related to explosive sports involving running and jumping.

Tarsal coalition is an abnormal connection that develops between two bones in the midfoot which may lead to limited motion and pain.

Lisfranc fracture/dislocation is a fracture and dislocation of the joints in the midfoot. It is an injury not to be missed and can lead to long-term disability if left untreated.

 

Nail & Skin Conditions

Corns are a thickened pad of skin, usually on the weight-bearing portion of the sole that results from chafing and pressure.

Calluses are an especially toughened area of skin, which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation.

Diabetic foot refers to all foot conditions associated with diabetes such as delayed wound healing, infection, gangrene and foot ulcers.

Ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the toe, which occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe.

 

How can Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy help your foot problem?

If your foot injury is traumatic and acute, you should see one of our physios. If the foot injury is chronic, it is probably more appropriate to start with one of our podiatrists. In any case, either discipline may refer you to the other for best treatment of your particular foot injury.

On your first visit, we will establish a correct diagnosis to direct the most effective care to your foot injury. Establishing the correct diagnosis early is imperative as several injuries mimic symptoms yet have different treatment protocols. We use our unique ‘phase-based rehab system’ to ensure all aspects of a full and lasting recovery are delivered. We will tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs, with you involved in the decision making to make certain that we address your biggest concerns. Our physios will use hands on therapy techniques to improve joint mobility and muscle flexibility. We will nearly always at each session provide home exercises of stretches and strength work so that you keep improving between sessions. Early treatment will be focused on reducing pain and swelling and regaining range of motion. The physiotherapist will then prescribe an exercise program to improve the strength and coordination of your foot and ankle, which are important for preventing re-injury. Massage, hydrotherapy, dry needling and our gym may also be used for best outcome. Towards the end of the treatment program you will be given prevention strategies to keep the pain away. The sooner we begin your foot rehabilitation the faster your recovery and back to the things you love doing.

 

Why choose us for your foot pain?

• We listen, we care and we get results
• We fix the cause of your injury and not just the symptoms
• We have physiotherapy and podiatry for even the most complex foot injuries
• Our podiatrists can sort out your foot nail and skin problem
• Our podiatrists can prescribe custom moulded orthotics to help your foot pain
• We can provide a running assessment if your foot pain is related to running
• We have therapists who have special training in foot injuries having completed further studies
• We have extensive experience in dealing with lower limb injuries
• We can refer you for further investigations such as x-ray or MRI if required
• Our therapists are passionate about sport and engage in an active lifestyle
• We understand the demands and technique involved in all sport types
• Our therapists have been recognised for their expertise having been national sporting team consultants
• We provide braces or taping to protect your foot/ankle on return to activity
• Our physios and podiatrists can recommend the ideal footwear to suit your foot type
• We have advanced gym equipment to improve foot/ankle strength and coordination
• Our massage therapists can sort out any tight muscles
• Our hydrotherapy sessions can be very effective for early rehabilitation of ankle injuries
• We can provide dry needling for pain management and accelerated healing
• We can supply practitioner only natural anti-inflammatory supplements to help healing
• Many of our physios work with local, state, national and international teams and athletes
• We give you cross training activities so you can maintain your fitness whilst injured
• We provide you with the tools to look after your health long after you leave our care
• We provide you with a guided return to sport with any technique modifications or training

restrictions

• We can recommend and refer you to a medical specialist if required
• We maintain high standards in infection control