Expert foot pain practitioners
Targeted, effective solutions
Long-term pain relief
Comprehensive care for all types of foot pain
At Holistic Healthcare Clinics, our multidisciplinary team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of foot pain, from acute injuries to chronic conditions. We understand how limiting foot pain can be, affecting your mobility, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life.
Our approach combines evidence-based treatments including physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and rehabilitation exercises to create a personalized recovery program that addresses your specific condition and lifestyle needs. We don't just mask symptoms – we identify and treat the underlying causes of your foot pain for long-term relief.
Understanding the various types and causes of foot pain
Inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, causing intense heel pain particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Bony outgrowths on the underside of the heel bone often developing as a result of chronic plantar fasciitis, potentially causing pain when walking or standing.
Inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, typically caused by overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity levels.
Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often from increased pressure on the metatarsal bones during high-impact activities or from ill-fitting footwear.
Thickening of tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes, causing sharp, burning pain and numbness in the affected area.
A bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the toe pushes against the next toe, forcing the joint to enlarge and stick out, causing pain and deformity.
A condition where the arches of the foot collapse, causing the entire sole to come into contact with the ground, potentially leading to pain, fatigue, and alignment issues.
Small cracks in the bones of the foot, often from repetitive force or overuse, common in athletes or those who suddenly increase their activity levels without proper conditioning.
Inflammation in one or more joints of the foot causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly common in the big toe joint and midfoot joints.
A comprehensive, evidence-based strategy for effective foot pain management
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, including detailed history-taking, physical examination, gait analysis, and biomechanical assessment to identify the specific causes and contributing factors to your foot pain.
Rather than just treating symptoms, we work to identify and address the underlying causes of your foot pain, whether it's related to biomechanics, movement patterns, footwear issues, or structural abnormalities.
We develop individualized care strategies based on your specific diagnosis, lifestyle demands, activity goals, and preferences, combining different therapeutic approaches for optimal results.
We emphasize active involvement in your recovery through targeted exercises, movement retraining, and self-management strategies that empower you to take control of your foot health.
Our team works together to provide integrated care, drawing on expertise from physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage therapy, and other disciplines to address all aspects of your foot condition.
Beyond immediate pain relief, we focus on strategies to prevent recurrence through education, footwear advice, orthotic solutions, and ongoing self-care techniques.
Evidence-based therapies to relieve foot pain and restore function
Skilled hands-on techniques to mobilize joints, release muscle tension, and improve tissue elasticity in the foot and ankle to reduce pain and enhance movement.
Tailored exercise programs to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles, calf muscles, and other supporting structures to improve stability, function, and resistance to injury.
Specialized massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to address tension in the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and other soft tissues of the foot.
Custom or pre-fabricated orthotic recommendations and expert guidance on appropriate footwear to provide support, correct biomechanical issues, and reduce strain on painful areas.
Including TENS, ultrasound, and shockwave therapy to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and enhance tissue healing in various foot conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis.
Fine needles inserted at specific points to stimulate the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in chronic foot conditions.
Analysis and correction of walking patterns to improve biomechanical efficiency, reduce excessive stress on painful structures, and prevent recurrence of foot problems.
Strategic application of thermal treatments to manage inflammation, improve circulation, and provide pain relief during different stages of foot injury healing.
Therapeutic taping techniques to support injured structures, offload painful areas, and facilitate proper foot mechanics during the healing and rehabilitation process.
How our comprehensive approach can transform your foot health
Effective reduction in acute and chronic foot pain through multiple therapeutic approaches, allowing you to walk comfortably again.
Enhanced ability to walk, stand, and move without discomfort, reducing limitations on daily activities and independence.
Strengthened foot and ankle muscles providing better support, balance, and stability during standing and walking activities.
Lower risk of foot pain returning through improved biomechanics, proper footwear, and preventative exercises and habits.
Improved walking mechanics that reduce strain on the feet and entire kinetic chain, preventing compensatory issues in other areas.
Ability to stand and walk for longer periods without pain or fatigue, improving work capacity and quality of life.
Safely resume running, sports, fitness activities, and recreational pursuits that foot pain previously limited or prevented.
Knowledge and skills to independently care for your foot health and respond effectively to early warning signs of problems.
Specialised treatments that can help resolve your foot pain
Our physiotherapists use manual therapy, exercise prescription, and biomechanical analysis to address foot mechanics, muscle imbalances, and movement dysfunctions.
Learn MoreOsteopathic treatment takes a whole-body approach to foot pain, addressing how knee, hip, and spine mechanics influence foot function and overall lower limb health.
Learn MoreTherapeutic massage helps release tension in foot and calf muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain through specialized soft tissue techniques focused on the lower extremities.
Learn MoreMany foot pain conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, respond well to acupuncture therapy that targets inflammation and promotes the body's natural healing processes.
Learn MoreOur sports therapists specialize in treating and preventing foot injuries in athletes, with specific expertise in running injuries, jumping sports, and return-to-play protocols.
