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March 5, 2026
What Are Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections?
Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are a precise, minimally invasive way to treat chronic foot and ankle pain. They combine corticosteroid medication—commonly called cortisone—with ultrasound imaging to target the exact area of inflammation.
Unlike “blind” injections, which rely on anatomical landmarks and the clinician’s feel, ultrasound guidance allows a podiatrist or chiropodist to see the tissues in real time. This ensures the cortisone reaches the injured tendon, ligament, joint, or nerve exactly where it’s needed.
This combination of precision and anti-inflammatory medication makes the treatment highly effective for conditions like:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Ankle arthritis
Neuromas (i.e.: Morton's Neuroma) or nerve irritation
How Cortisone Works
Cortisone is a synthetic steroid that mimics hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands. Its main job in foot and ankle injections is to reduce inflammation.
Here’s what happens on a cellular level:
Cortisone suppresses inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that cause swelling and pain.
It stabilizes cell membranes in the injured tissue, preventing further irritation.
Cortisone can also reduce nerve sensitivity in the area, which helps decrease pain perception.
By directly targeting the source of inflammation, cortisone helps speed up healing and relieve chronic pain without the need for surgery.
The Role of Ultrasound in the Injection
Ultrasound guidance takes steroid injections to the next level. Using high-frequency sound waves, the clinician can see:
Tendons and ligaments
Inflamed soft tissue
Nerves
Joint spaces
This allows the injection to be delivered exactly where it’s needed, which:
Improves the effectiveness of the medication
Minimizes risk of hitting nerves, blood vessels, or healthy tissue
Reduces discomfort during the procedure
For example:
In plantar fasciitis, the cortisone is placed at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.
In Achilles tendonitis, the cortisone is delivered around the tendon sheath rather than the tendon itself, preventing damage to healthy tissue.
In neuromas, it targets the inflamed nerve sheath precisely, reducing pain without affecting surrounding nerves.
Why It Works: The Science
The combination of corticosteroids and its precise placement is what makes this treatment so effective.
Targeted anti-inflammatory action – By delivering cortisone directly to the inflamed tissue, the body’s natural healing process can work more efficiently.
Reduced tissue trauma – Ultrasound guidance avoids unnecessary needle trauma to surrounding tissue, allowing faster recovery.
Pain modulation – Cortisone temporarily decreases nerve irritation, which lowers pain signals sent to the brain.
Support for chronic injuries – Chronic tendon or ligament injuries often involve persistent inflammation and microtears. Cortisone helps calm inflammation so the tissue can repair itself.
In short, the science is all about precision + anti-inflammatory power: delivering cortisone exactly where it’s needed to calm inflammation, reduce pain, and support healing.
Who Can Benefit from Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections?
This treatment is ideal for people with chronic foot or ankle pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments like:
Rest and activity modification
Custom orthotics or supportive shoes
Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
It’s especially helpful for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle arthritis, or nerve-related foot pain.
Ultrasound guided injections alone won't address any underlying biomechanical issues that caused the pain in the first place. Therefore, it's most effective when combined with other treatments, like custom orthotics, supportive shoes that match your foot type and gait pattern, and physiotherapy.
Bottom Line
Ultrasound-guided steroid injections are a safe, precise, and scientifically backed way to treat chronic foot and ankle pain. By combining the anti-inflammatory power of cortisone with the accuracy of real-time imaging, patients often experience faster relief and better outcomes than with traditional injections.
Feature image by nts01 from Pixabay
August 22, 2024
When it comes to foot problem prevention, being proactive is key to maintaining healthy feet and avoiding a future of discomfort. Understanding common foot issues and taking steps to prevent them can help reduce the risk of complications down the road.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common foot conditions and provide essential foot care tips to help you keep your feet in top shape.
Plantar Fasciitis
One in ten people will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, making it one of the most common foot issues.
Plantar fasciitis at the start, can cause minor discomfort in the arch of the foot or even in the heel. It usually starts when you just get out of bed. It calms down through the day and then the soreness starts at the end of the day.
That discomfort, if not properly treated and investigated, can increase and then start to cause stronger and sharper pain. Sometimes this pain can last through the day to a point where you might find it difficult to walk. The main cause is inflammation- constant pulling and tugging on the thick, inelastic fascia itself (midfoot pain). Or, where it inserts from (the heel pain).
