Ankle and Foot Pain Physiotherapy

What causes ankle and foot pain?

Ankle and foot pain can have many different causes.

​

A sudden injury, such as twisting your ankle during sport or missing a step, can damage the ligaments and other tissues around the ankle. Repetitive activity can also place increased stress on the foot or ankle and contribute to problems such as Achilles tendon pain or plantar fasciitis.

​

Foot and ankle pain may also be associated with changes in strength, flexibility, mobility or the way you move.

​

Your physiotherapist will assess your individual symptoms rather than simply treating the location of your pain. This can help identify factors that may be contributing to your problem and guide an appropriate treatment programme.

​

Physiotherapy for ankle and foot pain

Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, restore movement and strength and improve your ability to return to normal activities.

Following your assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss your diagnosis and develop a treatment programme specifically for you.

​

Treatment may include:

​

Exercise and rehabilitation

Specific exercises can help improve strength, flexibility, balance and movement in the foot and ankle. Your exercises will be tailored to your condition and your stage of recovery.

For sports injuries, rehabilitation can also be progressed gradually to help you return safely to your normal sporting activities.

Manual therapy

Hands-on treatment may be used where appropriate to help improve joint and soft tissue movement and reduce pain. Manual therapy can be combined with exercise and rehabilitation as part of your overall treatment programme.

Advice and education

Your physiotherapist can explain what may be causing your symptoms and advise you on activity levels, exercises and ways of managing your condition.

Understanding your injury can help you take an active role in your recovery.

Rehabilitation following injury

If your ankle or foot pain started following an injury, rehabilitation can help restore strength, mobility, balance and confidence.

This can be particularly important following an ankle sprain or fracture, when returning to normal activity too quickly may increase the risk of further problems.

​

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain underneath the heel or along the sole of the foot. It can make the first steps after getting out of bed particularly uncomfortable and may also cause pain after periods of sitting or standing.

​

Physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis may include exercises and rehabilitation designed around your individual symptoms, as well as advice about activity and factors that may be contributing to your pain.

​

Heel pain can have several possible causes, so an assessment can help determine the most appropriate approach.

​

Achilles tendon pain

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is placed under considerable load when walking, running and jumping.

​

Achilles tendon problems can develop gradually through repetitive loading or occur following an injury. Physiotherapy can help assess the factors contributing to Achilles pain and provide a progressive rehabilitation programme to help restore strength and function.

​

Ankle sprains

An ankle sprain commonly occurs when the ankle is suddenly twisted or rolled, stretching or damaging the ligaments around the joint.

​

Even when an ankle sprain initially seems relatively minor, pain, swelling, stiffness or reduced balance can sometimes persist.

Physiotherapy can help restore ankle movement, strength and balance and support a gradual return to normal activities and sport.

​

Your ankle and foot assessment

Your first appointment will include a detailed history so that your physiotherapist can understand when your symptoms started, what may have caused them and how they are affecting your everyday life.

​

A physical examination will then be carried out. This may include assessing:

• Your ankle and foot movement

• Joint mobility

• Muscle strength

• Balance and stability

• The affected soft tissues

• How you walk or move

• Other areas that may be contributing to your symptoms

 

Your physiotherapist will explain their findings and discuss your treatment options with you.

​

A personalised treatment programme will then be developed based on your symptoms, diagnosis and goals.

​

When should you see a physiotherapist for ankle or foot pain?

You may benefit from a physiotherapy assessment if your ankle or foot pain:

• Has not improved as expected

• Is affecting your ability to walk or exercise

• Is preventing you from taking part in sport

• Keeps returning

• Is causing ongoing stiffness or weakness

• Developed following an ankle sprain or other injury

• Is affecting your balance or confidence when walking

• Is interfering with everyday activities

​

f you have had a significant injury or are concerned that you may have fractured your ankle or foot, you may need an appropriate medical assessment before beginning physiotherapy.

​

Ankle and foot pain physiotherapy in North West London

North West London Physio & Treatment Centre is based at 100 Colindeep Lane in Hendon, London, and provides physiotherapy for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including ankle and foot problems.

​

Our physiotherapists take a thorough approach to assessment and treatment, with the aim of reducing pain, improving strength and movement and helping you return to the activities that are important to you.

​

Book an ankle or foot pain assessment

If you are experiencing ankle or foot pain and would like to discuss your symptoms with an experienced physiotherapist, contact North West London Physio & Treatment Centre.

​

Call 0208 202 8322 or 0208 205 8737, or make an appointment online.

​

Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, explain what may be causing your problem and develop a treatment programme tailored to your needs.