Are you experiencing pain in your foot?

Does it hurt to walk on it, or perhaps to wriggle your toes?

Below we have outlined some common foot injuries that could be attributing to this discomfort.

Back of the foot:

Plantar heel pain / plantar fasciitis / plantar fasciopaphty

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Where is it: Along the sole of the foot

How it occurs: This is usually an overuse injury. It is common in runners, individuals who have increased their exercise loads, or when increased stress has been placed on the foot - such as weight gain or wearing poor footwear.

What to expect: Pain in the middle and bottom of the foot, pain that is at its worst in the morning and then improves throughout the day. The area may ache after activity.  

Treatment: Calf and foot stretching, especially stretching the big toe. Rolling a golf ball or frozen water bottle under the area may give you relief. Recent research suggests targeted strengthening of the plantar fascia is the most effective treatment. Consult your Physiotherapist to determine the best treatment approach for you.

Fat Pad Contusion

What is it: the fatty tissue that is under the heel to protect the bone. 

How it occurs: A sudden fall on to the heel, or a long term development. 

What to expect: Pain directly underneath or on the outside of the heel, redness and tenderness of the area. This is often accompanied by pain while walking especially as you put the heel down. 

Treatment: For relief try heel lifts or a gel pad under the painful area. Resting the heel on an ice pack can help relieve pain and inflammation.  

Mid-foot:

Lisfranc joint injury

 Where is it – It sits between the little bones called tarsals and beginning of the toes (metatarsals). 

How it occurs – from the area being over-stretched, suddenly crushed, or by a direct force.

What to expect – Pain on the top of the foot especially between the area of the first and second toe. You may also experience pain with walking, running or being up on their toes. 

This injury must be checked out by a physiotherapist or physician as soon as possible to assess whether there may be a fracture or dislocation of the joint. 

Treatment:  If it is a fracture or dislocation an Orthopaedic Surgeon will need to determine the management. In some cases surgical stabilisation will be required and at the very least a period of immobilisation in a walking boot is required.  

Forefoot

   Stress Fracture

    Where is it – Stress fractures could occur within any of the toes. 

    How it occurs – Toes are the second most common location for stress fractures. It is often a result of overuse of the area.

    What to expect: Pain with walking and pain on touching the area.

Treatment: If it is a fracture, the area needs to be immobilised which can be done through a boot or other device.

Hallux Valgus

Where is it: it occurs at the big toe 

How it occurs: It is a result of stress to the joint over time resulting in a static subluxation of the joint. Flat feet or wearing tight footwear may contribute.

What to expect: Tenderness on the inside of the joint when touched or compressed. Individuals may experience issues with walking and blistering of the area. 

Treatment: Receiving advice and education on how to reduce pressure and unload the area through appropriate footwear and orthotic options. In severe cases surgical intervention may be required.