Assessment for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle arthritis and Morton's neuroma.
Living with foot & ankle pain
Start with what's actually hurting, not the treatment name
Foot and ankle pain has a way of dictating the day. That sharp jab of heel pain on the way to the bathroom in the morning, the ache that creeps back at the Achilles after a walk, the burning 'stone-in-the-shoe' feeling between the toes — these are some of the most quietly limiting symptoms we see in clinic, because they affect mobility itself.
At the Skin & Joint Injection Clinic in Bebington, Wirral, we assess foot and ankle pain in person, with examination and ultrasound where it helps. Some presentations respond well to a single well-targeted injection; others benefit more from structured rehabilitation, footwear changes or referral. The recommendation always follows the assessment.
What might be causing it
The diagnoses we most often see in clinic
These are the patterns of foot & ankle pain we most commonly assess. The list isn't diagnostic — your consultation works out which (if any) fits your symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis. Sharp heel pain on first steps in the morning or after sitting, gradually easing with movement. The most common cause of bottom-of-the-heel pain in adults.
Achilles tendinopathy. Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel and lower calf, often worse first thing or after sitting, then again after exercise. Common in runners, walkers and active patients.
Ankle osteoarthritis. Restricted ankle movement and pain on weight-bearing, often related to old fractures, recurrent sprains or generalised osteoarthritis.
Morton's neuroma. Burning pain and a sensation like 'walking on a stone' between the toes, sometimes with numbness. Caused by a thickened nerve between the metatarsal heads.
Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction. Inner-ankle pain and a flattening of the arch, often progressive. Worth catching early because untreated it can cause structural foot change.
Which injection might suit your foot & ankle?
A starting point, not a diagnosis
Patterns of pain matter as much as imaging. Below are the routes we most often discuss for foot & ankle problems. Final recommendation always follows in-person assessment.
If your pattern is
Chronic plantar fasciitis with sharp heel pain on first steps despite structural rehab and stretching.
An ultrasound-guided injection into the plantar fascia. Best used selectively rather than repeatedly — paired with calf and fascia stretching and supportive footwear.
Achilles tendinopathy is generally not managed with steroid injection — the risk of tendon rupture is real. PRF provides an autologous, biology-led alternative for chronic mid-portion or insertional Achilles pain.
Considered for arthritic ankle pain where supporting joint lubrication is the goal. Ostenil Plus is more versatile across joints; Durolane is considered in selected cases where a single longer-acting shot is preferred.
A targeted ultrasound-guided injection around the affected interdigital nerve. Often helpful in early-to-moderate Morton's neuroma alongside footwear modification.
Treatments are considered after clinical assessment. We do not offer or recommend injection therapy without first confirming the diagnosis and screening for contraindications.
Ready to book?
Book an assessment for your foot & ankle in Wirral
Our GP-led clinic in Higher Bebington serves patients from across Merseyside — Liverpool, Birkenhead, Heswall and Chester. We assess in person before any treatment is offered, and refer onward when it's the right call.
Assessment, treatment and aftercare, clearly explained.
We know it can feel difficult to book a procedure when you are not sure what will happen next. Your clinician will explain suitability, risks, recovery and aftercare before treatment goes ahead.
Book
Choose a consultation online or speak to the clinic if you are not sure which service fits. Most appointments are available within seven days.
Assess
An in-person review with Dr Mugerwa: he will listen to your story and examine the area, which may include an ultrasound scan. You then get an honest recommendation — if treatment is suitable we explain the options, risks and likely outcomes; if it is not, we will tell you and refer you on.
Treat
The procedure itself, followed by tailored aftercare guidance and a clear contact route if anything changes during recovery.
Frequently asked
Questions we hear about foot & ankle pain
The questions patients most often raise in clinic when they're not sure which next step is right.
First-step heel pain is the most characteristic feature of plantar fasciitis. While you've been resting overnight, the inflamed plantar fascia tightens; the first few steps stretch it sharply, which is what causes the sharp pain. The pain usually eases after a few minutes of walking, then returns later in the day with prolonged standing or after sitting down again.
Steroid injection directly into the Achilles tendon is generally avoided — there's a recognised risk of tendon rupture. Where Achilles tendinopathy hasn't responded to eccentric loading, footwear changes and time, regenerative options such as PRF are usually a safer next step. We assess the structure on ultrasound before recommending any injection-based treatment around the Achilles.
Weight and prolonged standing are contributors, but plantar fasciitis affects active runners and slim people too. Calf and fascia tightness, sudden changes in activity, unsupportive footwear and foot biomechanics all play a part. Treatment usually combines stretching, footwear changes, load management — and, in stubborn cases, a targeted injection — rather than relying on any single intervention.
Most patients walk out of clinic and resume ordinary daily activities the same day, with advice to avoid heavy or prolonged loading for 48 hours. For high-impact activity (running, court sport), we usually recommend a longer rest period and a gradual return. Written aftercare guidance is given before you leave.