Ankle and Foot Pain
The ankle joint is an important joint which helps us to walk. The joint is made up of bones, ligaments and muscles.
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As in all joints, smooth cartilage covers the end of bones to reduce friction.
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The ankle ligaments and capsule (the bag that surrounds the joint), prevent the bones moving in the wrong direction. The muscles surrounding the ankle also help to hold the joint in place and produce movement.
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Problems with ankles and feet are common. See below for information on conditions/self help.
The Achilles tendon attaches muscles of the calf to the heel bone. It allows you to lift your heel off the floor to walk.
Achilles Tendinopathy or ‘tendinitis’ is one of the most common causes of Achilles tendon pain. It is commonly injured when you exercise the ankle too much over a short space of time, often after a period of inactivity.
The main symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy are
Pain around the back of the ankle (it may also be sore to touch)
Stiffness or swelling around the back of the joint
Difficulty or pain to walk
There are a number of things you can try to help Achilles tendinopathy:
Reduce your activity level to a point that does not increase your pain
Take pain relief (Seek help from a local Pharmacist if you are unsure what to take)
An ice pack may help to reduce the pain and swelling (click here for more information)
We recommend the information pack from Oxford Universities Hospitals for exercises you can do to manage this. Click here to view.
Alternative you can download a simplified Exercise by clicking the link below.
The ankle joint is supported on the outside and inside by strong ligaments. These ligaments help to provide stability and reduce unwanted movement. If you land on your ankle in an awkward position, you may cause these ligaments to over-stretch.
You may experience the following:
Swelling and warmth around the ankle
Bruising/Discolouration
Pain on weightbearing
Lack of movement
Things you can do to help yourself:
Protection: During the first few days after an injury, you should rest the injured joint. After 72 hours, gentle movement can be started. If walking is difficult or painful, a stick or crutch may help.
Although it might be painful, it is important to maintain movement in your ankle to avoid stiffness. Complete non-weightbearing rest is rarely useful.
Elevation: Placing the ankle higher than your hip whilst lying or sitting will help the swelling reduce.
Use of over the counter pain relief if necessary to enable to keep mobile. (Speak to your local Pharmacist if you are unsure about what you can take
If your ankle does not settle within 2-3 weeks or you are concerned then seek further advice from a health professional. In some cases, following an indepth examination, further investigation maybe necessary to decide on the best treatment plan.
Ice: Applying ice with gentle compression using a bandage may help with pain relief and reducing swelling around your ankle. Click here to download an information sheet
More infomation coming soon.
Plantarfasciitis can cause pain around the heel bone and further down the foot towards the base of the toes. The pain is often worse first thing on a morning or following a long time of inactivity. It is mainly caused by poor foot positioning or repetitive activity.
Plantarfasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is a thick band of connective tissue which starts at the heel bone and ends towards the toes.
You may experience:
Pain or tenderness in the heel or arch of the foot
Pain that is often worse first thing on a morning or following a long time of inactivity
Walking short distances may help but longer distances may increase the symptoms
Pain when stretching the sole of the foot such as going up on your toes or upstairs
Pain with standing for long periods or when wearing flat, unsupported shoes
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made from the patient's history and a simple examination. Further investigation or imaging is rarely required.
There are ways to try and self-manage Plantarfasciitis:
Pain relief - Speak to your local Pharmacy if you are unsure what to take.
An ice pack under the heel may help to reduce pain (Click here to download information)
Wear shoes with good support
Gentle stretching
You can download an exercise sheet here
