Foot Pain Physio Liverpool
Pain in the heel, arch, top or ball of the foot can make every step hard work. We find what is causing it, often a mix of load, footwear and how you move, and give you a plan to settle it and keep it away.
Common types of foot pain
Where the pain is gives the first clue to what is causing it. The NHS notes that foot pain is often caused by exercise, especially running, kicking or jumping, as well as tight shoes.
Heel and arch pain
Often plantar fasciitis, with sharp pain under the heel for the first steps in the morning.
Pain on top of the foot
Often linked to running, tight laces or a tendon or bone under strain. Read our guide to pain on top of the foot after running.
Ball of the foot and toes
Pain under the forefoot or in the big toe joint, often made worse by long periods of standing or by footwear.
Back of the heel and ankle
Achilles tendon pain and ankle pain, often after a jump in training or walking load.
Settle the pain, then fix the cause
Most foot pain gets better with the right loading, exercises and footwear, without needing an operation.
Assessment, £45
We look at the foot, ankle and the way you walk or run to find what is overloading the painful area.
Exercises and loading advice
Strengthening for the foot and calf, and a plan to adjust walking, standing or training so the area can settle.
Gait analysis
Gait analysis (£150) measures how you walk or run, and our guide on choosing running shoes covers footwear.
Shockwave for stubborn pain
For heel or tendon pain that has not settled, shockwave therapy is £45 a session.
When foot pain needs checking
NHS advice is to get foot pain checked if it has not improved after 2 weeks of treating it at home.
Book an assessment
If the pain stops normal activities, is getting worse or keeps coming back, or has not improved after 2 weeks.
Get urgent help
Contact NHS 111 if the pain is severe or you cannot walk, the foot has changed shape, you heard a snap at the time of injury, or it is hot and swollen with a high temperature. If you have diabetes, get foot problems checked quickly.
Foot pain physio near you
Both clinics offer early, late and Saturday appointments. You do not need a GP referral.
Seaforth, north Liverpool
Fitness Connection, 83 Seaforth Road, L21 3TY. Close to Crosby, Waterloo, Litherland, Bootle and Netherton.
Speke, south Liverpool
Business First Centre, Goodlass Road, L24 9HJ. Close to Garston, Hunts Cross, Woolton, Allerton, Halewood and Widnes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a physio help with foot pain?
Yes. Most foot pain comes from muscles, tendons, joints or the tissue under the foot being overloaded. A physiotherapist can find the cause and use exercises, loading advice, hands-on treatment and, where useful, gait analysis or shockwave therapy to settle it.
How much does a foot pain assessment cost?
A physiotherapy assessment is £45 at our Seaforth and Speke clinics. Gait analysis is £150 and shockwave therapy is £45 a session, if you need them.
When should I see someone about foot pain?
NHS advice is to get it checked if the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks, if it stops your normal activities, is getting worse or keeps coming back, or if you have tingling or numbness in your foot.
Do I need new insoles or trainers?
Not always. Footwear can play a part, so we look at what you wear as part of your assessment. Many people improve with exercises and changes to their loading before anything else is needed.
When is foot pain an emergency?
Contact NHS 111 if the pain is severe or you cannot walk, your foot has changed shape, you heard a snap or popping noise when it happened, or the foot is hot and swollen or you have a very high temperature. These can be signs of a broken bone or infection.
Source: NHS, Pain in the top of the foot.
Book a foot pain assessment
If your foot hurts when you walk, stand or run, an assessment will find what is driving it and give you a plan to settle it.