Foot

Whether it’s a sharp sting during certain movements or a dull, persistent discomfort, foot issues can be incredibly debilitating. Foot pain can arise from a multitude of conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain that involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot.
• Achilles tendinitis, an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon.
• Bunions, bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of your big toe, can cause significant discomfort and difficulty in walking.
• Morton’s neuroma, a stabbing pain condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes.
• Stress fractures, common with sports enthusiasts, these tiny cracks in a bone are caused by repetitive force, often from overuse.

Either way, you’re here because something is not right.

You’re seeking relief, and we want to reassure you that you’re not alone. Many of our clients have been in your shoes, and we’ve helped them regain mobility and live pain-free.

When you come to us with foot pain, we don’t just look at your symptoms – we delve deep to find out what’s causing them. Our comprehensive assessment process includes:

Detailed History Taking
We start by understanding your lifestyle, activities, and when and how your pain started. This includes discussing any previous injuries, your daily routine, your footwear, and the type of surfaces you walk or run on regularly.

Physical Examination
This involves a thorough evaluation of your foot’s structure, strength, flexibility, and range of motion. We’ll look for any visible signs of conditions like bunions or plantar fasciitis, and assess any areas of tenderness or swelling.

Gait Analysis
We’ll observe how you walk, looking for any abnormalities that might be contributing to your pain. This could include issues like overpronation (where your foot rolls inward too much) or supination (where your foot rolls outward too much).

Balance and Functional Tests
These tests help us assess your balance and the functional capacity of your feet. They can reveal problems with stability and alignment that might be causing or contributing to your pain.

Special Tests
Depending on your symptoms, we might perform special tests to identify specific conditions. For example, the Windlass test can help diagnose plantar fasciitis, while the Matles test is used for Achilles tendon issues.

Diagnostic Imaging
If needed, we may utilise diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI to get a more detailed view of your foot’s internal structures. This can help confirm a diagnosis and rule out any other conditions.

This comprehensive approach ensures that we can create the most effective treatment plan for you.

Once we understand the root cause of your foot pain, we create a unique treatment plan designed to alleviate your pain and restore your mobility. Our treatment approach is hands-on and might involve:

Manual Therapy
This could include techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching exercises to improve the mobility and function of your foot and ankle.

Exercise Rehabilitation
We’ll provide you with a personalised exercise program to strengthen your foot and lower leg muscles, improve your balance and flexibility, and help prevent future injuries. This could include exercises like calf raises, toe curls, or balance exercises.

Orthotics and Footwear Advice
If appropriate, we might recommend orthotics – custom-made shoe inserts designed to support and comfort your feet. We can also provide advice on the best types of shoes to wear for your specific condition.

Pain Management Techniques
We can teach you strategies to manage your pain at home, such as the use of ice or heat, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Dry Needling
In some cases, dry needling might be used to help relieve pain and muscle tightness.

Education
We’ll explain your condition in detail and answer any questions you have. We’ll also provide advice on how to modify your activities and lifestyle to help manage your condition and prevent future problems.

We’ll monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

We’re not just here to offer you a temporary fix. We want to ensure that your recovery is sustainable. That’s why we also focus on educating you about your foot, teaching you exercises you can do at home, and providing guidance on how to prevent future injuries.

We understand that your goal isn’t just to get rid of the pain – it’s to get back to your life.

Whether it’s running a marathon, playing with your kids, or simply walking without discomfort, we’re here to help you regain your function and achieve your goals.

The prognosis for foot pain treated with physiotherapy is generally very good. The majority of our patients experience significant improvements in their pain levels and mobility within a few weeks of starting treatment.

The prognosis for your individual circumstances will vary and depend on factors such as the severity of your condition, your overall health, and how closely you follow your treatment plan.

Here’s what some of our clients have experienced:

• Reduced Pain: One of the immediate goals of physiotherapy is to reduce your pain. With the right combination of manual therapy, exercises, and pain management techniques, you should start to feel relief within a few sessions.
• Improved Mobility: As your pain decreases, you’ll likely notice an improvement in your mobility. You might find it easier to walk, climb stairs, or participate in your favourite activities.
• Increased Strength and Flexibility: Over time, the exercises we prescribe will help to strengthen your foot and lower leg muscles and improve your flexibility. This can help to prevent future injuries and improve your overall foot function.
• Return to Normal Activities: Our ultimate goal is to help you return to your normal activities, whether that’s going for a run, playing with your kids, or simply walking without pain. We’ll work with you to gradually reintroduce these activities as your condition improves.
• Long-Term Management: Even after your pain has resolved, we’ll continue to support you with a long-term management plan. This might include ongoing exercises, lifestyle modifications, and regular check-ups to help prevent a recurrence of your foot pain.

Your journey to a pain-free life can start today. At Bounty Physio, we’re committed to providing the highest quality of care in a friendly, understanding environment. We’ve helped countless people overcome their foot issues, and we’re ready to help you too.

Book your appointment with us today and take the first step towards reclaiming your life from foot pain.