Pressure can be from the arch pressing down on the fascia:
It can also be a tight muscle, like the calf muscle pulling up behind the heel and forcing the fascia to pull away from the heel
It can also be a combination of a tight muscle and pulling of the fascia. In rare occasions plantar fasciitis is caused by a nerve entrapment.
Prevention
Preventing plantar fasciitis is mainly down to figuring out what was the cause in the first place. It might be a biomechanical issue with the feet. It could be due to the shoes that you might be wearing- at home, at work or just around town. In some cases it is due to a muscle imbalance. So figuring out the cause is the first step in treating and then preventing further plantar fascia pain in the future.
One of the cornerstone treatments in preventing plantar fasciitis involves prioritizing arch support! It is a good idea to wear supportive shoes with good arch support and shock absorption, especially if you spend long periods standing or walking. Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can also provide extra arch support and cushioning to distribute pressure more evenly across your feet.
If you have a muscle imbalance then regular, targeted stretching of your calves and feet is also a healthy foot practice that can prevent foot ailments like plantar fasciitis.
Stretching the calves is especially helpful as it reduces strain on the plantar fascia. Check out the best exercises for plantar fasciitis. You can do your exercise routine before bed and when you wake up to prevent this painful condition from affecting your mornings.
Some patients have found rolling a tennis ball/ golf ball under their foot can be helpful to break up the inflammation to the area. Or rolling a wrapped frozen water bottle (no longer than 4 mins, then remove, wait to warm then walk) reduces inflammation build up
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete's foot can affect up to 15% of the global population!
It's a fungal infection that usually occurs on the skin between the toes. However it can also start and spread to the arches and then to the boarder of the foot. It can be itchy, red scaly looking and sometimes crack. Inbetween the toes the skin can look more damp than normal.
Prevention
Athletes foot is prevented if you reduce the causes. It enjoys dark, moist environments with an ample food supply. So your feet can be a perfect place for this to thrive. It can be contagious but also you can be more prone to catching it. So,
-if your feet are kept in a constant moist environment.
- you go to public pools and walk around barefooted.
- if you put your socks on right after having a bath or shower...
All these issues increase the risk of catching Athletes foot and allowing it to spread.
Prevention is linked to good foot hygiene. Therefore, make sure you wear slippers or flip-flops in public areas such as locker rooms or pools, and avoid walking barefoot in these places.
You should also make sure your feet stay clean and dry, as fungus thrives in moist environments. Opt for moisture-wicking socks, foot deodorants and breathable shoes. And never put on your shoes while your feet are damp!
If you are daily in the same shoes then try to use 2 pairs of shoes. Use one one day and one pair another day to allow the shoes to dry out. Change the insoles regularly.
Morton’s Neuroma
Some experts believe that one in three people will experience a Morton’s neuroma at some point.
It is characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves inbetween the balls of toes (typically between the 3rd and 4th balls of the toes), and causes pain and discomfort in the ball of your foot.
You can get neuromas in other parts of the foot, but between the 3rd and 4th ball of the toes is called a Mortons neuroma
Prevention
Prevention is the best treatment for a Mortons Neuroma. Preventing the rubbing and thickening of the nerves is a priority. Unfortunately as the nerve thickens there is a chance that it will not go back to normal.
Preventing a neuroma is simply by wearing wider footwear in the toebox.
You can tell if it is your shoes just by removing the shoes and your soreness should subside.
Remember that work shoes, normal outdoor shoes and even slippers can all have an affect on compressing the toes together.
Having a heeled shoe puts more pressure upon the balls of your foot- so reducing arch height is also helpful (and if you must wear high heels, make sure they're the healthy kind!).
Custom orthotics can provide a way to splay the balls of the foot so even if the neuroma has thickened, it can reduce the pressure the balls of the foot are placing upon the nerves.
Ingrown Toenails
Our toenails can be a bit troublesome sometimes —they crack, curl, get too thick, and sometimes even surprise us with strange colours! But one of the most common toenail conditions is ingrown toenails. Two out of every ten people visiting a healthcare provider for a foot issue end up complaining about this painful nuisance.
Ingrown toenails can occur when a spike of nail is pressing into the skin. It can also happen if you have pincer like nails (involuted) and those nails press into the skin.
