Ankle & foot problems
Ankle Pain
Did you know you can experience pain anywhere around the foot and ankle as a result of a sprain to the ankle’s ligaments? You may not even recall going over on your ankle for there to be a problem but there is usually a background of joint flexibility for this to be the case.
Ankle strains are very common and usually resolve completely after 2 or 3 weeks with ice and rest, but often retained muscle spasm and joint restrictions can lead to chronic injury. When an old injury hasn’t resolved fully it can lead to a recurrence or injury elsewhere.
By manipulating the joint and relaxing the muscles we can help the joint resume normal motion much quicker and more completely, thus relieving the pain and swelling. Taping to restore control and allow normal function is used in the early stages of your recovery.
Foot and Heel pains
Usually a traumatic event or a change to your routine can bring about foot pain. This can encourage the muscles to fatigue on the inner part of sole (plantar fasciitis) or allow tight muscles to tug at the heel (achilles’ tendinopathy).
By improving the function of the ankle and the joints within the arches of the foot, the pain will ease and normal movement will return. This will be in addition to releasing the tight muscles which influence joint movement, and possibly taping the joint to give additional support in your recovery period, allowing you to continue with your training.
An osteopath’s highly developed sense of touch can identify the specific problem to your foot pain. We will often be able to tell you the process of how and why it came about by assessing the local tissues as well as being aware of others mechanical issues which may have made you use your foot differently and without you noticing!
Related story: Kirsty and her foot & ankle pain
Problems we diagnose and treat include:
Plantar Fascitis, Metatarsalgia, Heel Spurs, Arch problems, Bunions, Neuromas (trapped nerves), Tendon & Ligament Problems.