Ankle & Foot Pain
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are very common injuries for participants in high intensity sports such as badminton, tennis, running, football or rugby. Sprain injury describes damage to the ligaments surrounding a joint. Most ankle sprains are secondary to an inversion injury whereby one rolls over the outside of the ankle. This brings the ankle beyond its regular range of motion, thereby potentially damaging ligaments. There may be pain, bruising, swelling and difficulty weight bearing acutely after the injury. Ice, taping and analgesic medications may help to control your pain initially. It is recommended that you have assessment by a healthcare professional before returning to play, in order to prevent further injury to the joint. Repetitive ankle sprains can lead to weakness and instability of the joint.
Our physiotherapists can help you treat the injury in its initial stages by assessing the severity of the sprain and providing advice on rehabilitation and activity modification. For more chronic injuries we can work with you to improve stability and strength. We may also use laser and acupuncture to help facilitate recovery so that you can return to play as soon as possible. Our physiotherapists will also develop an individualized rehabilitation program for you, with emphasis on proprioception and conditioning, so that your ankle is safe to withstand the demands of your sport.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a lining of tissue at the bottom of the foot that helps to support the arches in your foot. Irritation of this structure can lead to pain and swelling at the sole of the foot. Commonly the pain is worse at the heel. The pain is usually worsened in the morning, or after a period of inactivity. Weight bearing functions such as walking and standing can also trigger the condition. People with flat foot arches are more susceptible to this problem. Plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated by physiotherapy with modalities such as focus and radial shockwave therapy, acupuncture, laser, taping and ultrasound. Home exercises to strengthen the foot muscles and improve mobility of the foot and ankle can help alleviate the pain.
Achilles Tendonitis or Rupture
The Achilles tendon is the interface that connects the calf muscle (Gastrocnemius and the Soleus) to your heel that allows you to walk on your toes. Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of this tendon. Symptoms often include pain in the back of the heel and up the back of the calf. With repetitive jumping, landing or simple overuse, this tendon can become inflamed or even ruptured. Rupture will often involve a significant force to the ankle with an associated loud snap. If you are unable to move your ankle after this type of injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
With tendinitis, it is important to address the cause of injury. This may involve footwear adjustments, modification of activity, stretching and strengthening of the calf muscles. Our physiotherapists can help you identify potential causes and provide you with the guidance to help you manage this condition. Modalities such as acupuncture, taping, laser, ultrasound and shockwave may also be used to treat your condition.