COMMON CONDITIONS EXPLORED
Whether you’re experiencing foot, ankle, or knee pain, this page offers free educational resources, including podcast episodes, to help you understand what’s happening with your feet and lower limbs.
Our goal is to help you learn how your body moves and works.
Explore common conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendinopathy, and understand the anatomy and movement behind each one.
BUNIONS
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, often caused by prolonged pressure or wearing narrow shoes.
Bunions are common in adults, particularly women, and can affect comfort and mobility over time.
Listen to the podcast below to understand the anatomy and movement behind bunions.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting millions of people worldwide.
It occurs when the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed, often due to overuse or poor footwear.
Common in runners and those who spend long periods on their feet, plantar fasciitis can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially first thing in the morning.
Listen to the podcast below to understand what happens in the foot with plantar fasciitis.
FLAT FEET
Many people have been told that they have ‘flat feet’ and that this means they are destined to be riddled with pain and dysfunction unless they constantly support their arches with footwear and orthoses.
Well it turns out that this is a myth and that the vast majority of cases of ‘flat feet’ are really just a variation of normal and are no cause for concern.
That being said, regardless of your arch profile (low/neutral/high) while standing still, your feet should have the ability to pronate and supinate with coordination and control through movement.
Listen to the podcast below to learn more about arch function and the ‘flat feet’ myth.
Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes.
It occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes becomes thickened, causing a sharp, burning pain in the forefoot.
This condition is commonly seen in those who wear tight or high-heeled shoes.
Listen to the podcast below to understand the anatomy involved.
ACHILLES TENDINITIS/TENDINOPATHY
Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
It often presents as pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, especially during physical activity.
Achilles tendinopathy is frequently seen in runners and athletes.
Listen to the podcast below to learn more about the calf and Achilles.
ANKLE SPRAINS
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to a sudden twist or impact.
This is one of the most common injuries, especially in athletes or active individuals.
While many sprains settle on their own, they can lead to ongoing instability.
Listen to the podcast below to understand more about the ankle.
Hallux Limitus/Rigidus
Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus are conditions affecting the big toe joint, leading to stiffness and limited movement.
Over time, these conditions can progress, making it harder to walk or stand.
Hallux limitus starts with reduced motion in the big toe, while hallux rigidus involves the complete loss of motion.
Listen to the podcast below to learn more about the big toe joint.
Patella Tendinopathy/Knee Pain
Also known as jumper’s knee, patella tendinopathy involves the degeneration of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone.
It is common in athletes and those involved in repetitive jumping or running.
Patella tendinopathy can cause pain just below the kneecap and may worsen with activity.
Listen to the podcast below to learn more about the knee.
Shin Splints
Shin splints refer to pain along the shinbone (tibia), typically caused by overuse in activities like running or jumping.
This condition is common in runners, dancers, and those who rapidly increase physical activity levels.
Shin splints can make it uncomfortable to continue exercising.
Listen to the podcast below to understand more about the lower leg.
Posterior Tibialis Pain
Posterior tibialis dysfunction occurs when the posterior tibialis tendon, which supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed or torn.
This can lead to a flattening of the foot, overpronation, and pain along the inside of the ankle.
Listen to the podcast below to learn more about the inner ankle and arch.