You are on your feet and ankles every 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, particularly as the foot is how we interface with the ground.
Some of the common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
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. Physiotherapy targets strengthening the ankle and working on balance.
This condition involves irritation 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. Gradual return to loading is required and a plan is required to return to normal activities.
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. Rehabilitation is required to normalise the tendon and strengthen the muscles round the ankle. Rehabilitation is progressive to allow return to normal activities and sport.
Tiny cracks in the bones of your foot, often caused by overuse or high-impact activities, can lead to pain that worsens with activity. Rehabilitation initially targets offloading structures to allow healing before gradually returning to activity and strengthening the injured area.
At SPEAR, our physiotherapy clinics are dedicated to providing personalised care for every injury. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal recovery and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.