Seeking Foot and Ankle Physiotherapy?

Feet and ankle joints enable individuals to stand, walk and run throughout their lifetime, and so it isn’t surprising that 75% of us will experience problems in this area at some stage in our lives. Our foot and ankle physiotherapy treatments help patients to manage their pain, and get back on their feet again.

An ankle sprain is a common injury which effects the ankle ligaments. Ligaments are strong band-like structures around joints, which attach bones together and give support to joints. A ligament can be injured, when an inversion injury occurs, causing the foot to suddenly turn over onto the outer part of the ankle. Pain, swelling, reduced motion at the foot and ankle and difficulty weight-bearing are common signs and symptoms associated with this injury. In the longer term, if normal movement is not restored quickly, scarring occurs within the injured ligament, affecting the foot and ankle joint and the associated muscles. This can alter foot and ankle movement dynamics and overall balance.

The severity of a sprain is graded according to how badly the ligament has been stretched and whether or not the ankle joint has been made unstable. The joint can become unstable when the damaged ligament is no longer able to give it the normal support:

  • Grade I – mild stretching of the ligament without joint instability.
  • Grade II – partial tear (rupture) of the ligament but without joint instability (or with mild instability).
  • Grade III – a severe sprain: complete rupture of the ligament with instability of the joint.

A physiotherapist should be consulted following an ankle sprain so that correct treatment can be administered and appropriate rehabilitation exercises are prescribed.  Ring Physioleeds today so we can help.

Achilles Tendinopathy

The Achilles tendon begins near the mid-calf and inserts into the back of the heel connecting the two calf muscles (gastrocnemius and the soles muscles) to the ankle. Very close to the insertion of the tendon are two bursae which can be a source of pain.  Achilles tendinopathy normally occurs in the  middle of the tendon (55-65%) rather than the insertion.

Achilles tendionopathy is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon.  It is common in anyone who participate in sports such as running or jumping.

So that you can return safely to sporting activity, your physiotherapist at PhysioLeeds will carry out soft tissue massage to the achilles tendon, advise on eccentric training, teach you core stability strengthening exercises specific to your sport and possibly advise on a podiatry assessment.

Contact us today to hear about the full range of foot and ankle physiotherapy treatments we offer, and to find out how we can help get you back to peak physical health!

Book Foot and Ankle Physiotherapy

PhysioLeeds Fit4Work, Bankside, 71 Breary Lane East, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9EU

PhysioLeeds Fit4Work, Trinity Fitness, Brownberrie Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5HD