Conditions

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot—becomes inflamed. This condition can cause sharp, stabbing pain, particularly with your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Sharp pain in the heel or arch, especially in the morning
• Discomfort after long periods of standing or walking
• Stiffness and tenderness in the sole of the foot
• Pain that worsens after exercise but not during

Causes & Risk Factors

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive strain on the plantar fascia. Common risk factors include:

• High-impact activities like running, dancing, or jumping
• Prolonged standing on hard surfaces
• Poor footwear with inadequate support
• Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns
• Being overweight, which increases stress on the foot

Treatment Options

At GQC, we offer a range of treatments to help relieve pain and promote healing:

Footwear advice & orthotics – Supportive shoes or custom insoles can improve foot mechanics

Stretching & strengthening exercises – Targeted exercises help reduce strain and improve flexibility

Manual therapy & massage – Techniques to release tension and improve circulation

Taping & strapping – Provides short-term relief by reducing stress on the fascia

Lifestyle & activity modifications – Advice on reducing strain while staying active

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens due to irritation or compression, leading to discomfort, numbness, or a burning sensation.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

• A sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot
• A sensation of a lump or pebble inside the shoe
• Numbness or tingling in the toes
• Pain that worsens with walking, tight shoes, or high heels

Causes & Risk Factors

Morton’s neuroma develops due to excessive pressure or irritation on the nerves in the foot. Common risk factors include:

• Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
• High-impact activities such as running or sports involving jumping
• Foot deformities like flat feet, high arches, or bunions
• Repetitive stress on the forefoot from prolonged standing or walking

Treatment Options

At GQC, we provide a range of effective treatments to relieve pain and prevent further irritation:

Footwear advice & orthotics – Supportive, cushioned shoes or custom insoles to offload pressure

Padding & taping – Reduces irritation on the affected nerve

Manual therapy & massage – Helps release tension in the foot muscles

Corticosteroid injections – For cases where pain persists despite conservative measures

Surgical referral – In severe cases, where other treatments have not been effective

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon—the thick fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It can occur in various areas of the body, but in the feet and lower legs, it is most common in the Achilles tendon, posterior tibial tendon, or peroneal tendons. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

• Pain or tenderness along a tendon, particularly when moving the affected area
• Swelling around the tendon
• Increased pain with activity or after exercise
• A feeling of weakness in the affected area
• Heat or redness around the tendon (in some cases)

Causes & Risk Factors

Tendonitis typically results from overuse, repetitive motion, or injury. Common causes and risk factors include:

• Overloading the tendon through repetitive physical activity
• Sudden increase in physical activity or intensity (e.g., running, sports)
• Poor footwear or improper biomechanics
• Foot or ankle abnormalities such as flat feet or high arches
• Age-related changes in tendon flexibility and strength

Treatment Options

At GQC, we offer effective treatments to reduce pain and promote healing of tendonitis:

Rest & Activity Modification – Avoiding aggravating activities to allow the tendon to heal

Ice & Anti-inflammatory measures – To reduce swelling and pain

Manual therapy & massage – Helps improve mobility and decrease muscle tension around the tendon

Orthotics & Footwear Advice – Customized insoles or supportive shoes to reduce strain on the tendon

Stretching & Strengthening Exercises – Targeted rehabilitation to promote tendon recovery

Corticosteroid Injections – In cases of persistent pain, to reduce inflammation

What is Foot Arthritis?

Foot arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints in the foot, often leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The most common types of arthritis affecting the feet are osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition). Arthritis in the foot can affect any of the joints but most commonly impacts the big toe, midfoot, and the ankle.

Symptoms of Foot Arthritis

• Pain and swelling in the joints of the foot
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the foot or toes
• Pain that worsens with activity or after long periods of standing
• Tenderness in the affected area, especially when touched
• A feeling of grating or crunching when moving the joint
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Causes & Risk Factors

Foot arthritis can develop due to a variety of factors, including:

• Wear and tear on the joints, especially with age (osteoarthritis)
• Injury to the foot, such as fractures or sprains, that may lead to joint damage
• Genetic factors or a family history of arthritis
• Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• Abnormal foot mechanics such as flat feet or high arches, which place extra stress on the joints
• Obesity, which increases pressure on the joints

Treatment Options

At GQC, we focus on providing relief and improving the function of your foot with a personalised treatment plan:

Pain management – Including ice, anti-inflammatory treatments, and pain relief strategies

Footwear recommendations – Shoes with proper arch support and cushioning to reduce joint stress

Orthotics – Custom insoles to redistribute pressure and provide joint stability

Exercise & rehabilitation – Strengthening exercises to support joint function and mobility

Manual therapy – To help improve joint range of motion and reduce discomfort

Injections – Such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation in more severe cases

Surgical consultation – For advanced cases where other treatments haven’t been effective, including joint fusion or replacement