How do you determine what type of arch pain I have?

At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, we start with a detailed history and hands-on foot examination. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists assess foot posture, gait, footwear, activity level, and pinpoint tenderness to determine whether your pain is coming from the medial, lateral, or transverse arch, or if another condition is involved.

What arch pain is the most common arch injury you see?

Transverse arch pain is the most common arch issue we treat in our Oakville clinic because it is often linked to poor footwear choices, increased activity, and repetitive loading of the forefoot. Many patients can localize the pain to a small area in the middle of the foot, often “nickel-sized.”

Can arch pain be confused with plantar fasciitis?

Yes. Arch pain and plantar fasciitis can feel similar, but they are not the same condition. Plantar fasciitis typically causes heel pain with the first steps in the morning, while arch pain is usually felt through the middle or sides of the foot. Proper diagnosis is critical to avoid treating the wrong condition.

Do you rule out other conditions before starting treatment?

Absolutely. Before beginning treatment, we rule out conditions such as Morton’s Neuroma, sinus tarsi syndrome, base of the 5th toe injuries, stress reactions, and plantar fasciitis. This ensures your treatment plan targets the true source of your pain.

Why do you use IFC therapy for arch pain?

We use Interferential Current (IFC) therapy early in care to help reduce pain, calm irritated tissues, and improve circulation within the arch. IFC prepares the foot for more advanced treatments like shockwave therapy and manual techniques.

What makes shockwave therapy effective for arch pain?

Shockwave therapy stimulates healing by delivering high-energy acoustic waves into damaged or irritated tissues. At our clinic, it is commonly used for chronic arch pain and plantar fascia–related conditions, helping improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration.

How many shockwave treatments are usually needed?

Many patients notice improvement after one to two sessions, but most treatment plans involve 3–5 sessions, depending on severity, chronicity, and response to care. Treatment intensity is always customized.

Is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy painful?

IASTT (often called “scraping” in our clinic) can cause mild to moderate discomfort, especially in areas with significant adhesions or scar tissue. However, treatment intensity is always adjusted to stay within your tolerance and ensure safe, effective care.

Why do you combine multiple treatments instead of just one?

Arch pain rarely has a single cause. Combining IFC, shockwave therapy, IASTT, and muscle release techniques allows us to address inflammation, tissue restriction, poor mobility, and faulty loading patterns — not just symptoms.

What role does ART play in arch pain treatment?

Active Release Technique (ART) is used to treat deeper soft tissue restrictions within the foot. By applying precise pressure while moving the foot and toes, ART helps break down adhesions and restore normal movement through the arch.

Should I stop walking or exercising while being treated?

In most cases, complete rest is not required. We often modify activity instead of eliminating it. Your provider will give clear guidance on walking, exercise, and footwear during your recovery.

Do shoes really matter for arch pain?

Yes — footwear is one of the most important factors in arch pain recovery. Poor shoe support is a leading cause of transverse and medial arch strain. Our team will assess your shoes and provide specific footwear recommendations based on your diagnosis.

Do you recommend icing after arch pain treatments?

Yes. Post-treatment icing is often recommended to reduce inflammation and soreness, especially after manual therapy, ART, or shockwave sessions.

How long does it usually take to recover from arch pain?

Recovery time varies, but many patients notice meaningful improvement within 2–4 weeks when treatment is combined with proper footwear and activity modification. Chronic cases may require longer care plans.

When should I book an appointment for arch pain?

If arch pain is sharp, worsening, limiting your walking, or not improving after a few days, it’s time for an assessment. Early diagnosis leads to faster recovery and helps prevent long-term foot issues.

Last Reviewed by: Dr. Steve Knighton | April 3, 2026

Foot Pain Treatment in Oakville

Foot pain can affect everything — walking, working, training, and even standing for long periods. At our Oakville clinic, we treat the underlying mechanical cause of foot pain, not just the symptoms.

Whether your pain is in the arch, heel, forefoot, or ankle, our chiropractic and physiotherapy team at Nottinghill Family Wellness provides evidence-based treatment designed to reduce inflammation, improve foot mechanics, and restore proper movement.

Foot and ankle injuries can occur during motor vehicle accidents due to sudden force through the pedals or floorboard. Our motor vehicle accident rehab Oakville program includes treatment for lower extremity injuries following collisions.

If you’re searching for foot pain relief or foot pain treatment in Oakville, below are the most common conditions we treat:

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Common Causes of Foot Pain In Oakville

👉 Arch Pain

Collapsed arches, overpronation, and tendon strain can cause deep aching along the inside of the foot. We assess biomechanics and provide corrective treatment and orthotics when necessary.

👉 Bunion

Pain and swelling at the base of the big toe joint can worsen over time. Early treatment helps reduce inflammation and slow progression.

👉 Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain that’s worse in the morning? Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain we see in Oakville.

👉 Lateral Ankle Sprain

Rolled your ankle? We treat ligament injuries, swelling, and instability to prevent chronic weakness.

👉 Morton’s Neuroma

Burning pain or numbness between the toes may be nerve irritation in the forefoot.

👉 Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Pain on the outside of the ankle that feels unstable may be related to sinus tarsi inflammation.

