About Foot Pain
Foot pain is not always a straightforward matter. It may originate from any of the many structures that make up the foot, which include:
• Joints and articular cartilage
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Bursae
• Joint capsules
• Bones
Persistent and severe pain often originates from two or more of the above structures, or from an injury.
Characteristics of Foot Pain
Foot pain can range from mild discomfort during certain movements to unbearable pain even at rest. For a proper assessment, it is important to establish whether the pain occurs during movement, which specific movements trigger it, how long it takes to settle, and whether it persists at rest and for how long. It is also important to determine whether there is night pain and how long it lasts. Foot pain may have the following characteristics:
• Sharp
• Stabbing
• Throbbing
• Burning
• Electric shock-like
• Superficial
• Deep
• Mild
• Dull
• Constant
• Intermittent
How Is Foot Pain Relieved?
When foot pain appears, the immediate steps to take are:
• Rest the foot and avoid the activity that is causing the pain
• Apply ice to the painful area of the foot for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day (the ice should be wrapped in a towel)
• Rest with the foot elevated on a chair or pillow
• Gentle stretches of the hip, knee, and sole help maintain flexibility in the foot
Differential Assessment for Foot Pain
Assessment by a physiotherapist is essential to identify the affected structures and to rule out, or confirm, the coexistence of other conditions with similar symptoms, such as:
• Heel spur, Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Foot Fractures
• Ankle Sprain
• Foot Tendinopathies
The assessment by Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapist Mr Konstantinos Danalis involves a detailed case history, clinical tests, and a trial treatment that follows.
How Does Physiotherapy Help with Foot Pain?
The priority is to reduce pain, which in some patients can be extremely severe. This is achieved through a combination of treatment options, such as specialist massage and electrotherapy, which will reduce pain in every case. The foot is then mobilised using specialist exercises. As movement gradually increases, strengthening, balance, and proprioception exercises are introduced. The interventions applied include:
• Stretching and flexibility exercises to improve elasticity
• Dynamic stability and strengthening
• Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy to reduce pain and improve flexibility
• Electrophysical modalities such as diathermy, cryotherapy, and electrotherapy, to reduce pain and inflammation
• TECAR for deep tissue heating and to accelerate recovery
Schedule Your Appointment
Athanasia A.
Mr Danalis is a thoroughly professional practitioner who gives the necessary attention to both the patient and their problem. Most importantly, however, the quality and effectiveness of the treatment is delivered in a creative and, above all, productive way. I recommend him without reservation.
Erifyli S.
Mr Danalis knows his field very well and personally devotes a great deal of care to his patients! He has a positive attitude and has helped me enormously!! I trust him completely and recommend him without reservation.
Giota S.
He knows his field very well, spent a long time addressing my problem, and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!
How Can I Prevent Foot Pain?
Preventing foot pain in chronic conditions requires a monthly programme that includes:
• Orthopaedic manipulative massage
• A structured exercise programme
More advice on prevention and self-management can be found at the links below:
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
What Is the Cost of Treatment?
The cost of treatment is not high. Typically, 6 sessions are required, during which the treatment programme is adjusted each time to the patient's current condition. Once symptoms have settled, a structured exercise programme is introduced to prevent any recurrence. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so they can follow it independently, with the option of online supervision at low cost. The patient has the continuous support and communication they need with the physiotherapist in order to address any difficulties.
If you have Foot Pain, call PhysioDanali today for specialist advice from your Physiotherapist!
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• www.physio-pedia.com
• Mayo Clinic. (2021). Plantar fasciitis. Mayo Clinic.
• American Physical Therapy Association. (2021). Plantar fasciitis.
• ChoosePT.com.
• Martin RL, Davenport TE, Reischl SF, McPoil TG, Matheson JW, Wukich DK, McDonough CM; American Physical Therapy Association. Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Nov;44(11):A1-33. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.0303. PMID: 25361863.