Physical Therapy for Foot Pain in Bromley
Our feet bear the weight of our entire body and resultant problems with the feet are extremely common. From aches and pains from simply being on your feet too long, through to repetitive injuries from activities like running or dancing, or structural abnormalities, the feet are subject to a wide range of potential problems.
We are an osteopathic clinic in Bromley, incorporating a range of physical therapy treatments including osteopathy, dry needling (acupuncture), sports massage and laser therapy. Booking at our Bromley clinic is quick and simple using our online system.
If you have questions about our treatments or how they might be able to help your foot pain, you can also book a free 15-minute in-person or telephone consultation, during which one of our expert practitioners will be happy to give you any advice and information you need.
"Oliver has helped to reduce my chronic low back pain significantly! He is really knowledgeable, explains your difficulties well, and gives you helpful advice. I'm pleased to say that the effects have been long-term, and would recommend him to anyone."
Pooja, Bromley
"My mum woke up one morning with crippling back and leg pain and Oliver squeezed her in for an appointment at short notice. I'm pleased to say just over a month later, mum is happily walking around again and just in time for our holiday too. Oliver was very professional, kind and compassionate. We can't recommend him enough, thank you so much!"
Elise, Google Review
"Robert was extremely professional, kind and knowledgeable. I got a brilliant treatment with my first session and excellent exercises to practise at home. I highly recommend Robert."
Alicia, Google Review
"I have been seeing Oliver for a year now since I started getting difficulties with my neck and I have not regretted this one bit. He has encyclopaedic knowledge about his field and a great passion for what he does. He always explains what he is doing and he is so well researched and up to date on the different methodologies used. 1 year on and I feel more confident and pain free. Thank you Oliver!"
Hasti, Google Review
"I've been treated by Oliver for years for neck, back and calf tension. Very effective treatment. Recommended him to my mum who was also impressed and sees Oliver regularly now. Recently she had a course of acupuncture and was very pleased with the results. Recommended."
Sophia, Google Review
"It had been recommended to me to see an Osteopath and was very happy to locate one close by. I’m so glad to have met Oliver who has literally given me my life back by sorting out my back pain in as little as three sessions! I have never felt so much better and have exercises that I can do myself at home. Oliver is a lovely person and always enjoyed our chats during the sessions."
Nicky, Google Review
Causes of Foot Pain
There are a wide variety of foot pain causes that we see at the clinic. Beginning with acute (sudden) injuries, you may have sprained or strained the muscles or ligaments in the foot or ankle. You may also have fractured a toe or a bone in the foot, particularly if you have suffered a direct blow. We will be able to advise whether this may be the case and refer you for X-rays if required.
Chronic injuries (those that come on slowly and last for a long period of time) are often overuse injuries from being on your feet too long, unsupportive footwear or high-impact activities like running or jumping. These include various forms of foot tendonitis - such as peroneal tendonitis (side of the foot) - and plantar fasciitis.
Various other health factors can also lead to pain in the feet, including arthritis, gout, lupus and circulatory or nerve issues, and some chronic conditions specifically affect the feet, including foot arch issues such as pes planus or pes cavus. Excessive weight can also contribute to problems with the feet, as a result of the extra burden on the foot and ankle joints. Poor footwear is also a large contributing factor.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis (policeman’s heel) is a very common problem, presenting as a pain in the bottom of the heel which may also radiate forwards across the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue running across the bottom of the foot. This typically occurs due to a combination of overuse - for example by lots of running or walking - and footwear which does not provide enough cushioning or support.
As with many repetitive injuries, plantar fasciitis will benefit from rest, and from self-treatments such as massage (for example with a lacrosse ball) and stretching. Ensuring you have the right shoes to support your particular feet and gait is also crucial. Physical therapy such as osteopathy is ideal for treating plantar fasciitis which does not respond to home treatments, and a qualified physical therapist can also advise on any particular areas of the feet which might need more support.
How Foot Pain Is Treated
There are many potential treatment options for foot pain. For minor issues and slight sprains and strains, self-treatment options such as rest, elevation and compression may be useful. Some people may also find ice to be helpful, especially if applied promptly after a sprain or strain.
It is also possible to medicate foot pain with counter painkillers, or with corticosteroid injections in more extreme cases. However, taking pain-killing medication for the feet without an accompanying examination and custom exercise programme is not advised, as by simply masking the pain you may continue to do what is causing the injury in the first place, leading to further damage. Get a professional assessment of the cause of the pain and ask for advice on whether painkillers will be appropriate.
“Your feet are extremely important. Whether you've experienced an injury or are suffering from ongoing pain from plantar fasciitis or a similar condition, don't think that foot pain is just a fact of life. Physical therapy can help fix your pain and prevent further issues - such as postural problems and backache - developing as a result of problems with the feet.”
Oliver Hicks M.Ost, Clinic owner
Treating Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciitis with Osteopathy
Physical therapies such as osteopathy are perfect for most musculoskeletal foot pain that doesn’t involve broken bones. Osteopaths are experts in the musculoskeletal system and biomechanics, and are able to diagnose any underlying causes of pain, really getting to the root of the problem. For example, you may have a particular gait or a postural pattern which is causing abnormal stress on the joints of the feet and also requires attention.
Osteopaths use a range of physical therapies including joint manipulation and mobilisation, medical acupuncture (dry needling), stretching and massage to bring relief from pain, improved joint alignment and muscle function. Osteopathy is a conservative and drug-free treatment, making it suitable for everyone including pregnant women, and children.
The Importance of Correct Footwear
Correct footwear is crucial for rehabilitating your foot injury and for ensuring you avoid problems going forward. The difficulty is that everyone’s feet and gait are different. Some people have higher or lower arches, some walk or run on the inside or outside of their feet and so on, so the perfect shoe for one person might be a recipe for injury for another.
Osteopaths are experts in understanding gait and biomechanics, and are able to assess your particular needs and current footwear, providing advice on guidance on the right shoe for you whether for sports, walking, or general daily use.
Our Bromley Clinic
Our Bromley Clinic is conveniently situated in a peaceful location in South Bromley. We offer a range of treatments including osteopathy, sports massage, pregnancy massage and acupuncture, and our helpful staff are on hand to give you any advice you require.
You can find all the information you need for your visit, including parking, public transport and accessibility, on our Bromley clinic information page.
Book an Appointment
Booking is easy using our online system, or call us on 0208 088 0442 and our expert staff will be happy to help. There are no long wait times and appointments are usually available within 24-48 hours.
To discuss your symptoms and the best treatment for you, a free 15-minute telephone or in-person chat is also available.
This page was reviewed by Oliver Hicks M.Ost on the 21st December 2023