Pain
Painful feet can significantly impact daily life. Whether it’s due to chronic conditions or issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or heel spurs, foot pain can limit mobility and reduce quality of life. We can assist with a combination of preventive measures and treatment plans to help manage and treat painful feet, offering relief and improving overall well-being.
Toes.
The toes, especially the big one, are like the unsung heroes of our feet – keeping us balanced and pushing us forward with every step. These 14 tiny bones may be small, but they work hard to keep us from up and moving.
Bunions
or Hallux valgus, occur when the big toe angles toward the second toe, causing the first metatarsal to shift sideways and form a painful bony lump.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT for an assessment and conservative treatments like custom orthotics and/or shoe modifications.
Hammer Toes
typically affect the second toe, causing it to bend into an inverted “V” shape and resist straightening while walking. This can lead to corns from friction against shoes. At Mike Erchen Podiatry we will advise on methods to relieve discomfort, and offer in-shoe devices.
Heels.
When pain develops in the heel, it can be very disabling, making every step a problem, affecting your posture.
Plantar Fasciitis
This is a common cause of heel pain, often described as feeling like walking on broken glass, especially in the morning. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick tissue band running from the heel to the front of the foot becomes inflamed due to overstress.
We can advise on exercises and shoes with proper arch support. Custom ORTHOTICS can help distribute pressure and relieve pain.
Heel Spur
This is a small, bony growth that forms on the heel bone, often because of conditions like plantar fasciitis. It can feel like walking on a sharp stone, with pain worsening during activity, especially in the morning.
We can advise on exercises and home treatments which includes rest, ice and proper footwear. In some cases, custom ORTHOTICS may be recommended for stubborn pain.
Heel Bursitis
This pain is located at the back of the heel, often felt when the ankle joint is moved and there may be swelling on both sides of the Achilles tendon or deep pain in the heel when it contacts the ground. The condition is typically caused by friction or rubbing. We can assess for the source of the irritation and offer padding and strapping. If an infection is present, your GP may prescribe antibiotics.
Foot.
Morton’s Neuroma
A painful condition caused by the thickening or inflammation of nerve tissue, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It feels as if something is inside your shoe.
Pain is sharp, burning, or shooting especially when standing, walking, or applying pressure.
Numbness or tingling in the toes or ball of the foot, like the foot has “fallen asleep.”
Early interventions like proper footwear, foot pads, and other conservative measures are often effective.
Lower Back Pain.
By addressing foot problems, a podiatrist can improve alignment and reduce back pain, offering relief from chronic discomfort. For example, conditions like flat feet and overpronation can be treated with generic or custom-made insoles or orthotics.
We offer biomechanical assessments to identify and correct gait imbalances that contribute to back pain, and we prescribe custom-made insoles or orthotics to improve foot alignment.
Treating conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions that affect walking can also help alleviate back pain.
If your back pain is unrelated to foot issues, we will refer you to other healthcare professionals for further evaluation and treatment.