Ankle and Foot Pain

Ankle and foot pain can occur at any age for a multitude of reasons. It is probably most common however in sports people, especially those who do a lot of running. This is due to repeated high impact through the feet and ankles, a tendency for tight calf muscles and increased likelihood of ankle sprains due to awkward landings.

Unsupportive and constricting footwear, especially amongst women is also a common contributing factor. High heels place immense strain on the calf muscles (as well as the lower back and hips), while flat shoes or flip flops provide inadequate support to the foot arches.

Common Causes of Foot or Ankle Pain

• Plantar fasciitis leading to pain on the sole of the foot and/or heel pain. This can be due to overuse (eg. running), increased weight (eg. pregnancy), hypermobility or unsupportive footwear (eg flip flops, flat-soled shoes).
• Sprained ankle due to awkward landing, pre-existing ankle injury or hypermobility.
• Achilles tendinopathy due to overuse, excessive stretching, foot under or over-pronation.
• ‘Wear and tear’ of the foot joints due to osteoarthritis.
• Unsupportive or constricting footwear (eg flip flops, flat-soled shoes, pointed, high-heels).
• Referred pain, cramps , tingling or ‘pins & needles’ from the lower back.

How can Osteopathy Help with Ankle or Foot Pain in Leamington Spa & Warwick?

An osteopath can assess what is causing your foot or ankle pain. We can provide treatment and advice for all of the conditions listedabove. Treatment may include massage, joint mobilisation, stretching and advice on exercises to do at home. As well as treating the foot and ankle directly, we may also work on the hips, knees pelvis and the back, if assessment reveals contributing factors in those areas.

★★★★★ “I’m a very active person and had been struggling with ankle pain for almost a year, to the point where it was affecting everyday life and forcing me to stop some of my regular exercise. With an NHS physio appointment still 5–6 months away, I decided to try osteopathy and chose Feel Better Osteopathy based on the excellent reviews.

Emma inspired confidence from the start. She quickly had a good idea of what was causing the pain and explained that we were dealing with arthritis. While it isn’t something that can be cured, she made it clear that with treatment and regular strengthening exercises it is manageable, and that my comfort and mobility could improve considerably.

The exercises started making a noticeable difference after about two weeks, and the treatments helped relax and relieve the affected areas. After around five treatments, I’m back to doing the exercises I had to stop because of the pain, and I’m no longer terrified about what might be going on in my body.”

When Is Osteopathy Not Suitable?

Ankle and foot pain may be caused by something that is not suitable for osteopathic treatment, in which case we would refer you on to a specialist. Examples include: cardiovascular problems, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, fractures or congenital bony anomalies.