Ankle & Foot Conditions

• A common foot condition characterized by severe heel pain, typically experienced in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

• Caused by inflammation of the thick tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia.

Symptoms

• Sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning

• Pain after prolonged sitting or periods of inactivity

• Tenderness at the bottom of the heel

• Pain that improves with movement but may return after activity

Treatment

• Physiotherapy to reduce inflammation and improve foot mechanics

• Stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles

• Strengthening exercises to support the foot and ankle

• Load management and footwear advice to reduce strain

• A condition where the arches of the feet are abnormally low or absent (collapsed), leading to increased pressure and discomfort, particularly when standing or walking.

• It can be a congenital or acquired condition and may result in foot pain and altered gait mechanics.

Symptoms

• Low or absent foot arch (flat appearance)

• Foot pain or fatigue with prolonged standing or walking

• Heel, arch, or ankle discomfort

• Altered walking pattern or reduced foot stability

Treatment

• Physiotherapy to improve foot strength and support

• Strengthening of the foot and ankle muscles

• Movement and gait correction to reduce strain

• Footwear or orthotic advice where needed

• Involves the inflammation or degeneration of the posterior tibialis tendon, which runs along the inner side of the ankle.

• It can lead to pain, swelling, and collapsing of the foot's arch, impacting mobility and stability, particularly during walking and other weight-bearing activities.

Symptoms

• Pain along the inner ankle or arch of the foot

• Swelling or tenderness on the inner side of the ankle

• Flattening of the foot arch over time

• Pain worsens with walking, standing, or weight-bearing

Treatment

• Physiotherapy to reduce tendon irritation and restore function

• Strengthening of the foot and ankle muscles to support the arch

• Load management to reduce strain during activity

• Footwear or orthotic support where needed

• A painful condition affecting the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

• It causes discomfort, swelling, and reduced function, often as a result of overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical issues.

Symptoms

• Pain at the back of the heel or along the Achilles tendon

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or at the start of activity

• Swelling or thickening of the tendon

• Pain worsens with running, walking, or pushing off the foot

Treatment

• Physiotherapy to reduce tendon irritation and promote healing

• Progressive strengthening of the calf muscles

• Load management to control stress on the tendon

• Footwear advice to support recovery and reduce strain

• A sudden and often painful injury to the Achilles tendon.

• It occurs when the tendon is partially or completely torn, typically due to a forceful movement or overexertion.

• This injury can result in a distinct popping sound, severe pain, swelling, and difficulty putting pressure on your toes.

Symptoms

• Sudden sharp pain at the back of the ankle or calf

• A “popping” sensation at the time of injury

• Swelling and difficulty walking

• Inability to push off the foot or stand on tiptoe

Treatment

• Urgent medical assessment to confirm severity

• Surgical repair or conservative management depending on the tear

• Physiotherapy to restore strength, mobility, and function after immobilisation

• Gradual return to walking and activity with guided rehabilitation

• A bunion is a painful deformity of the big toe joint, where the big toe has caved inwards.

• Depending on the severity of the deformity, patients may either use a toe splint, accompanied by exercises.

• Or opt for surgery, medically known as a bunionectomy or hallux valgus correction.

• During this surgery, the surgeon realigns the bones, removes excess tissue, and often inserts screws or pins to stabilize the joint.

Symptoms

• Bony bump at the base of the big toe (toe angled inward)

• Pain, swelling, or redness around the joint

• Discomfort with footwear or prolonged walking

• Reduced toe movement or pressure-related pain

Treatment

• Physiotherapy to reduce pain and improve foot mechanics

• Footwear modification and offloading to reduce pressure

• Exercises to support toe alignment and mobility

• Surgical correction (bunionectomy) in more severe cases

• Post-surgical rehabilitation to restore movement and function

• A specific type of foot injury that involves the bones and ligaments in the mid-foot area.

• Typically caused by trauma, such as a fall.

• Symptoms

  • Pain in the midfoot, especially with standing or walking

  • Swelling and bruising over the top or bottom of the foot

  • Difficulty bearing weight or pushing off the foot

  • Feeling of instability in the midfoot

  Treatment

  • Urgent medical assessment to rule out fracture or instability

  • Immobilisation or surgical management depending on severity

  • Physiotherapy to restore mobility, strength, and foot stability after healing

  • Gradual return to weight-bearing and activity

• A condition where the ankle joint is prone to giving way or experiencing recurrent episodes of rolling, especially during weight-bearing activities.

• Instability is often the result of previous ankle sprains or injuries that have weakened the supporting ligaments and structures.

• Symptoms

  • Ankle feels unstable or “gives way,” especially during walking or sport

  • Recurrent ankle sprains or rolling episodes

  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness around the ankle

  • Reduced confidence or control during weight-bearing activities

  Treatment

  • Physiotherapy to restore ankle stability and control

  • Strengthening of the ankle and lower limb muscles

  • Balance and proprioception training to prevent re-injury

  • Support (e.g. taping or bracing) if needed during recovery

• Also known as Medial Tibial stress Syndrome, is a common lower leg condition characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia).

• It typically occurs in individuals who engage in repetitive impact activities such as running, jumping, or dancing.

• Shin splints result from overuse, leading to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and periosteum (outer covering of the bone) of the shin.

Symptoms

• Pain along the inner edge of the shin (tibia)

• Pain worsens with running, jumping, or impact activities

• Tenderness along the shinbone

• Discomfort that improves with rest but returns with activity

Treatment

• Physiotherapy to reduce inflammation and address underlying causes

• Load management to reduce repetitive impact stress

• Strengthening of the lower limb to improve shock absorption

• Footwear and running mechanics assessment

• Lateral Ankle Sprain: This is the most common type and involves the tearing or stretching of the lateral (outside) ligaments of the ankle. It includes:

  • Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) Tear

  • Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL) Tear

  • Posterior Talofibular Ligament (PTFL) Tear

• Medial Ankle Sprain: Less common than lateral sprains, this involves injury to the ligaments on the inner side of the ankle. It includes:

  • Deltoid Ligament Tear: The deltoid ligament is a complex of several ligaments on the medial side of the ankle.

• High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Sprain): This type involves the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula (the two bones in the lower leg).

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling around the ankle (outer, inner, or above the ankle joint)

• Bruising and tenderness after a twist or fall

• Difficulty bearing weight or walking

• Feeling of instability or the ankle “giving way”

Treatment

• Physiotherapy to reduce pain and restore ankle stability

• Strengthening and balance training to prevent re-injury

• Gradual return to walking and sport with proper load management

• Support (e.g. taping or bracing) during recovery

• Further assessment for severe or high ankle sprains

These are the common ankle surgeries that we help patients bounce back from:

• Ankle Arthroscopy

• ATFL and CFL reconstruction

• Achilles Tendon Repair

• Ankle Fracture Surgery

• Ankle Synovectomy

Symptoms

• Post-surgical pain, swelling, or stiffness

• Reduced ankle mobility and strength

• Difficulty walking, weight-bearing, or returning to activity

• Reduced confidence or fear of re-injury

Treatment

• Structured physiotherapy to restore movement and function

• Progressive strengthening of the ankle and lower limb

• Balance and stability training to prevent re-injury

• Guided return to walking, sport, and daily activities