Foot pain can be extremely debilitating for those suffering with it, it limits mobility and it can get in the way of leading everyday life. 

At Dunmurry Podiatry, we help our clients walk freely without pain. We use the latest technology in order to make a diagnosis for the cause of foot pain and we use innovative treatments that provide immediate relief and foot support. 

Foot pain examination

In our initial session, we perform a foot examination in order to determine the causes of foot discomfort. Pain may occur in the ankle, toes, heel or in any other parts of the feet. We examine the whole foot as pain radiating from one area, might actually be a symptom of something else. 

Some of the cause of foot pain includes: 

• Poor posture
• Ill-fitted footwear
• Injury to the foot, i.e.) sprained ankle
• Inflammation
• Overuse of ligaments or tendons
• Aging
• Standing on your feet for long periods of time
• Natural shape of the foot – i.e.) flat feet 

There are many factors that can contribute to sore feet, at Dunmurry Podiatry, we make a diagnosis and provide innovative treatments in order to help you manage foot pain and heal from foot-related issues. 

Biomechanics and foot pain

Biomechanics refers to the skeletal and muscular structure of the body, in relation to the feet, this looks at how the feet are positioned and aligned – which has a massive impact in how your feet absorb impact and propel the body when walking. 

Biomechanical foot pain occurs when the feet are out of alignment, they are not in the correct position and unable to function properly or support the body’s weight efficiently. Biomechanical foot pain can be caused by a variety of factors, some include: 

• Ill-fitted footwear
• Trauma or injury to the feet
• Excessive weight gain
• Abnormal foot shape

At Dunmurry Podiatry, we will evaluate your foot in relation to its biomechanics, which can help us identify the cause of foot afflictions. 

If needed, we will perform physiotherapy in order to correct alignment and provide pain relief. We also demonstrate physio type exercises as part of the treatment of foot pain along with footwear advice and foot products such as realigners. 

Treating bunions

Bunions are a type of hard bony lump that forms along the sides of the feet. They can be quite painful and may feel worse when standing or walking. Surgery is the only way to remove bunions, but there are some things that we recommend doing in order to ease the pain. 

• Wear wide shoes
• Apply a cold compress to the area
• Use bunion pads to stop your footwear from chafing against it.

At Dunmurry Podiatry we can advise you on the best course of action for treating bunions and easing pain, we also provide bunion pads and toe shields in our premises. 

Ultrasound therapy for foot pain management 

At Dunmurry Podiatry, we provide Ultrasound therapy to help our patients manage the pain in the foot . The treatment uses high frequency sound waves that are penetrated through the feet, which stimulates blood flow to the affected area and helps to heal damaged tissue. 

The Ultrasound treatment only lasts for around 10 minutes and is a non-invasive and pain free approach to managing foot issues. It is typically used for those suffering with arthritis, sprains and gout, but we can use it to treat a number of foot related issues that are causing pain.  

Insoles and Orthotics for managing foot pain 

At Dunmurry Podiatry, we can provide insoles and orthotics to help you manage pain in the foot, increase comfort and to perform corrective actions that will prevent foot pain from occurring in the future. 

Our range of insoles and orthotics are specifically designed to help support the foot and we provide prescription orthotics in relation to your foot pain diagnosis. 

What is the difference between insoles and orthotics?  

Insoles are like a soft cushion that is inserted into your footwear. You can purchase them over the counter, but it is best to check with a Podiatrist to see if they are suitable and useful for helping you manage foot pain.

Insoles are usually made of a gel-like substance, soft foam or flexible plastic. Whilst they aren’t specifically made for correcting foot-related issues, they can still provide some arch support and make for more comfortable footwear. 

Orthotics are specifically designed to help correct foot-related issues. Like insoles they are inserted into the footwear and used to help manage foot pain. A podiatrist will prescribe orthotics if required, matching the size and shape to your foot’s requirements. 

Orthotics are great for ensuring your feet are correctly aligned and in the correct position. They provide subtle support to the feet and are mostly unnoticeable additions to your existing footwear. 

Depending on the cause of your foot pain, and in consideration of your lifestyle, we will prescribe either rigid orthotics or soft orthotics in order to help your feet maintain the correct position and functionality. 

Advice on other conditions causing foot pain

We also provide advise, support and pain management treatments for other conditions that may be causing pain in the feet, including: 

• Hammer toes
• Hallux Valgus
• Morton’s neuroma
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sever’s disease
• Paediatric foot conditions

We can assess your feet for these conditions and provide an effective treatment plan to help you manage pain and deal with the root issue. 

Have a read of some of the other Podiatry Services we offer in the Dunmurry, Lisburn and Belfast Areas:

Nail Surgery
Verruca Treatments
General Footcare

Schedule an appointment today for foot pain management

If you are experiencing foot pain, don’t delay getting in touch with us to get it seen to. We can help you manage foot pain effectively and identify the root cause of the issue. You can use our online booking system to schedule an appointment or alternatively give us a call and we would be happy to help.