Why physio?

[Picklypickles]

I've been experiencing a lot of pain in my feet over the past year, the pain is in my toes and across the top of my feet and the sides of my ankles. I've seen my GP about this and have had bloods taken and x-rays done. I think the GP was thinking along the lines of arthritis or something like that.

Anyway, bloods all came back normal and so did the x-rays. So I asked what else it might be and where I go from here, all my GP said was that I should self-refer for an appointment with a physiotherapist, which I have done and am waiting for an appointment.

I don't understand why though? I don't know what is wrong with my feet, neither does anyone else. What will a physiotherapist be able to do? I have to admit I'm not very happy about having to go to see one, my dad's ex wife was a physiotherapist and was always talking about how physio's are all sadists who love to torture their patients.

I'm currently seeing a physio for pain in my ankle and foot. She's given me exercises to strengthen muscles, done a referral to the department at the hospital who fit arch supports, given me shockwave therapy (which was awful) so now she's giving me acupuncture instead. There's a lot they can do, depending on the cause.

A physio will be educated and trained in muscular and physical problems with the body including your foot. its pretty normal to be referred with physical pain when nothing obvious has come back from tests. They may spot something your gp hasn’t aswell as give you exercises/treatment. Some can also refer on too or recommend a referral to ortho for example.

Whats the alternative? Stay in pain?

It really annoys me when people are so against self help and just want a magic pill from the doctor. Maybe a physio will be able to help through exercise, massage, posture etc! Why can't you be expected to make some effort for yourself? I don't understand that.

and was always talking about how physio's are all sadists who love to torture their patients.

Well that’s a ridiculous thing to say. How odd.

Love my physio ! They might look to see if your gait is ok, or maybe you have a muscle imbalance that they can loosen off. You could also find that you have a muscle weakness or immobility so they’ll recommend exercises. I think the old images of physio’s being dragons is outdated - now they are focussed on getting you moving, but of course it can be uncomfortable at times if you’re trying to work muscles in a new way.

It seems to be the first step in any treatment these days. Think it’s cost saving but physios can be really useful.

Physios are the magicians of muscular / skeletal issues, IME!

You do have to work at the exercises they give you and it can be tough but it works.

As I have quite clearly stated I HAVE self-referred and am awaiting an appointment. I'm allowed to be apprehensive aren't I? If you don't have any useful comments about what I might expect from a physiotherapy appointment I don't understand why you have commented other than to have a dig at someone online.

She was an odd woman, probably still is! However she is the only physiotherapist I have met!

What about podiatry? If you can find a local sports podiatrist, they’ll help diagnose and treat your sore feet.

I think my main concern is that maybe this issue I'm having has nothing to do with my muscles or skeleton and might be something else such as Peripheral Artery Disease etc, can a physiotherapist get to the root of the problem?

The pain is most likely due to lots of different things. muscle weakness somewhere or a nerve being trapped, a strain and you could be helped with certain exercises, acupuncture, ultrasound or massage all of which you can get from a physio.

Most physios are lovely and caring, please don't be apprehensive x

I've already tried to get an appointment with a podiatrist for ingrown toenails and been told the waiting list is years long and unless I have diabetes I'm not going to get an appointment unless I go privately, which I can't afford.

Exactly this. They've sorted out six different issues for me. They are indeed magicians!

I'm still waiting for a referral to physio from 5 years ago. I'm assuming that will never come through now! I hope you have better luck.

However, what I would suggest is making an appointment to see an osteopath. As the blood tests have shown it's not arthritis, it may be caused by some misalignment that can be treated by manipulation. Good luck!

If it is an issue with your feet a good physio will work it out. A lot of things can be diagnosed easily by a physio from watching you walk or having you push down or pull up against resistance. They could also refer you onto a different speciality if needed and will do if they are a good physio and they can't help you. X

A good physio is worth their weight in gold and the joke about them torturing their patients is a standard industry one - no one takes it seriously!

I was also going to suggest a podiatrist because they're trained in msk structures from the back downwards. I appreciate a private one is expensive but if you don't have success with a physio then I'd save up to see one.

Thank you, this is somewhat reassuring to hear!

Not all arthritis shows up in blood tests. I have psoriatic arthritis, which is sero negative, blood tests always look fine! Any history of skin problems? Is the pain worse in the morning/after resting? Might be worth pushing to see a rheumatologist. My arthritis is worst in my feet and ankles, it's quite common for it to affect feet because there are so many tiny joints. X rays will only show bone damage that's already been done, so several years after the inflammation and pain.

A good physio is amazing. They see the body entirely differently to other HCPs.

I'm not sure an osteopath would be a better choice than a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are generally more qualified in limbs than osteopaths and also deal with muscles/tendons more.
Osteopaths are more spine/neck specialists and manipulation centred (which can be painful). They're also less likely to prescribe exercises.

This is interesting. I do have skin problems - mainly on my feet! I suffer with lichen planus, where I get clusters of hard blisters that dry out and the skin starts to peel away, it can be very painful.

All the physio will do is prescribe cat/dog stretches if you have a bad back and calf stretches for foot problems. If that doesn't cure it, then it will said the pain is in your head caused by stress.
There are one or two good ones out there, mostly self employed but the majority are young kids used to field patients to free up the the GP.
They see you, sign you off, you're still in pain, so you start again with a GP appointment. They are hoping in the many months that takes the problem will have sorted itself.

This is not true in all areas. The physiotherapist my GP refers to is the same one I used privately before the GP referral service was available.

@Picklypickles are you sure your skin issue isn't psoriasis?