Our Treatment Approach for Ankle and Foot Physiotherapy
Ankle and foot pain are common issues that can significantly impact daily life.
Whether you’re an athlete who has suffered an acute injury, or someone who enjoys a daily walk and suffers chronic pain, discomfort in the ankle and foot areas can limit mobility and reduce quality of life. Ankle and Foot Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive solution to managing and alleviating pain and improving mobility of the foot and ankle joint.
Acute pain is sharp, it typically comes on suddenly and caused by something specific like a recent injury or surgery. Chronic pain, however, can be described as a dull, constant, episodic or recurrence of pain and usually lasts longer than six months, continuing even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed. At Core Fitness our highly trained physiotherapists can treat both acute and chronic injuries of the foot, ankle joint, toes, or heels.
For acute cases, our Physiotherapists will first assess the area of interest and seek to stabilise the area and reduce the immediate pain and swelling through different treatments. These can include stabilising methods, ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy and ice/heat application.
For chronic foot pain, our Physiotherapists will pinpoint the cause(s) of the pain and begin treating it. They will employ methods like manual therapy, assisted stretches, soft tissue manipulation or even prescribe mobility exercises aimed at helping the injured area to heal more quickly. Examples of common contributing factors to chronic foot pain include improper posture, walking habits or even ill fitting/non ergonomic footwear (e.g. high heels) affecting the biomechanics of the joints.
Our physiotherapists may also prescribe specific injury-related strengthening exercises to help further rehabilitate and stabilise the muscles around the injury site.
Why should I do Ankle and Foot Physiotherapy?
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Improves Mobility and Strength: Regular physiotherapy sessions can enhance joint mobility and strengthen muscles, leading to improved function and reduced pain.
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Prevention of Future Injuries: By addressing the root cause of pain and teaching proper movement techniques, physiotherapy can help prevent future injuries.
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Non-Invasive Treatment: Physiotherapy provides a non-surgical approach to treating pain, which is often preferred by patients looking to avoid surgery and its associated risks.
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Personalized Care: Physiotherapists tailor treatment plans to the individual’s specific needs, taking into account the severity of the condition, lifestyle, and personal goals.
Conditions That Ankle and Foot Physiotherapy Can Help With
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Plantar Fasciitis: This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain through stretching exercises and manual therapy.
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Achilles Tendinitis: Characterized by pain along the back of the leg near the heel, this condition can benefit from specific exercises and modalities to reduce inflammation and strengthen the tendon.
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Ankle Sprains: Physiotherapy is crucial in the rehabilitation of ankle sprains, focusing on restoring range of motion, strength, and balance to prevent recurrence.
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Arthritis: For those suffering from arthritis in the foot or ankle, physiotherapy can help manage symptoms through exercises that maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
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Fractures and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: After a fracture or surgery, physiotherapy is essential to regain full function and strength in the foot and ankle.
What to Expect in Ankle and Foot Physiotherapy Sessions
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Assessment: The physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the cause and extent of the pain.
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Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, which may include exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
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Education: Patients will be educated on proper footwear, posture, and exercises to do at home to aid recovery and prevent future issues.
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Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-ups will ensure that the treatment is effective and adjusted as needed.
Ankle and foot physiotherapy is a vital component in the treatment and management of various conditions affecting these areas. Based on your individual goals and our tailored holistic treatment plan, you can expect a comprehensive approach that not only addresses the symptoms but also the underlying causes, promoting long-term health and mobility ultimately on bringing you back to your full functional status.
Core Fitness is happy to treat you for all of your ankle and foot pain Physiotherapy needs!
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