Physiotherapy can treat a myriad of injuries. However, which injuries can physiotherapists help with? That’s why we started this series.
In this article, and the next few ones, we will tackle most, if not all, of these conditions. As the name suggests, this article will show you the ankle and foot injuries that physiotherapy can treat.
The Ankle & Foot Injuries Treated by Physiotherapy
Achilles Injuries
The Achilles tendon is this strong and fibrous cord of tissue that links your heel to your calf muscle. Since it is the largest tendon in your body, it’s well-used. Sadly, it’s more prone to injury since it doesn’t have the best blood supply.
The injuries that can happen with the Achilles tendon are as follows:
- Achilles Pain
- Chronic Achilles Tendonitis
- Acute Achilles Rupture
Ankle Injuries
The ankle is a critical joint. It connects the bones of your feet to the bones of your legs. Also known as the tibiotalar or talocrutal joint, it’s essential for moving your feet and providing you balance. Your ankles also absorb a lot of friction, making them vulnerable.
The ankle injuries that physiotherapy can treat are:
- Ankle Arthropathies
- Ankle Fractures
- Ankle Sprains
- Ankle Strains
- Ankle Impingement
- Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome (Footballer’s Ankle)
- Ankle Osteochondral Lesions
Generalised Foot Injuries
The foot may be one of the most intricate parts of your body, with over 26 bones. The inside of your feet is complex and interconnected with many ligaments, tendons, joints, and muscles. As your mode of transportation, your feet are highly injury-prone.
Below are the foot injuries that physiotherapists can help remedy:
- Calcaneal (Heel Bone) Fractures
- Calcaneal/Heel Spurs
- Compartment Syndrome of the Foot
- (Heel) Fat Pad Atrophy/Syndrome
- Foot Arthropathies
- Foot Fractures
- Foot Sprains
- Foot Strains
- Lisfranc (Midfoot) Injury
- Plantar Fasciitis
Toe Injuries
Your feet aren’t the only ones that can give you support. Toes aid in stability and balance, especially while walking or running. Your toes are bones with layers of skin. They lack protection from layers of fat or muscle. Any injury can impact the bones themselves.
If you have any of these toe injuries, a physiotherapist can help you recover:
- Hallux Valgus
- Hallux Rigidus
- Metatarsal Fractures
- Metatarsalgia
- Metatarsophalangeal Joint Sprain (Turf Toe)
- Toe Arthropathies
- Toe Fractures
- Toe Sprains
- Toe Strains
