Condition
Foot & Ankle Pain
Common Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Pain
Foot and ankle pain can stem from injuries, overuse, poor biomechanics, or underlying conditions such as plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Symptoms may vary depending on the cause, but often include:
- Pain with weight-bearing – Discomfort when standing, walking, or running, especially first thing in the morning or after rest.
- Swelling or bruising – Often following a sprain or injury, typically around the ankle joint or sole of the foot.
- Stiffness – Difficulty moving the foot or ankle, especially after inactivity or in the morning.
- Tenderness to touch – Localised pain when pressing on specific areas, such as the heel, arch, or outside of the ankle.
- Instability or giving way – A feeling that the ankle is unstable, particularly after an injury like a sprain.
- Altered walking pattern – Limping or compensating due to pain, which can lead to further strain in the legs or back.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating both acute and chronic foot and ankle pain. A physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, movement, and gait to develop a tailored treatment plan, which may include:
- Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to mobilise stiff joints, release tight soft tissues, and reduce pain and swelling.
- Targeted Strengthening Exercises – Focused exercises for the foot, ankle, and surrounding muscles (e.g. calves and hips) to improve stability and support.
- Balance and Proprioception Training – Exercises to retrain the body’s sense of balance and reduce the risk of future injury, especially after ankle sprains.
- Stretching and Mobility Work – To improve flexibility in the foot and ankle and relieve tightness in structures like the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia.
- Gait and Biomechanical Analysis – Assessment of walking or running patterns to identify and correct any imbalances.
- Footwear and Orthotic Advice – Recommendations on suitable shoes or custom insoles to improve comfort and alignment.
- Education and Injury Prevention – Advice on pacing, training loads, and how to safely return to activity without aggravating symptoms.
By reducing pain, improving strength and flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns, physiotherapy helps you recover from foot and ankle issues and return to daily life with confidence.