Ankle & Foot Complaints

An ankle complaint can arise suddenly after trauma such as a fall, but it can also develop gradually without a clearly identifiable cause. We outline several ways in which ankle problems can develop and what physiotherapy can do to help. Ankle pain can vary in intensity depending on the injury or condition and the individual. However, there are typical pain patterns that are characteristic and are explained for each condition.

For example, during sports, the muscles of the foot and ankle can get injured. A sharp, stabbing pain is typical of an acute complaint. With a sudden movement, a muscle or tendon can become overstrained, resulting in a strain or tear. In most cases, there is ligament damage. The clinical picture can be confirmed by a physiotherapist, while in severe trauma cases, it will be assessed by a specialist. In addition, physiotherapy will be required to work on recovery after any potential surgery.

In severe cases involving ligament injury, a muscle tear, or a tendon injury, the range of motion will be limited when moving, and walking will be painful. Contracting the affected muscle or tendon will worsen the pain, and (localized) swelling may occur. In the case of a rupture, a dent or irregularity can be felt in the muscle. Ultrasound diagnostics can be used to determine the extent and severity of the rupture. For more information about ultrasound diagnostics, visit www.shockwaveveldhoven.nl

Treatment: In the case of a rupture or another type of acute injury, medical taping can be applied. In addition, advice is provided and you are guided in resuming (sports) activities. This guidance mainly consists of exercise therapy, and in the final recovery phase, stretching of the affected muscle (if necessary). Another option is the use of shockwave therapy to promote recovery. Shockwave is applied at both locations at Cardo Healthcare.

When vague complaints occur that are not constantly present, it may be due to overuse of muscle or tendon tissue. In some cases, the plantar fascia of the foot may also become inflamed. These complaints often occur around the heel or under the foot. A characteristic of these complaints is difficulty walking, especially with the first steps.

Wear and tear complaints or osteoarthritis

These complaints limit activities, such as sports, work, but also daily activities like dressing and self-care. The most common complaints with hip wear and tear are:

Pain around the ankle that worsens with load, such as walking or climbing stairs
Night pain
Stiffening of the ankle and loss of mobility. Morning stiffness, in particular, is a common complaint.
Loss of strength due to weakening of the muscles around the ankle.

Our podiatrist will be consulted if there is an indication from the physical examination conducted by the physiotherapist. The podiatrist will further investigate whether there is a misalignment in the feet and/or the ankle joint. Such a misalignment can have negative effects on the load on the ankle joint. A targeted insole treatment can significantly reduce these complaints. Targeted running training during exercise therapy with your physiotherapist will be addressed afterwards. Click on Podiatry to read about what the podiatrist can do for you and for which complaints you can consult them.