Blog

Home / Blog / The Most Common Foot & Leg Pain We’re Seeing Right Now (And Why It Matters)

The Most Common Foot & Leg Pain We’re Seeing Right Now (And Why It Matters)

At Norwest Podiatry, we see a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions every day, but certain patterns tend to appear at different times of the year.

Right now, we’re seeing a noticeable increase in foot, heel, and lower limb pain, particularly as people return to work routines, increase activity, or spend long hours on their feet.

The good news is that many of these issues are very manageable, especially when addressed early.

What We’re Seeing Most Right Now

1. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

One of the most common complaints we’re seeing is heel pain, especially:

First thing in the morning
After periods of rest
After long days on your feet

This is often linked to increased activity, tight calf muscles, or changes in footwear.

2. Foot Fatigue & Arch Pain (Especially in Tradies)

We’re seeing a lot of patients who:

Work on hard surfaces
Stand all day
Wear heavy or unsupportive boots

This often leads to:

Arch strain
General foot fatigue
Pain that builds throughout the day

Over time, this can start affecting the knees, hips, and lower back.

3. Pain After Starting (or Restarting) Exercise

With more people getting back into the gym, running, or sport, we’re seeing:

Achilles pain
Arch strain
Forefoot discomfort
Shin splints

These injuries often come from doing too much too soon, or from underlying foot mechanics that haven’t been addressed. For more information on these types of problems, please see our website: www.norwestpodiatry.co.nz

4. Children with Foot or Leg Pain

We’re also seeing an increase in:

Heel pain in active kids
Complaints of sore feet after sport
Parents concerned about how their child walks or runs

In many cases, these are linked to growth, activity levels, or biomechanics, and can be managed effectively with the right support.

Why These Issues Matter

It’s easy to ignore foot pain or assume it will go away, but your feet are your foundation.

When something isn’t working properly:

Your body compensates
Load shifts to other joints
Pain can spread to knees, hips, and back

Addressing issues early can:

Reduce recovery time
Prevent long-term problems
Improve overall movement and comfort

How We Help

At Norwest Podiatry, we look beyond just the area of pain.

We assess:

How you walk and move (gait analysis)
Foot structure and alignment
Load and pressure through your feet

From there, we create a personalised plan which may include:

Footwear advice
Strengthening or stretching guidance
Orthotics (if needed)
Ongoing management for long-term conditions

When Should You Get It Checked?

You don’t need to wait until pain becomes severe.

It’s worth booking an assessment if you notice:

Pain that isn’t improving
Morning stiffness or discomfort
Ongoing fatigue in your feet or legs
Changes in how you walk or move

Take the First Step

Foot pain is common, but it’s not something you need to live with.

If something doesn’t feel quite right, getting it checked early can make a big difference.

Book an appointment with Norwest Podiatry and get back to moving comfortably.

At Norwest Podiatry, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch podiatry services in Auckland for people of all ages. Our New Zealand-trained and registered podiatrists are ACC Accredited and provide Procare (Diabetes Service) support, specializing in the assessment, diagnoses, and treatment of foot, ankle, knee, and lower leg conditions.

Review Us