Do you suffer from foot pain? Here are the top 6 most common reasons why!

Do you suffer from foot pain? Here are the top 6 most common reasons why!

How long do you think you spend on your feet daily? Depending on your vocation, it may differ significantly from the next person; we can all agree that we shouldn't take them for granted. The foot is a complex structure and can misdiagnosed easily as the site of pain. People often isolate the area of pain and assume that the cause is close by; in some instances, this couldn't be further from the truth! In this post, I'd like to look at the common foot conditions I see in the clinic and the best way to approach them. 

Flat Feet (Pronation)

Flat-footedness is the most common foot issue we see at the clinic; this is where the arch of the foot begins to flatten or is already reasonably flat from birth and can cause a whole host of issues. If you've noticed your shoes wearing away more prominently to the inside or outside edge, you, my friend, will likely suffer from 'over-pronation'. As a result, you may expect some potential strain and even long-term injury to your Achilles tendon, knees, hips, and back. Flat feet will affect your posture and gait when upright, negatively resonating throughout your body. Years of ignoring this issue can put you in a very painful position, so if you think this may be you, then the time to act is now! You can purchase several in-soles that are said to remedy flat feet, but this should be a bespoke approach. Looking towards biomechanics, the science of movement - specifically your movement - is a great way to ensure a customised solution to your problem. I work very closely with the specialists at Roads To Freedom for this. David Perry provides an exceptional service, and I have referred many of our patients to him for biomechanical analysis. You can check out David's website here - https://www.roadstofreedom.net/ - I can't recommend him highly enough. 

Plantar Fasciitis

This ailment presents itself via inflammation, numbness and tingling sensations. Add to this the likelihood of sharp stabbing pain around the arches on the bottom of the foot, and you've got a particularly unpleasant complaint. Suppose you work on your feet all day, walk a lot, or even wear steel-capped boots. In that case, this is incredibly common as standing for long periods, walking excess miles, and steel-capped boots can all aggravate Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is something that, during the onset, can be tended to pretty effectively at home by using a strict regime of icing with an ice pack (or bag of peas, entirely your preference here!), using tennis balls, golf balls stretch through the plantar fasciitis and then strengthening, it sounds a lot, but it's a regular complaint here at the clinic and easily managed with the right tools. I recommend assessing the footwear you use before the onset of pain. Poor-fitting shoes do not provide enough support; opt for something more comfortable. If the problems persist, though, please see me for further help.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon (calcaneal tendon) is a thick fibrous band connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is easy to strain when running or playing sports without adequately warming up or when quick intensity changes occur. Several factors may increase your chances of suffering from Achilles Tendonitis: worn-out trainers, your age (it becomes more common as you age), and if you suffer from flat feet, you will place much more strain on the tendon. Also, it is much more common in men. Again, similar to treatment for plantar fasciitis, treatment consists of icing, stretching and strengthening, other fairly common issues regularly presented to me in the clinic. 

Metatarsalgia & Morton's Neuroma (Interdigital Neuroma)

Metatarsalgia and mortons neuroma are harrowing conditions present in the ball of the foot and toes, predisposed by several factors. Bruising to the toe bones is a common cause, and irritation to the nerves between the toes. Overpronation, another case of collapsed arches causing further issues! The ball of the foot can become inflamed and swell considerably, causing persistent pain if left untreated. Initially, you should come and see us so we can advise how best to treat it, but in some instances, we recommend biomechanical analysis to ensure it is not a recurring concern; if all this fails, then surgery is typical for this type of treatment, and it's also highly successful!

Gout

Or you may have heard of it as The Rich Man's Disease (or The King's Disease, or even Big Toe Disease!), caused by a build-up of Uric acid in the blood, crystallising in your joints. Inflammation and persistent joint pain occur and, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the affected joints. Diet is considered a major contributing factor, which is where the Rich Man's and King's monikers come from; 'Rich' foods (meats, cheeses) can play a part. Still, certain medications, sudden illness, and chemotherapy are also common causes. You should avoid alcohol at all costs and ensure you are drinking plenty of water in the first instance, but a trip to the doctor and osteopath will almost certainly be needed to treat and alleviate the pain.

Sprained ankle

Finally, we have a widespread complaint that I'm sure everyone has fallen foul of at some point. Rolling or 'going over' on the ankle is all too easy to do, whether playing sport (usually when I attempt to play tennis!) or simply walking down the street, and it only takes a second. The results are generally excruciating, and swelling will come on quickly, so getting your foot elevated and tended to with an ice pack should be your first port of call. In some severe cases, the pain persists after the initial swelling has subsided; unfortunately, it may be the case of a trip to the hospital for a doctor to examine it to rule out fractures. The foot is a complex and often overworked area of the body, and the above ailments are only the tip of the iceberg; thankfully, I am always at hand to advise, treat and help prevent these issues from stopping you. 

Should you want to run anything by me, please don't hesitate to call me on 07787 404419.

All the best, Sophie

‍