Foot & Ankle Pain Physiotherapy
Central London
What Are Common Foot and Ankle Pain Symptoms?
Foot and ankle pain can manifest in various ways, including: Aching or Stiffness: Pain and stiffness in the foot or ankle, especially in the morning or after rest. Swelling: Puffiness or inflammation in the ankle or foot, often following physical activity. Sharp Pain: Sudden, intense pain when walking, running, or putting weight on the foot or ankle. Instability: Feeling like the ankle is unstable or prone to giving way, particularly when walking on uneven surfaces. Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the foot or ankle fully without discomfort. Numbness or Tingling: Sensation changes in the foot or ankle, potentially caused by nerve involvement.
Common Causes Of Foot & Ankle Pain?
Ankle Sprains: A common injury where the ligaments of the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to twisting or rolling the ankle. Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain, especially in the morning. Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse, leading to pain and stiffness in the back of the heel. Flat Feet (Fallen Arches): A condition where the arches of the feet collapse, potentially causing pain and discomfort in the supporting muscle groups/tendons, especially after long periods of standing or walking. Heel Spurs: Bony growths on the heel that can cause sharp pain, especially when walking or standing. Morton's Neuroma: A thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, causing pain and numbness between the toes. Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bones of the foot or ankle, usually caused by repetitive stress, often seen in runners or athletes. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the nerve running along the inside of the ankle, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain in the foot.
Treatment Options & How Physiotherapy Can Help:
I provide a range of treatments tailored to your foot or ankle pain, which may include: Manual Therapy: Techniques to mobilise stiff joints, improve flexibility, and reduce muscle tension. Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises to support the foot and ankle, improve function, and reduce pain long term. Taping and Bracing: Providing support and offloading painful areas, especially useful for ligament injuries like ankle sprains. Pain Management Techniques: Guidance on when to use ice or heat for swelling or stiffness in the foot or ankle, advice on the benefits of orthotics or ankle braces, and tips on consulting your GP about appropriate pain relief if symptoms are limiting mobility. Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Targeting trigger points to release muscle tension and improve mobility in the foot and ankle. Lifestyle Modification Techniques: Adjusting footwear, temporarily avoiding high-impact activities, and incorporating proper foot support to reduce strain and promote recovery.
My 5-Stage Approach takes you from pain relief to long-term prevention, helping you maintain healthy foot & ankle function for the future.
