Foot and Ankle
Problems affecting the Foot and Ankle is a broad topic that can include traumatic injuries that come on suddenly, or more gradual conditions that come on over time. There’s also many factors that can affect the recovery from such problems.
If you have suffered an acute (meaning a sudden, traumatic event) injury, such as an ankle sprain, then the following information leaflet is a great place to start the recovery process. It explains symptom management as well as some early exercise you can start to help prevent longer term problems such as weakness and stiffness from occurring.
Ankle Injury Patient Information Leaflet
You should however seek medical advice (A&E, Urgent Treatment Centre or GP) if you experience any of the following:
- Inability to weightbear through the affected side, severe pain, excessive heat and swelling.
- Heat, redness, tenderness to the calf area
- Altered sensation (pins and needles, numbness) into the toes
If your symptoms become more persistent and fail to recover fully after following the advice then consider a self referral into ours service for an assessment. But in the meantime the following exercise programs may help with ongoing symptoms. There are no set number of repetitions listed on these programs, self-select how much you do depending on your symptoms.
Foot and Ankle Exercises - Level 1
Foot and Ankle Exercises - Level 2
If you have been diagnosed with, or suspect you may have, either of the following, more specific foot and ankle conditions, then the nature of the exercise programs differs slightly so follow the programs in the links below.
Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle Leaflet
Achilles Tendinopathy Leaflet - in Progress
Plantar Fasciitis/Fasciopathy Leaflet
5th Metatarsal Fracture Leaflet
Avulsion Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Ankle Fracture - Weber A Leaflet
Total Ankle Replacement Leaflet
Finally one of the most important aspects of managing foot and ankle pain is footwear choices. Wearing a full shoe, that supports the foot adequately is important to avoid adverse strain being place on the various structures of the foot. Loose fitting, open shoes, flip flops etc can place extra load on the foot and cause or exacerbate problems. The following leaflet can provide some guidance on buying, and wearing, the most appropriate footwear.
Occasionally an insole/orthotic might be recommended by a health care professional, if this is the case then the following leaflet provides some general information about their use.