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Foot Pain and Ankle Pain

Foot Pain and Ankle Pain refer to pain felt below the middle of the calf, and which may involve structures in the foot like the heel, the sole of the foot, and the toes. Foot and Ankle Pain can be caused to muscular, bony, ligamentous or nervous factors.

Common bony problems in the foot include arthritis of the ankle, bones in the foot, and the toes. The human foot is composed of more than twenty bones, held together by a complex scaffold of ligaments, connective tissue, and layers of muscle. All of these bones need to work in concert during movement of the feet, as well as bear the weight of the human body throughout the day. For this reason, Foot Pain and Ankle Pain due to bony causes may occur later in life, due to weardown of bones and joints.

Patients with Diabetes commonly experience Diabetic Neuropathy, a condition in which the high blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body. Most commonly, this occurs in the legs and feet, which can cause Nervous Foot Pain. In severe cases, there may be weakening of the muscles that supply power to the foot and the lower limb, accompanied by numbness.

Most commonly, Foot Pain and Ankle Pain are caused by mechanical and physical factors. Active sportspeople may roll, twist, or otherwise impact their ankles and feet during sports matches or training. Sometimes, people experience Foot Pain and Ankle Pain due to stepping on uneven ground, slipping on wet surfaces, or just as a consequence of walking.

Management of Foot and Ankle Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future.


At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

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