Your feet and ankles carry you through the day, so when they hurt, it can impact everything you do. Foot and ankle pain is common and can stem from various issues, ranging from minor injuries to more serious conditions. With so many bones, ligaments, and muscles involved, there are several reasons why you might experience pain in your foot or ankle.
Some common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
- Ankle sprain/Ankle instability: One of the most common injuries, an ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn, usually due to twisting or rolling your ankle.
- Plantar Fasciitis: This condition involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot, causing pain in the heel, especially first thing in the morning.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Overuse or strain of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel, can cause pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle.
- Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the bones of your foot, often caused by overuse or high-impact activities, can lead to pain that worsens with activity.
Physiotherapy treatment for ankle pain:
- Exercises and strengthening
- Stretching
- Hands on therapy including soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisations
- Taping
- Acupuncture
- Referral on to Podiatry
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy that have not settled with exercise may suit shockwave therapy.
