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Foot
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Common Foot Conditions and Their Symptoms
Plantar Fasciitis
What It Is:
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Symptoms:
- Sharp heel pain, especially when taking the first steps in the morning
- Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking
- Swelling or tenderness in the heel area
- Tightness in the bottom of the foot, particularly near the arch
Achilles Tendonitis
What It Is:
Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by repetitive stress, overuse, or sudden increases in physical activity.
Symptoms:
- Pain or stiffness at the back of the ankle or heel, particularly during activity
- Swelling or tenderness along the tendon
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe or walking uphill
- A feeling of tightness in the calf muscles
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
What It Is:
Flat feet is a condition where the arches of the feet are either low or non-existent, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground. This can lead to pain and discomfort due to improper alignment and added pressure on other areas of the foot and body.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the arch, heel, or ball of the foot
- Swelling in the inner part of the foot or ankle
- Difficulty walking for long periods
- Pain that worsens with physical activity or standing for extended periods
Bunion (Hallux Valgus)
What It Is:
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to point inward toward the second toe. It often leads to pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes.
Symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness at the base of the big toe
- Swelling and redness around the bunion area
- A visible bump at the base of the big toe
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes due to the bump
Gout
Symptoms:
- Severe pain, redness, and swelling in the big toe or other joints
- Skin that feels hot to the touch around the affected area
- Joint stiffness and limited movement during a flare-up
- Discomfort that may last for days or weeks
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
What It Is:
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel (a narrow space inside the ankle). This condition leads to pain and other symptoms in the foot and ankle.
Symptoms:
- Tingling, burning, or numbness in the foot or ankle
- Pain that worsens with activity or at night
- Weakness in the foot muscles or difficulty walking
- Swelling and discomfort in the inner ankle
Morton's Neuroma
What It Is:
Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve, typically between the third and fourth toes. It causes sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot.
Symptoms:
- Sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, especially when walking or standing
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- A feeling of having a pebble in the shoe
- Pain that worsens with tight shoes or high heels
Foot and Toe joint arthritis
What It Is:
Arthritis is the natural degenerative process that is called wear and tear. Medically osteoarthritis.
Symptoms:
- Pain on weightbearing
- Pain on moving the joint
- Difficulty in day to day activities.
- Some times joints are swollen
How Our Clinic Can Help with Foot Conditions
At our clinic, we offer a range of treatments designed to address and manage foot conditions effectively. We use advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques to provide personalized care tailored to your needs.
Physiotherapy for Foot Pain
Physiotherapy is essential for treating foot conditions, especially those that involve muscular imbalances, poor alignment, or inflammation. Our physiotherapists will work with you to create a rehabilitation plan focused on relieving pain and improving function.
- Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles in the foot, ankle, and lower leg, reducing strain on the affected areas and preventing future injuries.
- Stretching and Mobility: Focused on improving flexibility and mobility in the foot, ankle, and calf muscles, relieving stiffness and improving overall movement.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing.
- Orthotics and Footwear Advice: Personalized recommendations for supportive footwear or custom-made orthotics to reduce strain and improve foot alignment.
Diagnostic Ultrasound Scans
Our diagnostic ultrasound scans provide real-time imaging of the soft tissues, ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the foot. Ultrasound scans are crucial for:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Detecting tendon tears, inflammation, or ligament injuries.
- Guiding Treatments: Ensuring precise placement of injections (e.g., corticosteroids, PRP, or hyaluronic acid).
- Monitoring Progress: Assessing healing and changes in tissue condition during rehabilitation.
Ultrasound-Guided Injections for Foot Pain
Our clinic offers a variety of ultrasound-guided injections to directly target the site of pain or inflammation, providing fast and effective relief.
Corticosteroid Injections
- How It Works: Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and provide relief from conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and gout.
- Best For: Chronic pain due to inflammation or degeneration in the foot joint or tendon.
- Benefits: Fast-acting pain relief and reduced inflammation, allowing for more effective rehabilitation.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (e.g., Durolane, Ostenil)
- How It Works: Hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint to restore lubrication and reduce friction, providing relief from pain and stiffness.
- Best For: Conditions like osteoarthritis in the foot, particularly in the big toe joint or other joints in the foot.
- Benefits: Improves joint mobility and reduces pain, promoting long-term joint health.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy uses your own blood to accelerate healing and reduce pain in the tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot. This is an ideal treatment for chronic tendon injuries, ligament sprains, and osteoarthritis.
- How It Works: A sample of your blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelets, and injected into the injured tissue to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
- Best For: Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles tendonitis), ligament injuries, and arthritis.
- Benefits: Accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue regeneration.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and pain relief in the affected foot tissues. It is especially effective for chronic tendon injuries and plantar fasciitis.
- How It Works: Shockwaves are directed at the affected area to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue repair.
- Best For: Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles tendonitis), plantar fasciitis, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Benefits: Non-invasive, reduces pain, promotes faster healing, and improves mobility.
Why Choose Our Clinic for Foot Conditions?
Our clinic offers a comprehensive approach to treating foot conditions, using advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge therapies to ensure effective and lasting results. Whether you are dealing with acute pain or chronic issues, our team of specialists will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.