If you have wider nails, the skin on the side of your toe can be more prone to go into the nail. If the toes are kept in a damp environment then the skin and nails will be soft and more easily press into one another
Prevention
Prevention comes with finding the cause and preferable no home treatment (in many cases it can make it worse). Apart from scratching your socks, placing a "V" into the nail doesn't do anything.
Poor nail care is usually the main culprit especially cutting down the sides of the nail. It is better to allow the nail to grow past the skin line and then cut to the contour of the nail. Cutting straight across can leave angles and cutting down the sides can leave spikes of nail.
If your nails are curled around or thickened then professional footcare can help thin down the nail and offer treatments for the curved nail. Reducing dampness can reduce ingrown toenails. Wider footwear (and non tight socks) can reduce the risk of compressing the skin into the nail.
In some cases it can be hard to cut your nails effectively, if this is the case then having a medical pedicure from a professional is usually a good preventative option.
Calluses
Almost everyone will get at least a small foot callus in their lifetime and is a common foot issue.
They are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure. Initially they can be pain free but as time continues then the callus can build up and adds pressure that that area. This adds more callus and now a cycle starts.
Eventually too much pressure and the skin starts to break down and dry blood can appear within the skin.
Prevention
Callus is best treated by prevention- finding out why the hard skin is there in the first place.
So a footcare professional will look at your feet and assess where the hard skin is and then find the cause- where is that pressure coming from. They will then reduce down the hard skin, to break that pressure cycle, then offer advice on how to prevent the hard skin coming back- or reducing its build up.
In many cases this is due to poor fitting footwear or a mechanical issue with the foot.
Preventing callus build up can be done once a week with a plastic footfile when the foot is dry. Pumice stones are used when the foot is wet.
But it is usually a good idea to check the cause by a footcare professional as sometimes too much file or pumice use can make the area sore, affect the good skin surrounding the callus or even make the area worse as you might go too deep.
Dry skin is prevented where you moisturize your feet regularly (but not inbetween your toes).
It will also help the callus not crack but it won't prevent the callus build up- as that is caused through pressure.
December 18, 2023
Compared to other purchases, shoes warrant a lot of thought and consideration. Wearing improper footwear is directly linked to foot pain and can turn into debilitating foot conditions. These conditions range from musculoskeletal pain (pain in the joints, muscles, ligaments and bones) to debilitating skin and nail issues. In other words, forcing your feet to operate in an inhospitable environment is a recipe for disaster!
Let’s take a look at how your bad shoes are causing you discomfort, and learn about some of the best solutions for foot pain and footwear-related health tips.
Image Credit: iStock
Why Does Improper Footwear Cause Foot Pain?
Research suggests that between 63 and 72% of people with foot pain wear shoes that are too small, too narrow and too cramped in the toe box. They also often lack the right amount of arch support, cushioning and protection from the ground’s impact. Studies also show that wearing poor shoes for decades can be a major reason why seniors experience foot pain today!
In a nutshell, inadequate footwear can ultimately disrupt the biomechanics of the feet, resulting in persistent pain and potential long-term damage.
Image Credit: iStock
Foot Conditions and Wearing Improper Footwear
From severe toenail pain, to dull aches, to nagging skin irritation, bad shoes can cause pain in more ways than one. Here are just a few issues you may be struggling with today:
Bunions and Hammertoes: Caused by narrow toe boxes and high heels.
Plantar fasciitis: Caused or contributed to by a lack of arch support.
Ingrown toenails: Can occur due to tight and narrow shoes that disrupt normal nail growth patterns.
Blisters: Due to a lack of cushioning and excessive rubbing against the skin.
Achilles Tendonitis: Contributed to by inadequate heel and arch support.
Diabetic foot: Ill-fitting shoes can lead to an increase in vulnerable pressure points, reduced blood circulation, and heightened risk of foot ulcers.
Please note that some conditions may be so advanced that they require medical shoes or orthopaedic shoes.
Image Credit: iStock
Revamping Footwear and Foot Health Tips
There are a few different ways to find comfortable footwear. First, you can try a shoe fitting service at Feet First Clinic. A staff member will guide you through available options and answer any questions you may have (staff members at regular shoe stores are often unable to answer these questions properly!).
Or, you can book a full footwear assessment and video gait analysis with a chiropodist. This gives you more insight into how you carry your weight and what parts of your feet need the most support.
If you choose to venture out on your own entirely, check out this checklist before you go shopping!
