Foot Pain

Metatarsal stress fracture – see info above for 2nd met fracture
Plantar Fasciiosis – see info above for plantar fasciopathy
Cuboid dysfunction
Turf Toe
Mortons Neuroma
2nd Metatarsal Stress Fracture (content from above)
Bunion

Bunions

Hallux valgus, or bunions as they are known colloquially, is a condition where the first toe progressively deviates and begins to point toward the second toe (sometimes overlapping it). This leads to a bony prominence at the inside of the first toe joint, and is associated with pain and sometimes limited joint movement and problems with walking. Taping techniques or toe spacers may provide symptom relief. Your physiotherapist can prescribe strengthening exercises for the foot muscles. Medications may be considered to help settle any acute pain. In severe cases, surgery may be required. It is also important to assess and treat any issues with foot movement during walking motion.

Plantar Fasciopathy

Plantar fasciopathy is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Plantar fascia is the connective tissue that runs under your foot from your heel to the base of your toes. In plantar fasciopathy, the fascia can become inflamed and thick at the insertion at the heel. You may experience soreness and stiffness in the morning and after long periods of non-weight bearing (eg. sitting).

Treatment for plantar fasciopathy includes foot mobilisation to improve your foot biomechanics, manual therapy, taping, balance and awareness exercises, retraining of your muscles and strength training of your leg. If you have been referred to physiotherapy by your podiatrist, we will work in conjunction with them for your best outcome.

Cuboid dysfunction

The cuboid is one of the seven bones in the foot. Cuboid dysfunction describes an injury to the joint and ligaments connected to the cuboid bone. An injury to this bone may occur from a specific injury or from overuse of the foot. Symptoms often include pain in the middle of the foot or down near the start of the fourth or fifth toes. The pain can be sharp, achy and may get worse with weight bearing and walking. The bottom of your foot may feel sensitive and you may notice some swelling present in the area. Seeing a physiotherapist for a detailed assessment will assist in the diagnosis and management of your symptoms. Manual therapy techniques and a specific strengthening exercise program developed by a physiotherapist are important to get you back to normal function.

Turf Toe

Turf Toe is an injury to the ligaments around the big toe. Often this injury develops from jamming your big toe or as a result of a repetitive foot use injury, such as repeated running or jumping. The excessive upward bending of your big toe can result in a sprain of the joint, similar to an ankle sprain.

Following basic RICE principles can assist in settling pain and swelling, however seeing a physiotherapist to use manual therapy techniques and exercise will assist in developing your foot and ankle strength to reduce the risk of the injury developing again in the future.

Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the ball of your foot, usually between your third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma can develop as a response to pressure, irritation or injury to the nerves that supply your toes. The pressure from wearing tight and/or high heeled shoes can increase the risk of you developing a Morton’s neuroma. Some of the symptoms include feeling like you are standing on a pebble, a burning sensation travelling down your toes, or toe tingling or numbness. Physiotherapy treatment includes manual therapy, tape to offload the sensitive area and strengthening exercises for your foot and ankle.