Learn MoreOur comprehensive rehabilitation programmes focus on restoring foot function after injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions through progressive exercise protocols and gait retraining.
Learn MorePractical strategies to maintain healthy feet and prevent pain recurrence
Choose shoes with good arch support, adequate toe room, and proper cushioning that fit your foot shape. Avoid high heels and flat shoes with no support, as these can contribute to plantar fasciitis and other foot problems.
Regular foot and ankle strengthening exercises can help improve stability, support the arch, and prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis and fallen arches. Simple exercises like toe curls and calf raises can make a significant difference.
Excess body weight places additional stress on your feet. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the feet and lower the risk of developing painful foot conditions.
Wear moisture-wicking socks that fit well without bunching. Proper socks can prevent blisters, calluses, and fungal infections that can lead to foot discomfort and pain.
Custom or over-the-counter orthotics can provide additional support for your arches, correct alignment issues, and distribute pressure more evenly across your feet to prevent and manage pain.
Always warm up before activities that stress your feet. Gentle stretching of the calves, Achilles tendons, and plantar fascia helps prepare these structures for more intensive use.
When starting new activities or returning after injury, gradually increase duration, frequency, and intensity to allow your feet to adapt and strengthen in response to new demands.
If you're prone to foot pain or after high-impact activities, rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle or applying ice for 15-20 minutes can help prevent inflammation and manage early symptoms.
If you stand for long periods, take regular breaks to sit down, elevate your feet, and perform gentle foot stretches. Similarly, if sitting for long periods, get up and walk around regularly.
Don't ignore mild foot discomfort. Early intervention when symptoms first appear can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions that require lengthy treatment.
Read about the experiences of those we've helped
"After struggling with plantar fasciitis for over six months, my ability to work as a teacher was seriously affected. The team at Holistic Healthcare Clinics created a comprehensive treatment plan combining physical therapy, specific exercises, and custom orthotics. Within weeks, I noticed significant improvement and have now returned to standing all day pain-free."
"As an avid runner, developing metatarsalgia was devastating for me. Previous treatments elsewhere had limited success, but the specialists at Holistic Healthcare Clinics took a different approach. Their combination of manual therapy, gait analysis, and proper footwear recommendations has allowed me to return to running regularly without pain. Their attention to detail and personalized care made all the difference."
"Working as a retail assistant led to severe heel pain and discomfort that was affecting both my work and daily activities. The team diagnosed posterior tibial tendonitis and developed a treatment plan including manual therapy, footwear modifications, and specific strengthening exercises. Their expert care and holistic approach resolved my symptoms completely, and the preventative advice has stopped any recurrence."
Answers to common questions about foot pain and treatment
The main differences relate to location and the affected structures:
Despite affecting different structures, both conditions can occur in active individuals and those who stand for long periods. Both are typically overuse injuries caused by repetitive stress, but they require different treatment approaches based on the specific tissues involved and the biomechanics contributing to the problem.
Complete rest is rarely the best approach for foot conditions. Instead, we typically recommend:
The key is finding the right balance between rest and activity. Too much rest can lead to muscle weakening and prolonged recovery, while continuing painful activities can delay healing. Our specialists will help you determine which activities you can safely continue, which should be modified, and which may need to be temporarily avoided during your recovery period.
We'll also provide alternative exercises and activities to maintain fitness and function while protecting the injured tissues, ensuring you can stay active while recovering.
Orthotics can be valuable components of a comprehensive treatment plan for many foot conditions, but they should not be relied upon as the sole treatment. Their effectiveness varies depending on the specific condition and individual factors:
When prescribed appropriately, orthotics can:
However, they work best when combined with appropriate exercises, proper footwear, and addressing the underlying causes of your foot pain. Our specialists can assess whether orthotics would be beneficial in your specific case, and if so, which type would be most appropriate for your condition and lifestyle needs.
Recovery timeframes for plantar fasciitis vary considerably depending on several factors:
As a general guideline:
It's important to note that improvement is usually gradual rather than sudden. Most patients experience progressive reduction in pain and increasing function over time with appropriate management. Morning pain is typically the first symptom to improve, followed by pain with daily activities.
Our approach focuses not just on symptom relief but on addressing the underlying causes and facilitating proper tissue healing to achieve lasting results and prevent recurrence. After your assessment, we can provide a more personalized estimate based on your specific condition.
Both ice and heat can be beneficial for foot pain, but their application depends on the nature and stage of your condition:
Ice (Cold Therapy) is generally recommended for:
Heat (Thermal Therapy) is generally recommended for:
Application guidelines:
Some patients find alternating between ice and heat (contrast therapy) to be effective for chronic conditions. Many patients benefit from icing after activities that stress the feet and using heat before gentle stretching or exercises.
During your assessment, we can provide specific recommendations for your particular condition and stage of healing.
Have other questions about foot pain treatment? Contact our team for personalized answers.
Book an assessment today and take the first step toward pain-free walking.
