Ankle & Foot Conditions

Model of human foot displaying bones, muscles, and tendons on a plain background.

Anatomy model of an ankle

    • 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