Heal Your Feet: How Osteopathy Can Help Treat Common Foot Conditions 

Are you experiencing foot pain or discomfort? Osteopathic treatment may be able to help.  

Osteopaths are healthcare professionals who focus on the musculoskeletal system and its role in overall health and well-being. When it comes to treating feet, osteopaths employ a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of the body and its various systems. 

Osteopaths view the feet as an integral part of the body’s biomechanical system. They understand that issues with the feet can have a ripple effect, leading to problems in other areas such as the ankles, knees, hips, and even the spine. By addressing foot-related conditions, osteopaths are better able to restore balance and function to the entire body. 

Osteopaths can help with a range of foot-related conditions, including: 

1. Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Osteopathy can help treat plantar fasciitis by using manual techniques to stretch and release tension in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles, improving flexibility, and addressing any contributing factors. 
2. Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It can cause pain and discomfort and may even affect the way you walk. Osteopathy can help treat bunions by using manual techniques to improve the alignment of the foot and reduce pressure on the affected joint, along with providing advice on footwear modifications. 
3. Flat Feet or High Arches: Flat feet is a condition in which the arches of the feet collapse. This can cause pain and discomfort and may even lead to other issues such as knee or back pain. Osteopaths can assess foot structure and provide interventions to address issues related to flat feet or high arches. They may recommend exercises, orthotics, or lifestyle modifications to support better foot mechanics. 
4. Ankle Sprains: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Osteopaths can assist in the rehabilitation of ankle sprains by promoting healing, reducing swelling, and restoring joint function through manual techniques, exercises, and other modalities. 
5. Tendonitis: Achilles tendinitis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can be caused by overuse or injury. Osteopathy can help treat Achilles tendinitis by using manual techniques to stretch and release tension in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Your osteopath may use manual therapy alongside the prescription of exercises to support healing and improve tendon strength. 

When seeing an Osteopath, treatment may involve the use of a variety techniques to treat foot-related conditions, including: 

1. Manual Manipulation: Osteopaths use their hands to gently manipulate the joints, muscles, and tissues of the feet. This can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore proper alignment. 
2. Soft Tissue Techniques: Soft tissue techniques such as massage, stretching, and myofascial release, involve applying pressure to the soft tissues of the foot, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can help reduce tension, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility which can promote healing and reduce pain. 
3. Mobilisation: Joint mobilisation is a technique which involves moving the rhythmic movement of the joints through their full range of motion. This technique can help improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and promote healing.  
4. Exercise Prescription: Osteopaths will often provide specific exercises and stretches to strengthen weak muscles, improve stability, and promote better foot mechanics, to further optimise healing. 
5. Postural Assessment and Correction: Osteopaths assess the overall posture and alignment of the body, including how it relates to the feet. They may then provide advice on proper footwear, orthotic devices, or lifestyle modifications to support optimal foot health. 

Osteopathy’s holistic approach to treatment addressing foot-related issues provides a highly effective non-invasive alternative to medication and surgery, helping to improve one’s overall health and well-being. 

If you’re experiencing foot pain or discomfort, consider scheduling an appointment with an osteopath to see if osteopathy can help you find relief, or call us to find out more. 

The Team at North Canberra Osteopathy