Foot

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It most often develops in middle-aged runners and athletes through repetitive loading, leading to microscopic fibre damage and thickening of the tendon.

You’ll notice a gradual onset of pain and stiffness along the back of the heel—particularly on first steps in the morning or after periods of rest—and tenderness when pressing into the tendon - sometimes you might feel a marble sized swelling in the tendon. Pain typically worsens during or after running, jumping or uphill walking, and you may feel a creaking sensation (crepitus) as the tendon moves.

Plantar fasciitis is characterised by microtears and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It commonly affects people with tight calf muscles, high-arched or flat feet, prolonged standing or sudden increases in training load or new foot wear.

You’ll notice a sharp, stabbing pain under the heel or along the arch on taking your first steps in the morning or after sitting. The discomfort often eases with a few steps but may return after prolonged activity, and pressing into the inner heel reproduces the tenderness.

Bursitis in the foot refers to inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion bones, tendons and muscles, most frequently occurring around the heel, over the first metatarsal head (bunion bursa) or at the Achilles insertion. It can arise from direct trauma, overuse or structural foot abnormalities.

You’ll notice localised swelling or redness over the affected bursa, often accompanied by warmth and tenderness on palpation. Pain intensifies with movement or pressure—such as walking, wearing tight shoes or direct contact with the ground—and may be worse when resting the foot.

Arthritis of the foot encompasses both degenerative (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory (rheumatoid, psoriatic) processes affecting the joints, leading to cartilage breakdown, bone-spur formation and synovial inflammation. It commonly follows years of wear-and-tear or systemic autoimmune conditions.

You’ll recognise it by joint pain and stiffness—especially after periods of rest—accompanied by swelling, reduced range of motion and sometimes audible grinding (crepitus). Affected areas often include the big-toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal), midfoot joints and toes, with nodal enlargement in chronic cases.

Gout is an acute inflammatory arthritis caused by urate-crystal deposition in joints. This can affect many joints,such as the knee, but is common in the big-toe and ankle. Flares are frequently triggered by alcohol, rich foods or dehydration.

You’ll experience sudden onset of excruciating pain, redness and swelling in the joint, which feels hot to touch and intolerant of even light pressure—such as a bedsheet brushing the skin—during an attack.

Bony spurs are osteophytic outgrowths that develop on the margins of bones within the foot—most commonly under the heel (heel spur) or along midfoot joints. They form in response to chronic stress, overload or arthritis and can impinge on surrounding soft tissues.

You’ll notice sharp, localised pain when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces, corresponding exactly with the spur location. Pressing over the area reproduces the discomfort, which often improves with cushioned footwear or orthotic support.

Morton’s neuroma is perineural fibrosis of the interdigital nerve—most often between the third and fourth metatarsal heads—due to traction or compression. High-heeled or narrow shoes and prolonged forefoot loading contribute to its development.

You’ll feel a burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, sometimes radiating into the adjacent toes, along with numbness or tingling. Squeezing the forefoot may produce a clicking sensation (Mulder’s sign), and symptoms worsen when wearing tight shoes or standing for long periods.

A foot sprain occurs when one or more ligaments supporting the midfoot or toe joints are overstretched or partially torn due to twisting, rolling or impact injuries. Severity ranges from mild overstretch to complete rupture.

You’ll notice immediate pain at the time of injury, followed by swelling, bruising and tenderness along the course of the injured ligament. Weight-bearing and joint movement provoke discomfort, and there may be a feeling of instability in the affected area.

A foot fracture involves a crack or complete break in one or more bones of the foot—including the metatarsals, phalanges or tarsal bones—typically resulting from trauma, falls but also repetitive stress. Fractures can be hairline, displaced or comminuted.

You’ll experience acute, severe pain, swelling and bruising at the fracture site, with difficulty or inability to bear weight. Tenderness directly over the bone and pain on specific movements or pressure help distinguish a fracture from a soft-tissue injury.

Metatarsalgia describes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, usually beneath the metatarsal heads, arising from overload, structural abnormalities or footwear that increases forefoot pressure. It commonly affects runners, dancers and those wearing high-heeled shoes.

You’ll feel a sharp, aching or burning pain in the forefoot when walking, running or standing, often relieved by rest. Pressing along the metatarsal heads reproduces the tenderness, and callus formation may be visible under the painful area.