Ankle / Foot

Are you suffering from any of the following symptoms which are often linked to foot pain?

• Pain in the ankle or foot
• Swelling
• Weakness
• Joint restriction
• Numbness and tingling

The joints of the hip, knee, ankle and foot have a profound effect on one another and are closely related mechanically. For example, a foot problem can often produce pain in the knees, hips and even low back. In the same way that houses built on poor foundations can have structural problems, poor foot mechanics can have an effect on the knees, hips and back. Your chiropractor or physiotherapist will identify any abnormal mechanics and if necessary, refer to our podiatrist to correct them.

Conditions most commonly & successfully treated

• Tendonitis - repetitive movements, injury or poor mechanics of the foot can lead to inflammation of the tendons - most commonly the Achilles. This is felt as a tender, hot swelling around the back of the ankle
• Sprain/strain - overuse or sudden twisting will result in ankle sprains. Tearing of the muscles and ligaments which support the ankle will cause local swelling and tenderness. Treatment involves appropriate support bandage, ultrasound and strengthening
• Gout - a painful inflammatory condition which affects the big toe
• Lumbar nerve root compression / irritation (Sciatica) - pain, tingling and numbness over the toes combined with ankle weakness is likely to be due to a trapped sciatic nerve in the low back or pelvis. Your chiropractor will identify the entrapment site and aim to reduce the irritation on the nerve
• Plantar fasciitis - a painful condition affecting the sole of the foot and into the heel. Usually related to poor foot mechanics, the aim of treatment is to alter the mechanics so that there is less pressure on the muscles on the sole of the foot
• Morton’s neuroma - focal pain felt over the sole of the foot (often between the 2nd and 3rd toes). Onset is usually non-traumatic, and pain can be eased when walking barefoot
• Stress fractures - these occur over time and are related to excessive running or walking. Confirmation needs to be done with x-rays
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - compression of a nerve on the inside of the ankle, this condition causes tingling and numbness across the bottom of the foot under the big toe
• Pes Planus (Flat Feet) - flat feet, or Pes Planus is very common. It is approximated that at least one quarter of the population has flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. However, in certain people this development never takes place. Along with genetic causes, there are several factors that can cause flat feet or predispose people to the condition. Infrequently, people develop arches only to have them collapse later in their life. This frequently depends upon lifestyle, job, and level of activity. Age and weight also play a role in the development of the condition. Middle-aged people who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - compression of a nerve on the inside of the ankle, this condition causes tingling and numbness across the bottom of the foot under the big toe