Ankle pain, Sprain, Flatfeet, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain, Fracture
Foot and ankle pain is very common. Pain can happen in any part of foot: toes, arch, sole, heel, ankle, ball of the foot. The incidence of foot increases with age.
As foot is a weight bearing joint, injury and pain can cause altered biomechanics causing an abnormal gait pattern, placing greater amounts of stress onto other joints such as knee and back.
Common Causes of Foot /Ankle Pain:
- Shoes: Poorly fitted, high heels
- Injury, Overuse or high impact activities
Common Foot Pain / Ankle Conditions:
- Heel Spur
- Ankle Sprain
- Archilles Tendinitis
- FlatFeet
- Osteoarthritis
- Fractures: Stress fracture, avulsion fracture
When to see a Physiotherapist for Foot/ Ankle Pain?
- Pain on touch or movement
- Unable to walk or weight bear
- Ankle pain, swelling, stiffness and pain
- Burning, tingling, or numbness in feet.
How can Physiotherapy help in Foot/ Ankle Pain?
Physiotherapy can assist alleviate foot and ankle pain and restore normal movement and function at the foot. Some of the Physiotherapy treatments which may be used for foot pain include:
- Pain treatments such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, TENS
- Range of movement exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Proprioceptive and balance exercises
- Gait re-education
- New treatment: Extra- Corporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
These treatments for foot/ankle pain will concentrate on alleviating pain, restoring movement, optimising healing and restoring a normal gait pattern. Physiotherapists are experienced at treating foot pain.
