Understanding Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain can result from various causes, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. These areas of the body bear much of the body’s weight, making them susceptible to stress and injury. Foot and ankle pain can limit your ability to perform daily activities and significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated.

Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

1. Sprains and Strains:
   • Sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn, often due to twisting or rolling the ankle. Strains involve overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons in the foot or ankle.
2. Plantar Fasciitis:
   • One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. It typically causes sharp pain, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
3. Achilles Tendinitis:
   • Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel becomes inflamed due to overuse or sudden strain. It often causes pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially after exercise.
4. Fractures:
   • Foot or ankle fractures (broken bones) can occur due to trauma, falls, or direct impact. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.
5. Arthritis:
   • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the joints of the foot and ankle. Over time, this may lead to difficulty walking or performing other daily tasks.
6. Tendonitis:
   • Inflammation of the tendons around the foot and ankle, such as the posterior tibial tendon or peroneal tendons, can lead to localized pain and swelling.
7. Flat Feet or High Arches:
   • Structural issues like flat feet (collapsed arches) or high arches can alter the mechanics of your feet and cause pain, especially with prolonged standing, walking, or running.
8. Bursitis:
   • Bursae are small sacs of fluid that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Inflammation of these bursae can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Pain

• Pain during movement or while bearing weight.
• Swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the foot or ankle.
• Stiffness or limited range of motion.
• Difficulty standing, walking, or running.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the foot.
• Instability or feeling like your ankle may give way.

How Active Pulse Physiotherapy Can Help with Foot and Ankle Pain

At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, we offer a range of treatments tailored to help patients experiencing foot and ankle pain. Our team of expert physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists works together to provide holistic care that addresses the underlying cause of your pain and helps you recover faster.

Our Approach to Treating Foot and Ankle Pain:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your foot and ankle, evaluating your range of motion, strength, and gait. We take the time to understand your medical history and any factors contributing to your pain. If necessary, we may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs to ensure a precise diagnosis.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Once we’ve identified the source of your foot or ankle pain, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the affected area to prevent future injuries.

3. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a key component of our treatment approach for foot and ankle pain. Our physiotherapists use hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and myofascial release, to improve joint movement, reduce pain, and decrease muscle tension. This approach can help restore proper function and alleviate discomfort caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and sprains.

4. Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

We design specific exercises to help strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the foot and ankle. These exercises improve stability, promote healing, and prevent further injury. Our physiotherapists may include:

• Balance and Stability Training: Strengthening the muscles around the ankle can help improve balance and prevent future sprains.
• Flexibility Exercises: Stretching the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and other muscles around the foot and ankle can reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Functional Strengthening: We incorporate exercises that simulate daily activities, such as walking, squatting, or climbing stairs, to ensure a smooth return to normal activity.

5. Chiropractic Care

For patients with structural or alignment issues, our chiropractors can help improve the alignment of the ankle joint, which can reduce pain and improve function. Chiropractic care can be particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions like flat feet, high arches, or arthritis, where joint mechanics need adjustment.

6. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. For conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendinitis, massage therapy can promote healing by improving blood flow to the affected tissues and reducing tension in the surrounding muscles.

7. Taping and Orthotics

We may use taping techniques to provide support to injured or weakened areas of the foot and ankle. In cases where structural issues like flat feet or high arches are causing pain, we may recommend custom orthotics (shoe inserts) to provide proper support and alignment, reducing strain on the foot and ankle.

8. Gait Analysis and Correction

For patients with biomechanical issues affecting their gait, we conduct a detailed analysis to identify any abnormal movement patterns. Correcting these issues with targeted exercises and recommendations for proper footwear can help alleviate pain and prevent future injuries.

9. Education and Prevention

Our team will educate you on ways to manage and prevent foot and ankle pain. We provide guidance on proper footwear, activity modifications, and self-care techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and using ice or heat therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, don’t wait for it to affect your daily activities. At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, our dedicated team is here to help you recover and get back to the activities you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward pain relief and better mobility.