What we treat: Foot and Ankle Pain
The foot and ankle are complex areas of the body involving many bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Pain and injury can occur for a wide variety of reasons, from an acute incident such as “rolling” an ankle to an overload injury from an increased running or walking load. Pain of gradual onset can be a result of joint stiffness or instability, muscle imbalances, footwear, increased load through structures, or a combination of these factors. Pain around the foot and ankle can also be present due to dysfunction in other areas of the body including the lower spine and hip.
Therefore, it is important to see an experienced health professional who can thoroughly assess your condition, determine where your pain is coming from and accurately diagnose your condition. They can then perform and guide evidence-based treatment to help you recover and achieve your goals.
Common presentations for pain around the foot and ankle
- Lateral ankle pain (pain on the outside of the ankle) after “rolling” your ankle
- Anterior ankle impingement – pain around the front of the ankle
- Posterior ankle impingement – pain around the back of the ankle
- Plantarfascia pain – pain underneath the foot typically closer to the heel
- Achilles tendinopathy – pain at the back of the heel or achilles tendon
- Tibialis posterior tendinopathy/posterior tibial tendon dysfunction – pain on the inside of the foot and ankle
- Peroneal tendinopathy – pain around the outside of the ankle
- Stress fractures – more commonly through the midfoot and anterior shin
How we manage foot and ankle pain
- A full history is taken to understand the background of your pain, determine the causes of your pain and how it is affecting your daily life and activities
- Your goals of treatment are established
- We then conduct a full clinical assessment to analyse your movement patterns, joint range of motion and muscle strength
- Hands-on treatment to relevant areas will be provided if clinically indicated
- Taping or shoe insoles and advice on footwear may be provided if appropriate
- Exercise prescription for mobility and strength using an online programme will be emailed to you after the consultation
- A management plan will be discussed in detail including diagnosis, healing time frames and treatment required, all to achieve the goals important to you
Conditions we treat
- Plantarfasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy and achilles pain
- Achilles rupture rehabilitation (conservative or post-operative)
- Tibialis posterior and peroneal tendinopathies
- Ankle inversion/eversion injuries (“rolled ankles”) or other sporting injuries
- Chronic ankle instability
- Stress fractures in the foot
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints)
- Calf strains/tears
- Post-operative care and rehabilitation
If you are suffering with foot or ankle pain that is impacting your life and exercise, please get in touch with our friendly team today to see one of our experienced Physiotherapists.