How We Treat Foot Pain In Oakville

Foot Pain Treatment depends on your individual diagnosis but may include:

Shockwave therapy for chronic foot pain – Shockwave is a pneumatic gun that breaks up scar tissue and aids in healing of foot pain!
Chiropractic joint mobilization and adjustments – Adjustments of the foot and ankle are key components to getting the patients mobility back to normal
Foot Soft tissue therapy and ART – Active Release Therapy of the foot is used to break up stubborn scar tissue and improve flexibility!
Custom orthotics when needed – Most foot pain patients find foot pain relief with custom orthotics or a change to a more supportive shoe.
Strength and gait correction programs – All foot pain patients get a progressive foot exerces program to aid in their healing and make sure the foot pain doesnt come back.

We focus on correcting biomechanics so the pain does not keep coming back.

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What Our Foot Pain Patients Are saying

Where does one even begin?? I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Steve and his amazing team! I went in with unbearable SI joint pain—pain so intense that it was affecting my daily life. From the moment I walked into their office, I felt welcomed, cared for, and... read more

Krystal Milwain
March 5, 2025

Great staff , very welcoming and knowledgeable

Heidi Bedard
July 7, 2024

I had a great experience with Dr. Steve and his team! Dr. Steve is very knowledgeable, and the whole team is welcoming and professional. After my visits, my elbow pain is now mostly relieved. Highly recommend their care!

Li Li
November 7, 2024
Dr Steve is friendly, efficient and above all knowledgeable. He’s helped with my plantar fasciitis and is now moving on to my tennis elbow! I never need to wait. His staff are amazing!

Katherine Babb
September 7, 2024

Dr. Steve was amazing! He listened to my issues & addressed them according. He was friendly and empathetic.

Sabrina Hasan
August 7, 2024

When I booked my first appointment with Dr. Steve, my SI was in so much pain, I couldn’t stand due to the pain and it was worse sitting down. I chose Dr. Steve just for proximity to work, and at the time desperate for some relief. Dr. Steve assured me... read more

Renee Phillips
February 6, 2025
Another great experience, thanks for keeping me going!

Guillaume Grincourt
June 7, 2024

I have been seeing Steve and his team for about 6 months now for several different issues I have going on and I think they are all amazing people who work there. From the front desk to the people who assist Steve with the treatments. A shout out specifically to... read more

Alanna Waugh
August 7, 2024

Dr. Jenn thank you for all the years looking after our family, you are nothing short of a miracle worker. Always refer friends to your practice, sorry we are moving, you will be missed. Audrey, thank you for always accommodating us on short notice and following up, lifesaver. ... read more

Shona Mindzak
December 7, 2024

When Should You Get Foot Pain Checked?

If your pain:

Lasts more than 7–10 days
Is worsening
Affects walking or work
Keeps returning

It’s time for a proper assessment.

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Foot Pain Relief in Oakville

Our clinic treats foot pain six days a week using a comprehensive, non-surgical approach. Early treatment prevents chronic issues and reduces the need for invasive procedures. We are open Saturdays to get you the foot pain relief you need!

Book your assessment today and find out what’s really causing your foot pain.

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Meet Our Team

Dr. Steve Knighton - Chiropractor

Dr. Jenn Garven - Chiropractor

Dr. Alex - Chiropractor

Vinaya Chitgopkar - Physiotherapist

Jessica Kennedy - RMT Athletic Therapist

Nicole Lake - RMT Athletic Therapist

Laura Lyn - Chiropractic Assistant

Stephanie - Chiropractic Clinic Manager

Silvia Geierova - RMT Massage Therapist

Katherine Kirner - Nurse Practitioner

Shoes & Orthotics for Foot Pain

Supportive footwear is one of the most overlooked factors in persistent foot pain. Walking barefoot or wearing unsupportive slippers at home increases strain on the plantar fascia, arch, and intrinsic foot muscles — especially during prolonged standing on hard surfaces.

At our Oakville clinic, footwear guidance is part of the bigger picture. Before jumping straight to custom orthotics, Dr. Steve Knighton focuses on improving mobility, reducing inflammation, and restoring proper biomechanics. As pain decreases and movement improves, a more accurate gait scan can determine whether custom orthotics are truly needed.

For home use, supportive cork sandals or structured “in-house” shoes are strongly preferred over slippers or barefoot walking. For daily wear, stable lifestyle shoes with strong mid-foot support, firm heel counters, and appropriate cushioning are key.

If you’ve spoken with Dr. Steve, you know he takes shoe recommendations seriously — helping patients choose the right support for their foot type, activity level, and long-term recovery.

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Foot Pain Treatment FAQS

What are the most common causes of foot pain?

Foot pain is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, bunions, tendon irritation, ankle sprains, flat feet, nerve compression, and arthritis. Poor footwear and abnormal walking mechanics often contribute to ongoing symptoms.

How do you assess foot pain at your Oakville clinic?

We perform a biomechanical exam that includes gait analysis, joint mobility testing, strength evaluation, and orthopedic testing. This helps identify the exact structure causing pain and guides a targeted treatment plan.

Can orthotics reduce foot pain?

Custom orthotics improve foot alignment, control overpronation, and reduce pressure on irritated joints and tendons. They are often combined with manual therapy and strengthening exercises for long-term correction.

Does shockwave therapy help foot pain?

Shockwave therapy stimulates blood flow and tissue healing. It is effective for chronic plantar fasciitis, tendon pain, and other soft tissue foot conditions that have not responded to rest alone.

When should I see a professional for foot pain?

Seek treatment if pain lasts more than two weeks, worsens with walking, limits activity, or keeps returning. Early treatment prevents chronic problems and improves recovery outcomes.