Foot and ankle pain can occur at any age and for a number of reasons. However, it is probably more prevalent in sports people, particularly runners or those whose sport involves running. This is due to the repetitive high impact to the foot and ankle, a tendency for tight calf muscles and an increased likelihood of ankle sprains due to awkward landings. The foot and ankle are made up of a number of small bones interconnected by ligaments, muscles and other tissues working together to give the strength stability and flexibility the foot and ankle need to function properly.
How Can We Help With Foot And Ankle Pain?
At Body Beliefs, we take a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnoses, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle pain. We will gather information about your symptoms, relevant health and medical history, how the pain is impacting your daily activities and consider any ergonomic or environmental influences. We will then conduct a thorough osteopathic assessment and examination. This enables us to clearly explain what is causing your pain, and why it happened. If appropriate we will then provide specialist, hands-on treatment, and offer exercises and advice to accelerate your recovery and prevent the problem from returning.
The Possible Causes Of Foot And Ankle Pain?
Common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
- Plantar Fasciitis - Pain or inflammation to the sole of the foot and/or heel. This can be due to overuse (eg. running), increased weight (eg. pregnancy) or unsupportive footwear (eg flip flops, flat-soled shoes).
- Sprained ankle - A sudden twisting or “going over” on the ankle joint and more commonly it is the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
- Achilles tendinopathy - Overuse, excessive stretching and under- or overpronation of the foot, giving pain at the back of the heel or calf.
- Osteoarthritis - Natural age-related changes ('Wear and tear') to the foot joints.
- Unsupportive or constricting footwear - Flip-flops, flat-soled shoes, pointed and high heels. High heels place immense strain on the calf muscles (as well as the lower back and hips), while flat shoes or flip flops provide inadequate support to the foot arches.
- Nerve Pain - Some foot pain is caused by nerve compression e.g. Sciatica, causing referred pain, cramps or ‘pins & needles’, numbness or weakness.
- Excessive Activity - Long walks, return to the gym, or a change in intensity or distance in your runs may be the cause.
How Do We Treat Foot And Ankle Pain?
When it comes to treating foot and ankle pain, we at Body Beliefs use a variety of techniques to help alleviate pain and improve function. These may include physical manipulation, mobilisation, stretching, soft tissue massage, and exercises to improve strength and flexibility. As well as treating the foot and ankle directly, we may also work on your leg, knee and lower back, if assessment reveals contributing factors in those areas. We will work closely with you to identify any underlying causes of the pain and address them through hands-on treatment, lifestyle changes and advice.
At Body Beliefs, we pride ourselves on "exceeding expectations", as evidenced by the glowing 5-star reviews from our satisfied patients on platforms such as Google Reviews and Facebook. To schedule an appointment, please book online or call 01277 676 676.
