Foot And Ankle Pain | Causes | Prevention | Treatment
Foot pain is a prevalent issue affecting millions globally, arising from the intricate structure of the foo, a complex interplay of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that collectively provide support and stability during walking and movement. When any of these components are impacted, it can lead to discomfort and pain in the foot.
The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily, subjecting the foot to repetitive stress and strain. As a natural part of the aging process, abnormalities, pain, and discomfort may develop in the legs and feet, potentially leading to injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. The progression of this deterioration depends on factors such as foot type, foot deformity, muscle weakness and or inflexibility, choice of footwear, and activity levels.
Foot pain serves as a valuable indicator of your overall health. Chronic foot pain can signal underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also manifest in the later stages of pregnancy.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
At Callen Olive Podiatry Clinic, we specialise in eliminating foot pain, restoring motion, and enhancing flexibility, contributing to a significant improvement in your overall health and wellbeing. Our expertise covers a range of lower limb issues, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet / high arch feet, shin splints, achilles tendinopathy, patella tendinopathy, hypermobility, and various musculoskeletal disorders.
Understanding the diverse causes of foot pain is crucial, from minor injuries to more serious medical conditions. Some common causes include:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, causing heel and arch pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged activity
- Bunions: Bony bumps at the base of the big toe, leading to pain and stiffness, often exacerbated by tight or ill-fitting shoes
- Morton's Neuroma: Compression of a nerve in the ball of the foot, resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling, often worsened by tight shoes
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons connecting muscles to bones, resulting in pain and stiffness
- Gout: A type of arthritis causing severe pain and swelling, commonly affecting the big toe
- Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, affecting walking and standing
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in foot bones due to overuse or repetitive stress, causing pain during activity
- Flat Feet: Collapse of the foot arches, causing pain in the feet, ankles, and knees
Foot Pain Assessment: Gait Analysis & Biomechanical Assessment
If you're experiencing lower limb or foot pain without a clear cause, our first step is to conduct a biomechanical assessment. This in-depth examination helps us unravel the root of the problem and devise tailored treatments to alleviate symptoms.
During the assessment, we thoroughly examine the structure, alignment, strengths, and weaknesses of your lower limbs. This includes a comprehensive examination of your pelvis, legs, knees, and feet to identify any abnormalities impacting others and leading to pain.
Gait analysis, utilising the OPTOGAIT system, aids in treating individuals with walking-related conditions, identifying posture or movement-related problems in those with injuries. By quantitatively measuring underlying mechanical inefficiencies, we can recommend suitable shoes and develop targeted exercises to address specific needs adequately.
In most cases, a combination of self-help measures and specialised treatments at our clinic will result in a marked improvement in symptoms, paving the way for enhanced comfort and mobility. If persistent foot pain is disrupting your daily life, consult with us to embark on a personalised path to relief and improved overall wellbeing.
