Foot Pain and Joint Stiffness? How Manual Therapy Can Help

We rely on our feet every single day, so when they hurt or feel stiff, it can impact everything from how we walk to how we feel overall. For many people, foot pain and joint stiffness are more than just annoying—they can limit daily activities and affect overall wellbeing. If this sounds familiar, manual therapy might be a treatment worth considering.

At Mary Moore Podiatry, we offer a specialised approach known as Foot Mobilization Therapy (FMT). This gentle, hands-on technique is designed to restore natural joint movement and relieve pain without the need for long-term orthotics or invasive interventions.

Why Do Feet Get Stiff and Painful?

Foot stiffness and pain often develop gradually. You might notice your feet feeling tight in the morning, aching after a walk, or stiff when you get up from sitting. This discomfort can stem from:

• Restricted joint movement

• Misaligned or subluxed joints

• Tight connective tissues

• Previous injuries or repetitive strain

• Poor footwear or biomechanical issues

Over time, these factors can affect how the joints in your feet move, leading to increased tension, reduced mobility, and pain.

What Is Manual Therapy for the Feet?

Manual therapy, specifically Foot Mobilization Therapy, involves using the hands to gently mobilize the joints of the foot and ankle. The goal is to improve range of motion, relieve pressure, and encourage better alignment and function.

At our Foot Clinic in Dublin 9, Mary Moore has been using this technique since 2012 to help patients regain foot comfort and mobility. The approach draws on skills also found in physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care—but it’s specifically tailored to foot health.

What Does a Session Look Like?

Your treatment will start with a full assessment of your feet, posture, and any contributing factors. Then, during the manual therapy session, Mary will use specific techniques to gently mobilize stiff or restricted joints. There is no cracking or forceful manipulation—just controlled, hands-on guidance to help joints move more freely.

Many patients describe the treatment as relaxing, and some notice relief after just one or two sessions. It’s often combined with other therapies such as stretching advice, podiatric acupuncture, or short-term orthotic use.

How Manual Therapy Helps Foot Pain and Stiffness

Here’s how manual therapy can make a difference:

• Restores joint movement: Gently mobilizing restricted joints helps restore their natural function and reduce stress on surrounding tissues.

• Eases muscle tension: Tight muscles often develop in response to stiff joints. Once mobility improves, muscle tension tends to ease as well.

• Reduces pain: Improved joint motion can take pressure off sensitive areas, helping reduce pain in conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or general foot fatigue.

• Supports better balance and posture: When your feet move properly, your entire body benefits—walking, standing, and even your posture can improve.

When Manual Therapy Is Especially Helpful

Manual therapy is a great option if you:

• Feel stiff or sore in the mornings or after rest

• Struggle with pain despite using orthotics

• Notice a loss of foot flexibility or motion

• Have a history of ankle sprains or foot injuries

• Want a gentle, non-invasive way to manage chronic foot discomfort

It’s particularly effective for people who have not responded fully to traditional treatments or who are looking for a more natural way to improve foot function.

Do I Still Need Orthotics?

In many cases, Foot Mobilization Therapy can reduce or even remove the need for orthotics. When joint function is restored and pain improves, your feet can often manage everyday activities without added support. However, every case is different. Sometimes, a short-term use of orthotics alongside manual therapy offers the best of both worlds.

At Mary Moore Podiatry in Dublin 9, we tailor your treatment to your specific needs. Whether you’re experiencing ongoing heel pain or general stiffness, we’ll help you explore the most effective combination of therapies.

Take the Pressure Off Your Feet

Foot pain and joint stiffness don’t have to be part of your daily life. Manual therapy offers a supportive, hands-on solution that gets to the root of the problem. By restoring joint movement and easing tension, this therapy can help you move more comfortably—and live more fully.

If you’re ready to explore a gentle and effective approach to relieving sore, stiff feet, we’re here to help.