Lastly, you can double up on protection by investing in custom orthotics and wearing them with shoes that come with removable insoles.
Image Credit: iStock
November 6, 2023
Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable sensation of numbness in your toes? It's a temporary disconnect between your brain and lower extremities and may leave you wondering, "What's going on?"
Numb toes range from a minor problem to a potentially severe issue, and understanding the reasons behind this unique sensation is the first step toward finding relief.
So, if you've ever wondered why your toes sometimes go on strike, keep reading to learn more about the leading causes of numb toes and when to seek medical attention.
Numb toes: The most common causes
There are several causes of numb toes. Below, you'll find some of the top contributors and their signs.
Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow to the toes can lead to numbness. This can occur due to sitting or standing in one position for too long, wearing tight shoes, or sitting with your legs crossed. In these cases, the numbness is usually temporary and goes away once you change your position or remove any constricting clothing or footwear.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and pain in the toes and feet.
Nerve Compression
Conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc in the lower back can compress the nerves that supply sensation to the legs and feet, causing numbness and tingling in the toes.
Frostbite or Frostnip
Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing the skin and underlying tissues. Your skin becomes cold and red, then numb, followed by hardening and paleness. Depending on the severity, you may experience frostnip (the early onset of frostbite or superficial frost bite) or deep frostbite, which involves more severe stages of nerve damage.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Like carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, leading to numbness and tingling in the toes. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside the ankle next to the ankle bones, through which the tibial nerve runs. A thick ligament covers the tunnel and helps contain its inner workings – veins, arteries, tendons, and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the most common kind of nerve compression in the ankle. Underlying causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include direct trauma to the tarsal tunnel, flat feet, fallen arches, growths in the tarsal tunnel, and varicose veins.
Morton's Neuroma
Another type of nerve compression, Morton’s neuroma, may lead to numbness in your toes. The most common site is at the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. As this nerve is thicker than its surroundings, it’s at a greater risk of being blocked, which can cause numbness in the toes. You may feel a numbing sensation or like you have a pebble in your shoe.
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict excessively in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can lead to numbness and discoloration of the affected digits.
Injuries
Trauma to the foot or toes, such as fractures or compression injuries, can cause temporary numbness. For instance, ankle or Achilles heel injuries can directly or indirectly impact the tarsal tunnel region.
Infections or Abcesses
Toe or foot infections can lead to numbness, mainly if they spread to the nerves.
Circulatory Disorders
Conditions like atherosclerosis or blood clot formation can reduce blood flow to the toes, causing numbness.
Tight Footwear
Shoes that are too narrow in width or too small in length can compress your toes and reduce blood circulation. Ensure you are correctly fitted with the right pair of footwear to allow enough space for your toes to move. You can even do a shoe sizing and fitting session here at Feet First Clinic, choosing from leading footwear.
When should you seek medical help for numb toes?
We recommend that you seek help for numb toes if any of the following apply:
The numbness in your toes is persistent, recurring, or unexplained.
You have diabetes - Numbness in the feet can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, which requires proper management.
You experience numbness, weakness, coordination loss, or other neurological symptoms.
There is a sudden onset of numbness, especially after an injury or in combination with other concerning symptoms.
It's crucial to remember that numbness in the toes can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider can be helpful when treating and ruling out any serious underlying issues.
April 3, 2023
Are your feet giving you a hard time? Foot pain can have many causes, including injury, overuse, medical conditions, and poor footwear. The underlying cause will dictate how to treat your foot pain, which can include anything from supportive footwear, to stretching exercises, to rest, to medication.
In this article, we'll go through six common causes of foot pain and how to treat them:
Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendonitis
Bunions
Ingrown Toenails
Osteoarthritis
Plantar fasciitis
Causes
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia (the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes) becomes inflamed. It is caused by inadequate arch support or overexerting the plantar fascia. For instance, poorly constructed shoes, obesity and pregnancy, high-impact activity, and long periods of standing (like if you have a standing desk or work in a standing-first occupation) cause strain on the plantar fascia.
Treatment
Plantar fasciitis treatment involves rest and recovery, which should be the first course of action. Then physical therapy, like massaging your arch and stretching and strengthening exercises, are effective. Additional treatment methods include shockwave therapy, taping, wearing a splint or boot cast, and custom orthotics designed to provide additional arch support.
