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MSK Foot and Ankle

    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 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 ourselves for an assessment. But in the meantime the following exercise program may help with ongoing symptoms.

    Foot and Ankle Exercises - Level 1 - In Progress

    Foot and Ankle Exercises - Level 2 - In Progress

    Foot and Ankle Exercises - Level 3 - In Progress

    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.