Foot and ankle injuries
Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, and among the most under-rehabilitated. Waiting for pain to settle without restoring proprioception and strength leads to chronic instability and recurrent sprains. Physiotherapy addresses the full picture.
Common foot and ankle conditions treated
- Lateral ankle sprain: the most common ankle injury; grades I–III depending on ligament damage
- Chronic ankle instability: a sense of giving way and recurrent sprains following inadequate rehabilitation
- Achilles tendinopathy: mid-portion or insertional; pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle
- Plantar fasciitis: pain at the heel and arch, typically worst with the first steps after rest
- Peroneal tendinopathy: lateral ankle and foot pain following inversion injury or overuse
- Posterior tibial tendinopathy: inner ankle pain causing progressive flatfoot
- Sinus tarsi syndrome: lateral ankle pain following sprain
- Morton's neuroma: sharp, burning pain in the forefoot between the toes
Symptoms
- Pain localised to a specific part of the foot or ankle
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness following injury
- Stiffness after rest, particularly first thing in the morning
- A sense of instability or giving way when walking on uneven ground
- Pain with weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, or standing
How physiotherapy helps
What treatment involves
- Clinical assessment to grade the injury and identify structures involved
- Manual therapy to restore ankle joint mobility and reduce pain
- Progressive calf, peroneal, and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening
- Proprioceptive and balance retraining — critical for preventing recurrent sprains
- Gait and footwear assessment
- Taping and bracing advice for return to activity
What to expect from recovery
A grade I ankle sprain can be rehabilitated in two to four weeks with proper management. Grade II and III sprains take longer — typically six to twelve weeks — and require more structured proprioceptive rehabilitation to prevent chronic instability. Tendinopathies follow a loading-based programme over eight to sixteen weeks depending on severity.