WHAT ANKLE + FOOT PROBLEMS DO WE TREAT?
Common ankle issues
Achilles Tendinopathy
This condition results in stiffness and tenderness at the back of the ankle. Caused by the overuse of (or damage to) the Achilles tendon (the tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone) it can occur suddenly or develop over time.
Sprains
An ankle sprain refers to an injury of the ligaments in the ankle. Usually the result of a sudden twisting or turning motion, sprains occur when ankle ligaments become stretched or torn.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints around the ankle. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joint, while Rheumatoid arthritis is due to inflammation of the joint lining.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, which is a small sac of fluid that helps to cushion the joints. This condition can cause heat, swelling and redness over a painful joint.
Anterior Impingement
This problem causes acute pain at the front of the ankle, particularly when you flex or bend your foot towards the shin bone. It can be caused by inflamed tissues or arthritic changes to the ankle joint.
Common foot issues
Plantar Fasciitis
A common form of heel pain, this condition affects the fascia that runs from the heel bone into the front of the foot. It can cause pain on the inside of the heel bone and can be debilitating.
Arch Strain
This general term refers to pain in the arch of your foot. It’s usually caused by damage to a muscle or tendon and can occur suddenly or develop after repetitive movements.
Gout
An excess build-up of uric acid can cause gout – a form of arthritis. It often affects the big toe joint but can impact other areas. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness.
Stress Fractures
Repetitive force and overuse can cause tiny bone cracks known as stress fractures. In the foot, stress fractures can be a result of activities like long-distance running or jumping up and down.
Morton’s Neuroma
This condition affects the nerve between the foot’s third and fourth metatarsals. Morton’s Neuroma is inflamed nerve tissue, and symptoms can vary from mild aches and numbness to acute, sharp pain.
Lisfranc Injury
Caused by broken or damaged bones or ligaments in the midfoot, Lisfranc Injury results in the first and second metatarsals separating. In turn, this can cause dislocations, fractures, and ligament sprains.
ANKLE + FOOT PAIN TREATMENTS FROM MYFOOTMEDIC
STRETCHING AND STRENGTHENING
Stretching can help lengthen muscles and tendons to improve their range of motion and minimise pain. Meanwhile, strengthening exercises can help to build up the muscles and support the joints, again reducing pain and improving function.
STEROID INJECTIONS
Steroid injections can be used in a wide range of podiatry procedures to help reduce pain and inflammation and improve the mobility of a joint, tendon or ligament.
ORTHOTICS & INSOLES
Insoles can be placed inside your shoes to support your feet, relieve pain, and improve joint function. They can help with conditions such as ankle sprains, arch strain, Plantar Fasciitis, and stress fractures.
MANUAL THERAPIES
Joint manipulation involves using gentle pressure and movement to release restrictions in the joints of the foot and ankle. It relieves pain, improves range of motion, and can help treat conditions such as arthritis and metatarsalgia.
ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSES
Ankle Foot orthoses are a specific type of brace that surrounds the ankle and part of the foot, reducing or preventing movement of the lower leg and foot and supporting weak joints and muscles.
