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Foot & ankle pain

Osteopathy for
Foot & Ankle Pain in Bury St Edmunds

Foot and ankle pain can affect walking, running, exercise and everyday activity. Symptoms may develop after an injury or build gradually over time. Assessment can help identify which structures may be involved and what may be contributing to the problem.
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Joshua Toon M.Ost  | Registered Osteopath 

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About foot and ankle pain

The foot and ankle form a complex system of joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments that help support the body and manage load during standing and movement. Pain can follow a clear injury, such as an ankle sprain, but it can also develop gradually. Changes in activity, running or walking volume, footwear and the capacity of the tissues to tolerate load may all be relevant.
Where the pain is felt does not always identify the exact structure involved, so assessment is useful in distinguishing between different possible causes.

Common foot and ankle problems

Common presentations include ankle sprains, achilles tendon pain, plantar heel pain, pain around the ankle joint, forefoot pain and other activity-related foot and ankle problems.

What can foot and ankle pain feel like?

Symptoms vary depending on the problem. You may notice pain when walking or running, stiffness after rest, swelling following activity, tenderness around the ankle or foot, or discomfort when pushing through the foot.

After an ankle injury

Following an ankle injury, there may also be a feeling of weakness or reduced confidence in the joint, particularly on uneven ground or during faster changes of direction.

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Assessment and treatment

Assessment begins by understanding where the pain is located, how it started and which activities affect it. Previous ankle injuries, recent changes in activity or training and your usual footwear may also be relevant.
Examination may include movement of the foot and ankle, joint function, strength, balance and functional movements such as walking, calf raises, squatting or other activities relevant to your symptoms.
Treatment depends on the findings. Hands-on techniques may be used where appropriate to help with pain, stiffness or movement. Advice and rehabilitation can also be used to progressively restore strength, balance and the ability of the foot and ankle to tolerate load.
For people returning to running or sport, rehabilitation can gradually become more specific to the demands of that activity.

Getting back to activity

The aim is not simply to make the foot or ankle feel less painful, but to restore the capacity needed for everyday activity, exercise or sport.
Depending on the problem, this may involve gradually rebuilding calf and foot strength, balance, walking or running tolerance and confidence in movements such as jumping or changing direction.
Progress is guided by symptoms and function rather than expecting every foot or ankle problem to follow the same timeframe.

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When medical assessment may be needed

Not all foot and ankle pain is suitable for osteopathic treatment alone. If the assessment suggests that imaging or another medical opinion would be more appropriate, this can be discussed with you. Further medical assessment or imaging may be appropriate following:
  • Significant trauma
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Suspected fracture
  • Marked swelling or deformity
  • Persistent unexplained swelling
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Pain where a bone stress injury is suspected

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Frequently asked questions about foot and ankle pain

Usually not. Many foot and ankle problems can initially be assessed clinically. If the history or examination suggests that imaging would be useful, this can be discussed.
Ankle sprains can often be managed conservatively once a more serious injury has been excluded. Treatment and rehabilitation may focus on restoring movement, strength, balance and confidence in the ankle.
Yes. Heel pain can have several causes, so assessment first aims to establish the most likely source of symptoms. Management may include advice around activity and loading alongside appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
Achilles tendon problems commonly require progressive loading and rehabilitation. Assessment can help determine the stage and irritability of the problem and guide an appropriate progression.
Sometimes. Complete rest is not always necessary, but the amount or type of activity may need to be temporarily adjusted. This depends on the suspected injury and how your symptoms respond to load.

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