Why do foot problems start?
The foot possesses an amazing support
mechanism. However, the low arch, pronating foot is simply
unable to support itself as this system fails. As force reaches
its peak on the ball of the foot the heel lifts, the arch collapses
and all supporting muscles and ligaments become susceptible to injury. Our feet support our whole body weight so when things go wrong this can cause problems elsewhere in the body. At the same time, changes in body posture can lead to problems in the feet.
Common foot problems causing painful feet
 Foot pain - you are not alone! If you suffer from painful feet you are far from being alone. Many people suffer from painful feet, but most wait until
the foot pain, whether arch, heel or metatarsal pain,
becomes unbearable before confronting the problem.
There are multiple ailments that could be at the root of
these problems, and it is essential to diagnose the foot
problems correctly. Then the right individual solution be
found; be it orthopaedic footwear or a simple orthotic
device. We can advise you on the best course of action
for your individual needs and foot pain relief.
Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
 Plantar fasciitis (more commonly called Heel pain)
is commonly traced to an inflammation of the base
of the foot. People with vary flat feet or very high
arches are also more prone to plantar fasciitis.
If you don't treat plantar fasciitis, it may become
a chronic condition. Because plantar fasciitis
changes the way you walk, you may develop
symptoms of foot, knee,hip and back problems.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
 Pain is the main symptom. This can be anywhere
on the underside of the heel. Commonly, one spot
is found as the main source of pain. This is often
about 4 cms forward from the heel, and may be
tender to touch.
The pain usually eases on resting the foot, but is
often worst when first used in the morning or after long periods where no weight is placed on the foot. Gentle exercise may ease things a little as the day goes by, but a long walk often makes the pain worse.
Arch pain due to foot pronation
The arch of the foot is supported by a
tough ligament-like band called the
plantar fascia. It follows the contours
of the sole of the foot and helps to lift
and support the arch as we walk. It is
a very strong structure and helps to
return energy into our step. When the
arch of the foot is forced to lower too
much it can become damaged and small
tears appear. This causes inflammation
(plantar fasciitis), which creates pain.
The pain occurs more frequently in the morning and after rest. Plantar fasciitis is found to affect more women than men.
Heel pain due to foot pronation
 Heel pain is a very common complaint.
Heel pain may be due to walking on hard
surfaces, irritation of the nerve supplying the
skin under the heel, inflammation of the fat pad
and arthritis of the joints around the rear foot.
The plantar fascia is anchored to the underside
of the heel bone and continued stretching caused
by excessive pronation can cause inflammation
and pain. This may give rist to a heel spur. A
similar problem can arise within the Achilles
tendon at the back of the ankle. Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed.
1st toe joint pain due to foot pronation
Excessive pronation causes more pressure to fall on the
inner border of the foot as the foot rolls inwards. This high
pressure prevents the big toe joint from bending correctly
as we walk. The joint becomes locked causing inflammation
(arthritis) or it may buckle (hallux valgus) and cause a
swelling at the side of the joint known as a bunion.
Ball of foot pain due to foot pronation
 If the foot is pronated excessively, pressure is not distributed if the foot is pronated evenly across the ball of the foot. Uneven pressure and stresses
may produce a local reaction in the skin causing callus or
corns, in the bones and joints causing arthritis and
hammer toes or between the joints causing trapping of
the nerve (Morton's neuroma). For this problem orthotics
reduce the pressure over the painful area and relive foot
pain
Ankle pain due to foot pronation
Most ankle sprains affect the outer side of the ankle, which has just three small ligaments supporting it. The method of injury is a turning of the foot
inward at the ankle (an inversion sprain).
There are two types of ankle sprains, and if left untreated they
can cause a lifetime of pain and disability.
 1. In the first foot type, these ligaments are weak or thin, they cannot provide proper support, and any twist or turn of the ankle will tear or injure these ligaments, causing a painful sprain. Each subsequent sprain will weaken these ligaments further.
2. In the second foot type susceptible to ankle sprains is the pronated foot (the foot rolls inwards and your walk on the inner side of the foot). This foot type causes a shortening and weakening of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Thus, any twist of the ankle will injure and stretch these shortened ligaments until they tear, causing pain and serious sprains. If ankle sprains continue to occur, the ankle ligaments may be completely destroyed. Orthotics can be used to support the falling arches therefore estabilizing tendons and ligament thus relieving pain.
Leg pain due to foot pronation
As the foot rolls over and the heel bone tilts, the leg bones will also
twist inwards. The muscles in the leg will work to control this
movement and will become strained if the foot rolls too much. This
causes the muscles to become fatigued and patients often describe a
feeling of "tired and aching legs". In severe cases the muscles will
pull on the leg bones causing a reaction that is more painful called
shin splints.
Corns, bunions, fallen arches or heel pain?
 If you suffer from obvious foot problems such as corns, bunions, fallen arches or heel pain there is an 80% chance that you have or will develop a postural
problem which can result in hip, back and knee pain and eventually
lead to 'wear and tear' arthritis. Our feet are more fundamental to
our health than most people realize and treating them with care
and respect will only benefit you in the long run.
Achilles Tendonitis
Irritation and inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel bone. This can be caused by improper warm up or over training.
Treatment for achilles tendonitis
This can be treated with ice, rest or anti-inflammatory medications. Chronic pain or any swelling should be professionally examined.
Bunions
Misaligned big toe joints which can
become swollen, causing the first
joint of the big toe to slant outward,
and the second joint to angle towards
the other toes. Bunions tend to be
hereditary; they can be aggravate by
shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot
area.
Treatment for bunions
Surgery by a podiatric physician is often used
to correct the problem.
Hammertoe
A condition that usually stems from muscle/tendon imbalance, in which the toe is bent in a claw like position. It occurs most often with the second toe, when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it, although the other three toes can be affected.
Treatment for hammertoe
Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes will alleviate the problem. A custom orthotic device placed in the shoe may help control the muscle/tendon imbalance
Heel Spurs
Growths of bone on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel can calcify to form a spur, which can lead to heel pain.
Treatment for heel spurs
With proper warm-ups and the use of trainers, strain to the ligament can be reduced leading to reduction of the heel spur and reduction in heel pain.
Neuromas
Enlarged benign growths of nerves, common between the third and fourth toes. These are caused by tissue rubbing against the nerves. Pressure from ill fitting shoes or abnormal bones can also create this condition as well.
Treatment for neuromas
Treatments can include orthotics, although sometimes removal of the growth is necessary.
Call 020 7486 4664 to make an appointment.
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