There are several common foot problems that people experience, and podiatry is a branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating these conditions. Here are some of the most common foot problems and how podiatry can help:

1. Plantar Fasciitis

• Description: This is inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning.
• How Podiatry Helps: Podiatrists can recommend stretching exercises, custom orthotics, physical therapy, night splints, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

• Description: A bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often caused by misalignment of the joint.
• How Podiatry Helps: Treatment options include custom-made orthotics, toe spacers, padding, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery to realign the joint.

4. Hammertoes

• Description: A condition where one or more toes are bent at the middle joint, causing pain and difficulty in wearing shoes.
• How Podiatry Helps: Podiatrists can recommend exercises, custom orthotics, padding, and in some cases, surgery to straighten the affected toes.

5. Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

• Description: When the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground, leading to pain and discomfort.
• How Podiatry Helps: Podiatrists often recommend custom orthotics, arch supports, strengthening exercises, and in some cases, surgical options to improve foot alignment and reduce pain.

6. Morton's Neuroma

• Description: A thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, often causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot.
• How Podiatry Helps: Treatment may include changes in footwear, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the neuroma.

7. Achilles Tendonitis

• Description: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, usually caused by overuse or improper footwear, leading to pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle.
• How Podiatry Helps: Treatment involves rest, ice, stretching exercises, custom orthotics, and in some cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

11. Heel Spurs

• Description: A bony growth that forms on the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis.
• How Podiatry Helps: Treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and the use of orthotics or custom shoes to reduce stress on the heel.

At Auckland Physiotherapy, our Podiatrist has been practising in musculoskeletal podiatry for 13 years and has studied for 9 years (so far…). He holds his Masters and is on track to finish his PhD in 2023. Meet Aaron Jackson here. To book an appointment, book online or call our team on 09 3664480.