Read more: See our complete guide on plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendonitis
Causes
Achilles tendonitis is an injury to the Achilles tendon, the part of the leg that connects the calf to the heel bone. It is usually caused by overuse. Overworking the Achilles heel is done through various avenues. The most common causes include overexercising, weight gain, joint disorders like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, bursitis, a sudden fall or past trauma, and biomechanical abnormalities.
Treatment
Within 72 hours of injury, the first form of treatment you should pursue is rest and recovery. Good R&R prevents aggravation and stops the condition from worsening at its most vulnerable. Once you remove the cause, effective treatment methods include shockwave therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises (see our how-to), custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatories.
Read more: See our complete guide on Achilles tendonitis.
Bunions
Causes
Bunions are a type of joint deformity where the base of the big toe shifts outwards. There is a combination of factors that can either cause, directly or indirectly, bunions. Genetics (namely foot shape or joint-related), tight footwear or high heels, flat arches, and activities that stress the toe base (like running or ballet) can lead to bunions.
Treatment
Treatment options include footwear modification, anti-inflammatories, bunion splints, bunion aligners, taping, shoe stretching, orthotics, shockwave therapy, and surgery. Note that bunions are progressive, meaning non-invasive treatment focuses on preservation rather than reversing damage already done. Surgery is an option if you'd like to remove the bunion.
Read more: See our complete guide on bunions.
Ingrown toenails
Causes
Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the toenail grow into the skin, causing pain and swelling. Ingrown toenails can be caused by:
Cutting the nail too short or too far down along the edges
Poorly fitted shoes.
Injury to the nail bed.
A genetic disposition to ingrown toenails.
Treatment
In some cases, you can treat ingrown toenails at home; otherwise a foot specialist can treat the condition. To treat your ingrown toenail at home, soak your foot daily in warm water with Epson salts, massage the skin at the edges of the nail, wear shoes with a wide toe box, and let the toenail grow out. When it does, cut the nail straight across. Never try to cut out your own ingrown toenail as this can lead to infection.
If the toenail doesn't improve within 3–5 days, it's time to call the foot specialist. A foot specialist can safely treat ingrown toenails at any stage. In-office ingrown toenail treatment includes antibiotics, softening the skin around the nail, removing or cutting open the area to drain pus, Onyfix nail correction system, partial or complete nail avulsion, phenol, or surgery.
Read more: See our complete guide on ingrown toenails.
Osteoarthritis
Causes
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by wear-and-tear of the cartilage between the joints. Getting old is the most common cause of osteoarthritis. Our joints get more mileage as we age and eventually wear down. Low bone density (for instance, in post-menopausal women) can also lead to osteoporosis, contributing to osteoarthritis (it would be like having defective brake pads). Additionally, unhealed trauma or injury, weakened deconditioned muscles, sudden weight gain, and biomechanical abnormalities like hammer toes or bunions can all lead to osteoarthritis.
Treatment
Treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on management, as it's a progressive condition. Physiotherapy, stretching, and light exercise to strengthen the muscles in the lower body is vital for managing osteoarthritis symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening. This can be done in conjunction with proper footwear and medication like anti-inflammatories. Custom orthotics can also help by effectively rebalance the weight distribution across your feet while adding support.
Read more: See our complete guide on osteoarthritis.
March 2, 2023
Many different foot issues fall under the "foot injuries" umbrella.
From sprains and broken bones that leave you bedridden to overuse injuries that make your days more painful, it would take a full day to discuss every foot injury in detail!
That's why we're aiming to give this article a positive spin by switching the focus to treatment and how a chiropodist can help you. But first, it's important to discern between the two types of injuries and how the type you have will determine your approach to treatment.
Today's blog will discuss the following:
What are some common foot injuries?
Examples of overuse injuries
Examples of acute injuries
How do chiropodists treat and prevent foot injuries?
What Are Some Common Foot Injuries?
When discussing foot injury treatment, it's important to distinguish the cause of the injury and whether or not sudden, acute pain is present.
Some injuries cause everyday pain flair-ups that can be a real nuisance but aren't enough to make you feel like you must go to the hospital. These are "overuse" injuries because they stem from straining your muscles and joints and withstanding repetitive, mild trauma.
These injuries arise when we exert intense physical activity too quickly without proper stretching, exercising and footwear. However, you don't have to be an athlete to succumb to an overuse injury; you can also develop one due to wearing ill-fitting, unsupportive shoes while working on your feet all day.
