Foot and leg pain are common problems that can affect anyone – from professional athletes to working professionals, and even kids. Our feet take a lot of stress and pressure every day, so it’s no wonder that they are susceptible to pain, discomfort, and injuries.
Here are some common causes of foot pain that we see and treat regularly in our clinic:
Plantar Fasciitis: It is characterised by inflammation of the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It is usually caused by repetitive strain, increasing exercise regimen too quickly or overuse, and can also occur due to poor footwear or weight gain. We treat patients with Plantar Fasciitis in multiple ways including advice, exercise rehabilitation, orthotics, shockwave, laser and ultrasound guided corticosteroid injections. Untreated this can cause patients problems for years and early intervention gives the best results.
Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe. It may cause pain and discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes. Bunions can be caused by genetic factors, poor footwear choices, or conditions like arthritis. Development of a bunion and its symptoms can be reduced with advice, exercises and orthotics from our podiatrists and in some cases ultrasound guided injections of corticosteroids.
Achilles Tendinopathy: This is a condition that occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed or strained. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the back of the heel or leg. Achilles tendinopathy often occurs in people who have tight calf muscles and is caused by overuse or sudden increases in activity. We treat many patients with Achilles tendinopathy in the clinic with advice, exercise rehabilitation, orthotics, shockwave, laser and ultrasound guided corticosteroid injections. Like plantar fasciitis, left untreated Achilles Tendinopathy can cause patients problems for years and early intervention gives the best results.
Neuroma: Neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves in the foot, causing pain, numbness, or tingling. It is usually caused by repetitive stress or pressure on the nerves, often due to tight footwear or high heels. We often treat this with footwear advice, orthotics or corticosteroid injection.
Sprains and Strains: Foot and ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that connect bones are stretched or torn. This usually occurs due to sudden twisting or forceful impact, and can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Strains, on the other hand, occur when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. Both sprains and strains are common among athletes and people who engage in regular physical activity. If not fully rehabilitated ankle sprains frequently recur and cause long term issues and pain in the foot, ankle, leg and hip so if you get an ankle sprain don’t just dismiss it.
Metatarsalgia: Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot, usually due to overuse or stress on the metatarsal bones. It can be caused by high-impact activities, ill-fitting footwear, or conditions like arthritis. We treat metatarsalgia in different ways depending on our diagnosis but treatment can include referral for further imaging, footwear changes, orthotics, taping, mobilisation and manipulation.
In conclusion: Foot pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in your feet, it’s important to seek expert advice to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment.
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to diagnose and treat a range of podiatric conditions, which enables us to provide effective treatment and care to our patients.
Our compassionate and skilled team of podiatrists work closely with patients to develop personalised treatment plans that align with their specific needs and goals. We know that every patient is unique and our treatment approach is tailored accordingly to provide personalised attention and care.
At our podiatry clinic, we are committed to providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for our patients. Our team are always ready to assist patients in every aspect of their visit, from scheduling their appointment to answering any questions they may have about their treatment.
Book an appointment with our podiatrists today to experience the highest level of podiatric care. We look forward to helping you achieve healthy, happy feet!
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Step It up - Better Ways to Keep Your Feet Healthy
How do you know if your foot pain is serious?
If you have any of the following problems you should seek immediate medical attention: