Foot

Foot Fractures

A fracture most commonly occurs with trauma or repetitive abnormal pressures to the bones of the foot, for example after a heavy object is dropped on the foot. They can also occur due to a sudden increase in intensity or volume of activity. 

Types – Stress Fracture, Traumatic fracture

  • Discolouration around fracture site
  • Pain with walking or placing weight on foot 
  • Tender on palpation through the fracture site

This will depend on healing times, and individual goals. An example of a treatment plan might look like: 

  • Moonboot – 6 weeks as a general fule of thumb
  • Minimum of 4-6 week physiotherapy treatment required. Once or twice a week for 2-3 weeks followed by weekly reviews. 
  • Exercise physiology when cleared for weight bearing
  • Hydrotherapy
  • All of our physiotherapists 
  • All of our exercise physiologists 

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is characterised by pain located at the ball of the foot. There are 5 metatarsal bones in the foot, that combine to provide a supportive arch in the foot. Metatarsalgia is an inflammatory condition which occurs most frequently between the second, third or fourth metatarsophalangeal joints.

  • Pain at the ball of the foot with any weight bearing
  • Discomfort wearing shoes and socks

This will depend on the severity of your condition and your assessment findings. A treatment plan may look like: 

  • 6-8 weeks of physiotherapy – once a week for 2-3 weeks followed by fortnightly reviews
  • +/-podiatry involvement for orthotics and advice on footwear 
  • Exercise physiology for sport specific exercises
  • Hydrotherapy supervised by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist may be beneficial for many lower limb injuries
  • All of our physiotherapists
  • All of our exercise physiologists

Osteoarthritis Foot And Ankle

Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle is caused by degeneration leading to joint damage. Osteoarthritis occurs through the breakdown of the articular cartilage tissues that protect a joint leading to pain, stiffness and swelling. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease which tends to become more prominent with age. Treatment for this condition can be ongoing, with a plan for patients to be able to self-manage symptoms.

  • Tender over affected joints 
  • Pain with weight bearing tasks
  • Associated stiffness in the joints

This will depend on the severity of your symptoms, assessment findings and individual goals. A treatment plan may look like:

  • Physiotherapy every 2-3 weeks for 5-6 sessions.  
  • Exercise physiology input for foot and ankle strengthening 
  • Hydrotherapy and exercise classes
  • All of our physiotherapists
  • All of our exercise physiologists

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciopathy is a condition which affects the plantar fascia of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue which connects the heel to the ball of the foot. It acts as a shock absorber during walking, running, and jumping. Plantar fasciopathy causes thickening of the fascia and most commonly pain under the heel, or sometimes pain through the arch or the ball of the foot.

  • Pain with first steps in morning 
  • Pain with walking 
  • Pain after resting 
  • Stabbing pain under the heel 
  • Pain after exercise, not during exercise 
  • Tenderness on palpation of the heel

A treatment plan may look like:

  • Physiotherapy twice a week for the first week then weekly for 2-3 weeks 
  • Progressing to fortnightly physiotherapy for another 3-6 visits 
  • Exercise physiology to address strength, balance and proprioception
  • Referral to podiatrist – dependant on individual foot biomechanics 
  • All of our physiotherapists 
  • All of our exercise physiologists

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

The retrocalcaneal bursa sits under the achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. This can become inflamed and cause pain at the back of the ankle around the achilles tendon. This presentation may be misdiagnosed as achilles tendinopathy. It may also occur concurrently with achilles tendinopathy. Retrocalcaneal bursitis is common in activities that involve repetitive jumping or long distance running.

  • Pain with walking
  • Tender at the heel/back of ankle
  • Pain does not resolve with mobility 
  • Limping

Treatment is based on your individual presentation and goals.  However a treatment plan may look like this:

  • Minimum of 1-3 months physiotherapy treatment required involving: physiotherapy once or twice a week for 1-3 weeks, progressing to weekly or  fortnightly reviews for a further 4-6 sessions 
  • Exercise physiology to address strength, balance and proprioception
  • Podiatry input 
  • Hydrotherapy supervised by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist may be beneficial for many lower limb injuries
  • All of our physiotherapists 
  • All of our exercise physiologists

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease also known as calcaneal apophysitis is a condition caused by repetitive overuse or repetitive trauma to the heel at the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the bone. Sever’s is most commonly seen in active/sporty children and young adults between the age of 7-15. Studies have found that this disease manifests commonly through growth spurts, affecting males at a high rate compared to females.

  • Heel pain with running or weight bearing 
  • +/-swelling
  • Limp

Treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, your assessment and individual goals. A treatment plan might look like: 

  • Physiotherapy once or twice a week for 1-2 weeks depending on the pain
  • Progressing to weekly or fortnightly physiotherapy for another 4-6 sessions 
  • Your treatment will likely include exercise physiology for strengthening and return to sport
  • +/- podiatry involvement
  • Hydrotherapy supervised by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist may be beneficial for many lower limb injuries
  • All of our physiotherapists 
  • All of our exercise physiologists