Foot pain is a commonly presenting problem, particularly as we transition into the warmer months. There are many different types of foot pain, but all forms have been linked to a decrease in walking speed as well as a decrease in quality of life.
Foot pain can present due to many causes some of which include:
- Arthritis – Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are some of the leading causes of foot pain
- Poor muscle support
- Swelling
- Gout
- Diabetes related changes
Changes in footwear and particularly into sandals or thongs can prove challenging for people with foot pain. However, a recent literature review showed that footwear interventions significantly improved foot pain in some of the most common areas.
These areas include:
- The ball of the foot
- The heel
- Under the arche
- 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint
So if you are experiencing foot pain, come and talk to us about having them assessed or even picking up a great pair of our Archie’s thongs. Something as simple as changing your thongs to a supportive foot bed can improve pain dramatically.
For more information have a read of this resent literature review on the benefits of adjusting your footwear for better management of foot pain. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049017217305905#t0005
To book a session with your Physiotherapist to ask about a tailored approach to your foot comfort click here
Phoebe Kipen
General Physiotherapist
Consulting at both our East Melbourne and Armadale practice
For more information, call our friendly team on (03) 9822 4999 (Armadale) or (03) 9486 0512 (East Melbourne). Alternatively, you can email us at fitwise@fitwise.com.au if you have any questions.
Frecklington, M., Dalbeth, N., McNair, P. et al. Effects of a footwear intervention on foot pain and disability in people with gout: a randomised controlled trial. Arthritis Res Ther 21, 104 (2019) doi:10.1186/s13075-019-1886-y
Frecklington, M., Dalbeth, N., McNair, P., Gow, P., Williams, A., Carroll, M., & Rome, K. (2017). Footwear interventions for foot pain, function, impairment and disability for people with foot and ankle arthritis: A literature review. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 47(6), 814–824. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.10.017
