Foot Pain Treatment | Physio & Sports Therapy

Help for sore feet

Foot pain can make walking, standing at work and running hard going. It often builds when your activity, footwear or routine changes, or after a jump in training.

Our physiotherapists and sports therapists assess your foot, ankle and lower leg, look at your activity and footwear, and build a plan around progressive strength work and load management.

Thorough foot, ankle and lower leg assessment

Load management and footwear advice

Progressive foot and calf strengthening

Soft tissue therapy and taping

Return-to-walking and running plans

No GP referral needed to book

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What's causing your foot pain?

Foot pain has many possible causes. A proper assessment helps us choose the right approach.

Plantar Heel Pain

Pain under the heel from irritation of the thick band of tissue under the foot. Often worst with the first steps in the morning or after sitting.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel or in the Achilles tendon, usually worse in the morning or at the start of activity.

Forefoot Pain

Pain in the ball of the foot, sometimes with tingling or numbness between the toes. Often linked to footwear, load or irritation of a small nerve.

Bone Stress Injury

Pain in one spot on a foot bone that builds with activity, common after a jump in running or walking. If we suspect one, we'll refer you to your GP for investigation.

Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy

Pain along the inner ankle and arch, sometimes linked to flatter feet. It can limit walking and running if left alone.

Big Toe Stiffness

Stiffness and pain at the big toe joint, often age-related, which can make pushing off when walking or running uncomfortable.

When to see a doctor first

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency, rather than booking with us, if you have:

If you have diabetes and notice changes in your feet, such as numbness, colour changes, a wound or an ulcer: see your GP or diabetes foot team promptly

A hot, red, swollen foot, especially with a fever or if you have diabetes: seek urgent medical help

You can't put weight on the foot after an injury: go to a minor injuries unit or A&E

A sudden snap or 'kick' at the back of the ankle with difficulty pushing off: go to a minor injuries unit or A&E promptly

Pain in one spot on a bone that hurts at rest or at night: see your GP

Sudden, severe pain and swelling in the big toe joint: see your GP

Foot pain questions answered

What causes heel pain?

The most common cause is irritation of the tissue under the heel, often called plantar heel pain. It tends to build after a change in activity, footwear or time on your feet. Pain at the back of the heel is more often linked to the Achilles tendon.

Do I need special insoles?

Not always. Some people find insoles or a change of footwear helps in the short term, while others do well without them. We focus on strength and load first and advise on footwear where it helps.

Can I keep walking or running with foot pain?

Often, yes, with some changes. We'll help you adjust how much and how often you walk or run, so you can stay active while your foot settles.

I have diabetes. Can you help with my foot pain?

If you have diabetes and notice changes in your feet, such as numbness, colour changes or a wound, please see your GP or diabetes foot team first. For other foot pain, we're happy to assess you and work alongside your GP's care.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You don't need a referral to book with our physiotherapists or sports therapists. If you have any of the warning signs listed on this page, please see your GP or seek urgent medical help first.

"Highly recommend for running-related issues. Jess put together a clear plan to get me ready for my marathon, and her communication was excellent throughout. Thank you!"

"Referred after an increasingly painful knee was impacting on my exercise. Hannah was very thorough in her investigation and analysis of the problem. I noticed a steady but sustained improvement following the recommended exercises over the first week. The exercises were subsequently changed up and the improvement sustained over the next two weeks. What definitely helped was the link between the Injury Active Clinic and the Barn. Hannah provided a briefing for the coaches, ensuring the gym sessions reinforced the recommended physio programme."

"Jess was so lovely and supportive throughout my time with her. She really helped build my confidence and get me back to doing the sports I love! I'm so grateful for all her help and would highly recommend :)"

Book a Pain & Movement Assessment

Rather than resting and hoping it settles, get it looked at. Your assessment gives you a clear explanation of what we think is going on, a plan, and a way to measure your progress.

Book an Assessment

Assessment

A thorough look at your history, how you move and what aggravates it, so we understand what's driving your symptoms.

Your Plan

A clear plan with realistic goals and the right mix of hands-on care and exercise for you.

Build Back Up

Progressive strength and movement work so you can get back to full activity with confidence.

Foot Pain
Treatment

Help for sore feet