Foot pain affects millions of people and can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Your feet are remarkable structures—each containing 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They support your entire body weight while allowing you to walk, run, jump, and balance. When foot pain develops, even simple activities can become challenging and uncomfortable.
Causes of Foot Pain
Foot pain can result from numerous conditions:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the band of tissue, under the foot connecting the heel to the toes
- Bunions: Bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe
- Metatarsalgia: Pain in the ball of the foot
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon
- Morton’s Neuroma: Thickening of tissue around nerves between the toes
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bones from repetitive loading/force
- Flat Feet or High Arches: Structural issues affecting foot biomechanics
- Heel Spurs: Calcium deposits causing bony protrusions
- Arthritis: Including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve damage related to diabetes
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons in various parts of the foot
- Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments or muscles
- Ingrown Toenails: Nails growing into surrounding skin
- Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t fit properly or lack support
Symptoms of Foot Pain
Foot pain may present with various symptoms:
- Pain: Can be sharp, dull, burning, or throbbing in specific areas or throughout the foot
- Swelling: Visible puffiness in part or all of the foot
- Tenderness: Pain when the area is touched
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving the foot or toes
- Redness or warmth: Signs of inflammation or infection
- Bruising: Discoloration following injury
- Numbness or tingling: Sensations that may indicate nerve involvement
- Changes in skin or nails: Thickening, discoloration, or other abnormalities
- Difficulty walking: Limping or altered gait to avoid pain
- Pain that increases with activity: Discomfort that worsens with standing, walking, or exercise
When should I see a Physiotherapist?
You should see an experienced Physiotherapist if you have:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Inability to bear weight on the foot
- Pain that persists beyond a few days of rest or home treatment
- Open wounds or signs of infection
- Persistent numbness or tingling
- Deformity or significant changes in foot appearance
- Symptoms that limit the ability to perform daily activities
- Recurring foot pain or a progressive increase in symptoms
- Foot pain with diabetes or circulatory disorders
- Pain accompanied by fever
How Physiotherapy Helps Foot Pain
Our top rated and highly skilled Physiotherapists utilize evidence-based approaches to address foot pain:
- Comprehensive Assessment: We conduct a thorough evaluation of your pelvis alignment, hip, ankle & foot, biomechanics, gait pattern, and functional movements to identify the underlying cause of your pain.
- Pain Management: Appropriate electrotherapy modalities (Laser, shockwave therapy & ultrasound) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatments including joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and trigger point release to improve mobility and reduce tension.
- IMS: Intramuscular muscular stimulation with battery operated electric current to decrease pain and promote healing
- Customized Exercise Program: Targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot to improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability.
- Gait Analysis and Training: Assessment and correction of your walking pattern to improve mechanics, limit compensatory patterns and reduce stress on painful areas.
- Footwear Assessment: Recommendations for appropriate footwear based on your specific foot type, diagnosis and work/recreational or sporting requirements
- Custom Orthotics Recommendations: When required, advise on over the counter or custom foot orthotic devices to provide support and correct biomechanical issues.
- Activity Modification: Guidance on moderation of activities to facilitate healing while allowing controlled functional activity
Preventing Foot Pain & Self Help Measures!
Consider these strategies to maintain foot health:
- Proper footwear: Wear shoes with good arch support and adequate room for toes
- Replace worn shoes: Athletic shoes typically need replacement every 300-500 miles
- Maintain a healthy weight: Reduce excess stress on your feet
- Warm up before exercise: Prepare your feet and lower legs with gentle stretching
- Gradual progression: Increase activity intensity or duration slowly
- Cross-training: Alternate high-impact activities with low-impact options
- Foot exercises: Regularly stretch and strengthen foot muscles
- Listen to your body: Rest when you feel pain rather than pushing through it
- Regular self-inspection: Especially important for those with diabetes
Why Choose one of our Top-Rated Physio Clinics for Foot Pain?
At Allied Physio Health Group, our clinics specialize in treating foot conditions with a comprehensive approach that addresses not just your symptoms but the underlying biomechanical factors or causes that contribute to your pain. Our Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Podiatrists and Kinesiologists have advanced training in foot and ankle rehabilitation and stay current with the latest evidence-based techniques.
We understand that foot pain affects everyone differently—whether you’re an athlete looking to return to sport, someone who stands all day at work, or an individual who simply wants to walk comfortably again. We work together with you to establish achievable goals, create a personalized treatment plan, and to ensure long lasting results.
We are also proud to offer Orthotic Services!
Book Your Allied Physio Appointment Today
Don’t let foot pain limit your mobility and independence. Contact us today at to book your appointment and comprehensive foot assessment to take the first step toward pain-free movement.
