Foot physiotherapy

The cost of physiotherapy starts from £64 for your first appointment.* This is based on a 45-minute appointment and includes a full assessment and treatment plan.

The cost of follow-up appointments starts from £50.*

The cost of your total physiotherapy treatment will depend on various factors such as your condition, how many sessions you need and what type of treatment you are recommended. Some of our specialist treatments, such as steroid injection therapy and Phits Insoles are priced separately, however you will be informed of any additional charges as part of your treatment planning. Your physiotherapist will always discuss your treatment options with you.

*This is a guide price and may vary. You'll be told the exact cost before you book.

You might need physiotherapy to manage your foot pain if you have any of the following health concerns:

Plantar fasciitis

This occurs when the fibrous tissue along the bottom of your foot connecting your heel to your toes becomes inflamed. It can cause heel pain that gets worse the more time you spend on your feet. The pain is often described as a stabbing pain and can be more common in people that run regularly. Foot physiotherapy can help reduce inflammation in your feet and ease the pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

Achilles tendonitis

Also known as Achilles tendinopathy, this refers to pain in your Achilles tendon due to inflammation. Your Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel. It gradually weakens over the years resulting in partial tears that can cause pain and discomfort. The main cause of tendonitis is injury that occurs during sport, or general wear and tear that happens with repetitive movements associated with sport. Physiotherapy helps reduce inflammation and pain caused by tendonitis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis happens when the smooth cartilage across the surface of your joint wears down over time. You'll sometimes hear it referred to as wear and tear arthritis, and it's more common the older we get. The wear and tear can make your joints very painful and stiff and can really reduce your mobility. This is the most common type of arthritis both in the UK and worldwide and it is one of the most common reasons why you might have physiotherapy.

Many people experience osteoarthritis in their feet. You might hear a grating or crunching sound in your feet if you have foot arthritis, and you might find that walking long distances or putting too much pressure on your feet exacerbates your pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) currently affects more than 400,000 people in the UK. It is an inflammatory joint condition caused by an autoimmune process, which happens when your body attacks its healthy cells by mistake. This often causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in your joints. Joints affected by RA are commonly surrounded by inflamed tissue, which often results in chronic pain. Rheumatoid arthritis in your feet and ankles can make walking and other everyday activities very difficult.

A fracture

This can happen due to a bad fall or a direct blow to your foot, causing one of the bones in your foot to crack and break, such as a rugby tackle. A broken foot can cause severe pain that worsens when you put pressure on your foot, and you may also experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising.

Can physiotherapy help with foot pain?

Foot pain can be extremely debilitating, preventing you from walking properly and from performing normal everyday activities we take for granted, such as shopping and driving. Physiotherapy can help significantly reduce and even eliminate your pain, and help you recover faster from injury. In some cases, physiotherapy can also help prevent you from damaging your feet in the future, because it helps strengthen the muscles around the bones in your feet and improves your flexibility.

Physiotherapy for foot pain typically comprises performing a series of set foot physiotherapy exercises over a dedicated number of 60-minute sessions with your physiotherapist. These will be tailored to your needs, and your physiotherapist will ask that you also perform them at home for the best results. Your individual exercise programme might involve the use of specialist equipment, which your physiotherapist will ensure you understand how to use effectively. Exercises will range from gentle stretches to strengthening exercises to improve your range of motion and build strength in your foot.

Your ankles are vital in your ability to stand, balance, and move, because they support your body weight. Ankle pain and foot pain often go hand-in-hand with one another. If you have arthritis, it might affect the bones in both your foot and ankle. If you have tendonitis in your foot, the pain might radiate through your foot and to your ankle. Physiotherapy can help with ankle pain as well as foot pain, strengthening the muscles around the bones in your ankle and allowing you to walk with stability.

There are many types of physiotherapy for foot pain, including:

• Individual exercise programmes
• Strengthening programmes
• Muscle and joint manipulation techniques
• Electrotherapy
• Swelling management
• Expert advice managing your pain and how to perform everyday tasks
• Steroid injection therapy

Your physiotherapist will explain which form of treatment is the best for you before they begin building your bespoke treatment plan.

When you choose to go private for physiotherapy with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
• A dedicated physiotherapist who will take the time to get to know you and understand your goals
• Bespoke physiotherapy programmes tailored to your individual needs
• Exceptional facilities and the latest technology and equipment to help you get the most out of physiotherapy
• Expert and care and advice from the same specialist who will support you throughout your journey, from beginning to end

If you want to know more physiotherapy for knee pain and find out if it's the right treatment for you, call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in June 2023. Next review due June 2026.

1. Foot pain, NHS
2. Foot pain and problems, Johns Hopkins Medicine
3. When foot pain may mean arthritis, Arthritis Foundation
4. Foot pain, Harvard health