On the other hand, some injuries are sudden and result from a fall or misstep. They can also result from the blunt impact of an object falling on your foot. These are often more debilitating in the days that follow the injury.
Examples of Overuse / "Everyday" Foot Injuries
Achilles Tendonitis: Occurs due to Achilles tendon inflammation (connects your heel and calf along the back of the foot).
Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia). Often caused by overuse, poor footwear choices and repeated walking on hard surfaces.
Morton's Neuroma: Results from the irritation and thickening of the tissues surrounding the nerves that lead to your toes. Patients notice pain in the ball of the foot.
Shin splints: Pain along the shin bone caused by overworking muscles, tendons and bone tissues, commonly found in athletes and dancers.
Heel spurs: A calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion underneath the heel bone. They may be painless or cause sporadic heel pain.
Capsulitis (big toe or second toe): Joint inflammation in the area where the toe's base meets the foot's ball.
Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot due to overuse and playing sports with excessive jumping and running.
Examples of Sudden (Acute) Foot Injuries
Ankle sprains
Broken bones in the foot due to blunt force trauma
Bruises(contusions)
Puncture wounds
Ruptured tendons
How Do Chiropodists Treat and Prevent Foot Injuries?
Overuse / Everyday Injuries Treatment and Prevention
Chiropodists are known for successfully treating and preventing overuse injuries. They pride themselves on giving patients the tools to manage pain and improve their quality of life. Some of the most effective services include:
Custom orthotic fittings
Recommending exercises and stretches
Shockwave therapy
Footwear modification guidance
Periodic foot assessments
Custom Orthotic Fittings
These inserts fit into virtually all of your footwear, help stabilize your feet and ankles, and take the stress off the weight-bearing areas of the feet. They are one of the most multi-purposeful medical devices for foot injury recovery and can aid almost every foot condition. The goal is to use your foot as the blueprint to create the perfect pair of orthotics that keep your foot in the ideal position for healing and pain management.
Recommending Exercises and Stretches for Target Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments and Joints
Feet First Clinic's Pinterest Board has several options for stretches that help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle strengthening, and much more. These routines are also tools you can use to strengthen your foot, protecting you from a future overuse or sudden injury. These stretches and exercises also fit nicely into your foot care regimen!
Shockwave Therapy
This modern and non-invasive therapy treats soft tissue injuries like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma and muscle strain. After thorough preparation, a chiropodist uses an applicator to deliver energy pulses to the affected areas. It is a quick, pain-free treatment lasting only 5-20 minutes.
Footwear Modification Guidance
Chiropodists have a keen sense of what shoes to recommend depending on individual needs. A shoe fitting at a foot clinic keeps you from developing an overuse injury and can help in the rehabilitation phase of a more severe injury.
Periodic Foot Assessments
A foot assessment is like a full body physical that focuses solely on your feet. Likewise, you will need updates on how your overuse or acute injury is recovering and if your progress is continuing along nicely. For those without glaring foot issues, a foot assessment is recommended once per year. If you have a healing injury, you should see your chiropodist for an assessment every six months or less, depending on your situation.
Sudden Foot Injuries Treatment and Prevention
Now let's get into the more debilitating foot injuries.
First and foremost, you shouldn't immediately see your chiropodist after experiencing a blunt form trauma injury, sudden ankle sprain or any other type of acutely painful accident. On the day you sustain such an injury (and the immediate days that follow), you may have to get MRIs or X-ray images in addition to crutches or a physical exam from a physician. You should then practice the R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method from home while you take it easy and avoid walking.
However, chiropodists can help immensely with injury recovery after the acute pain phase passes. Chiropody treatment for ankle injuries like sprains or broken bones in the foot typically occurs during rehabilitation or when the patient has begun healing and needs to regain control of their motion via therapeutic intervention.
To learn what treatment methods are available, you can simply revert to our list for overuse injuries. You can also use the preventative measures we've already mentioned, but we have a few additional tips worth noting:
Reduce your chances of ankle sprains by focusing on stretches that improve ankle flexibility and strength.
Watch your step when walking and playing sports to avoid breaking a bone or sustaining a sprain.
Wear shoes that offer extra ankle support to avoid sprains.
To prevent accidents at home, wear shoes or orthopaedic slippers indoors and take your time walking while tired or impaired for any reason.
