How Can We Assist?
When you seek our assistance for foot and ankle discomfort, expect a comprehensive approach to effectively address your pain. The process begins with an initial assessment, gathering information about your medical history, pain duration, and activities that worsen or alleviate the pain.
After the assessment, a physical examination evaluates your foot and ankle’s range of motion, strength, flexibility, and stability, incorporating gait analysis if necessary.
Based on this assessment, a tailored treatment plan is devised. This typically includes manual therapy, muscle-strengthening exercises, Muscle strengthening and Stretching exercises, and modalities such as heat or cold therapy.
Throughout your treatment, we monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed. You receive education on your condition, home exercises, and preventive strategies.
In summary, physiotherapy for foot and ankle discomfort aims to reduce pain, enhance function, and improve your quality of life by addressing underlying causes. Adhering to the recommended plan and maintaining communication with your physiotherapist are vital for the best results.
Ankle and Foot Pain
Common causes of ankle and foot pain that can benefit from physiotherapy include:
- Ankle Sprains: Among the prevalent causes of ankle pain, sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle undergo stretching or tearing. Physiotherapy interventions may encompass exercises to fortify the ankle and enhance balance and stability.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Involving inflammation of the plantar fascia—a robust band of tissue on the underside of the foot. Physiotherapy approaches may encompass stretching exercises, massage, and orthotics to alleviate pain and enhance foot function.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can result in pain at the back of the ankle. Physiotherapy may involve exercises targeting calf muscle strength and eccentric loading exercises to facilitate tendon healing.
- Stress Fractures: Overuse or repetitive impact can lead to stress fractures in the foot bones. Physiotherapy focuses on rest, suitable footwear, and a gradual return to activity once the fracture has healed.
- Tendon Injuries: Injuries to foot and ankle tendons, like peroneal or tibialis posterior tendon injuries, can cause pain and instability. Physiotherapy may include exercises to fortify these tendons and enhance their function.
- Bunions: A bony bump forming at the base of the big toe. Physiotherapy aids in pain management through exercises, recommendations for footwear, and orthotic devices.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Following foot or ankle surgery, such as ankle reconstruction or bunion surgery, physiotherapy is essential for regaining strength, mobility, and function.
- Shin Splints: Pain along the front or inside of the shin due to overuse or improper biomechanics. Physiotherapy may involve gait analysis, orthotic recommendations, and exercises addressing underlying issues.
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Physiotherapists can suggest exercises to strengthen the arch muscles of the foot and recommend orthotics for support and pain relief.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affecting foot and ankle joints. Physiotherapy aims to enhance joint mobility, alleviate pain, and strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but involving nerve compression in the ankle. Physiotherapy interventions may include exercises and modalities to reduce nerve irritation.
Consulting with a physiotherapist or healthcare professional is crucial to accurately diagnose the cause of ankle or foot pain and develop a personalised treatment plan. The specific physiotherapy techniques and exercises recommended will depend on the underlying condition and individual factors.
