Ankle/foot complaints
The ankle joint (talocrural articulation) is a synovial hinge joint which connects the two bone ends of the lower limb (tibia and fibula) with the talus. Together they form the upper ankle joint, the lower ankle joint being formed of the talus and calcaneus.
In the foot we find 26 bones and all sorts of soft tissue like ligaments, muscles and tendons, which are working together. The ankle joint and the foot are forming a functional unity which allows for example to walk, run, jump and climb.
Too high impact, acute trauma or sports injury, longtime overload or overweight are logical reasons for foot/ankle complaints.
Symptoms of ankle/foot injuries
The symptoms of foot complaints are depending completely on the cause. An overview of the symptoms that may occur :
- A big swelling around the foot and ankle
- Sensitive skin
- Haematoma
- Pain around the ankle, foot and foot sole
- Pain of the Achilles tendon or around the heel
- A warmth feeling around the foot and ankle
- Blocked movement or less movement in the foot and ankle
- Pain to start moving, like after a long pause for ex. in the morning
- Loading problems causing limping
- Joint pain
- Loss of motion
- Lack of strength
- Feeling of instability of the ankle
Causes of ankle/foot injuries
- Inflammations of the tendons, like tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon
- Tensed muscles and/or sticky fascia structure around the foot/foot sole, like Fasciitis plantares
- Trauma
- Foot surgery or after complications from a foot surgery
- Injury/ruptures of the soft tissue, like injury of the ankle ligaments after a sprain
- Lymphatic oedema
- Foot instability
- Underdevelopment of the foot muscles
- Deviation of the foot structure/form, like hallux valgus
- Arthrosis
- Rheumatism
- Fibromyalgia
- Congenital disorders
Consultation and treatment
In the first session of physiotherapy, we will start with an intake conversation and examination of the foot/ankle and, if necessary, other joints. Then we will inform you about your problem, give you advice and explain the treatment plan to you.
It can consist of manual physiotherapy, therapeutic massage, fascia therapy or lymphatic drainage. With mobilisation and stretching exercises, we want you to get back the range of motion and flexibility of the foot/ankle. We will also support you with therapeutic exercises for a better stability, strength, proprioception and inner balance of the foot/ankle.