Ankle pain and/or foot pain can occur in any of the anatomical structures below. Irritation can occur by wear and tear, compression, sprain (ligaments), strain (muscles) incorrect mechanics (joints not tracking properly), inflammation of the blood vessels/ bursa/nerves or fractures (bone).
Structures of the Ankle and Foot
The ankle is a hinge joint and has 3 bones. The Tibia, Fibula, and talus. Holding all these bones together are 6 ligaments. The ankle joints are moved and stabilised by 5 muscles – Gastrocnemius and soleus, which are known as the calf muscles, posterior tibialis, flexor hallucis longus, and the peroneal muscles.
The Foot has 26 bones, held together and supported by multiple ligaments. The muscles are divided into 2 groups: Intrinsic and extrinsic. Muscles attach to the bones via tendons. The main function of the muscles is to move, support and balance the foot. The other structures involved in the ankle/foot are the bursae, blood vessels (veins and arteries) and nerves (L3-S2) .
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be difficult without the appropriate training. As primary care physicians, each of our practitioners at Future Proof Care, are trained to perform a thorough history and examination, to gain the correct diagnosis of ankle pain and foot pain.
Ankle and Foot conditions we have diagnosed and/or support
Patients have presented to our practice with ankle and/or foot pain from a range of causes: trauma or impact, mal-alignment, instability, poor footwear or sometimes pain of unknown reason. We have diagnosed and/or support patients with ankle and foot conditions outlined below:
- Capsulitis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Sprained ankle
- Sever’s disease
- Growing pains
- Radiculopathy
- Nerve Pain (neuropathy)
- Raynaud’s disease
- Plantarfasciitis
- Bunions
- Hyper pronation
- Mechanical dysfunction
- Policeman’s heel / bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Bone Fractures
Some of the above ankle and foot conditions are referred for imaging or further testing to confirm the diagnosis if necessary. Patients are then, when appropriate, supported with treatment and educated on how to manage and rehabilitate their presentation.
Description
Patients may describe their ankle and foot pain in some of the following ways. Each description points towards a certain diagnosis. If you use any of these terms, book an appointment with one of our Practitioners at Future Proof Care, Kings Hill, West Malling.
- “Unable to weight bear”
- “Burning sensation”
- “Locked up”
- Unable to walk when get out of bed
- Painful to touch
- Difficulty wearing shoes
- Pins and needles
- Numbness
- Sharp shooting
- Hot/cold sensation
History and Examination
Once the nature of the ankle and foot pain is established, we will then perform an examination. We won’t only examine the ankle or foot, we will examine your low back, knee, and hip region, and other systems. Many mechanical, orthopaedic, neurological and muscle tests will be carried out. It is our goal to arrive at a diagnosis with clinical clarity of what is going on.
Why Choose us?
Not all Chiropractors, Osteopaths or Physiotherapists treat ankle or foot pain both directly AND indirectly. They may focus more on the spine in isolation or the ankle and foot in isolation. At Future Proof Care, we treat the body as a whole, thereby getting better results quicker.
We first establish the type of pain you have and why you have it. Thereafter the focus is then placed on how to get you back to function as quickly as possible. We are honest and act with integrity, keeping you, your goals and needs at the centre of your care
Don’t let your ankle or foot pain stop you from functioning normally. Our practitioners go beyond their training in Chiropractic, Osteopathy. Each practitioner attends seminars to stay up to date with the latest research, sports injury and techniques, so our patients can get the best service.
