Foot and Ankle Injuries

What It Is

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by irritation or damage to the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that supports your arch. It can develop from running, worn-out shoes, weak leg muscles, or an injury that changes how you walk. The pain is often sharp and most noticeable with the first few steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy provides solutions to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function in the foot. Our treatments for plantar fasciitis include:

• Manual Therapy: To improve foot mechanics, release tension in the plantar fascia, and reduce stress on the tissue.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): To reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and help prevent scar tissue buildup.
• Custom Orthotics: Properly fitted orthotics help provide support, distribute pressure evenly, and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Strengthening Exercises: To build strength in the foot and leg muscles, improving stability and preventing re-injury.
• Stretching: To improve flexibility in the foot and lower leg, relieving tension on the plantar fascia.
• Footwear Advice: Guidance on selecting supportive shoes to reduce stress on the plantar fascia and prevent recurrence.
• Activity Modification: Advice on adjusting training plans, running mechanics, or daily activities to allow the tissue to heal effectively.

What It Is

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition affecting the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often develops from overuse, repetitive stress, or sudden increases in physical activity. Contributing factors include tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and poor running mechanics. This condition typically causes pain, stiffness, and swelling near the back of the heel, especially during or after activity.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy can relieve pain and improve tendon health with:

• Manual Therapy: Techniques to improve calf and ankle mobility and reduce strain on the tendon.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Helps reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and prevent excessive scar tissue buildup.
• Progressive Strengthening Exercises: Designed to rebuild tendon strength and improve ankle function gradually.
• Stretching: Improves flexibility in the calf and ankle to reduce tension on the Achilles tendon.
• Custom Orthotics: Provides proper foot alignment, reducing unnecessary stress on the tendon during activity.
• Training Advice: Adjusting activity levels and introducing safe progressions to prevent further overuse.

What It Is

Ankle fractures occur when one or more bones in the ankle joint break, often due to a fall, a sports-related injury, or an accident. Fractures can range from small cracks to complete breaks and may involve swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Once cleared for rehabilitation, physiotherapy helps restore ankle strength and mobility with:

• Manual Therapy: Improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness following immobilization.
• Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises to restore stability and confidence in weight-bearing.
• Strengthening Exercises: Focused on rebuilding muscle strength in the lower leg and foot to support the healing ankle.
• Stretching: Helps restore flexibility and range of motion after immobilization.
• Bracing or Support: Temporary support to protect the ankle during recovery and early weight-bearing.
• Gradual Return to Activity: Guidance on safely resuming daily tasks and sports while avoiding setbacks.

What It Is

Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to come into contact with the ground. This can develop due to genetics, weak foot muscles, or improper footwear. Flat feet can lead to pain, fatigue, and increased stress on the ankles, knees, and hips.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy supports better foot mechanics and reduces symptoms by:

• Strengthening Exercises: Target the intrinsic foot muscles to build a stronger, more supportive arch.
• Stretching: Relieves tension in the calf and foot muscles that can contribute to discomfort.
• Custom Orthotics: Provides arch support, reduces strain, and improves foot alignment during walking and running.
• Manual Therapy: Improves mobility in the foot and ankle to reduce stiffness and discomfort.
• Postural Training: Teaches proper alignment and weight distribution to reduce stress on the feet and legs.
• Footwear Advice: Guidance on choosing supportive shoes to help maintain proper foot mechanics.