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ANKLE PAIN ~ Check out our latest blog for more information!

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ANKLE PAIN

Ankle pain is a common source of foot pain that can be as a result of an acute, one-off trauma injury to the ankle, repeated injury and overuse to the ankle joint and its surrounding anatomy, or also from degenerative changes to the ankle over time. However, there are other reasons as to why you may be suffering from ankle pain.

 

Ankle pain can also be in different regions of the ankle due to the number of bones that form the ankle joint.

 

The ankle joint is also known as the Talocrural Joint; formed by the connection between the Fibula (outside leg bone), Tibia (inside leg bone/shin bone), and Talus, a small bone that sits in the mortise shaped socket formed by the Fibula and Tibia. The end of the Tibia (your “inside ankle bone”) is called the Medial Malleolus, the end of the Fibula (your “outside ankle bone”) is called the Lateral Malleolus. The most common fracture to either of these bones is a lateral malleolus fracture.

 

 

General Ankle Joint pain

à Generalised, non localised pain to the whole ankle joint

 

Common Diagnoses

  • Osteoarthritis: Cartilage degeneration
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis : Inflammation to joint lining causing cartilage degeneration
  • An arthritic joint is frequently noticed by stiffness to the joint

 

Ankle pain

 

Lateral Ankle pain

à Pain on the outer side of your ankle

Commonly caused by an acute incident, but can be of gradual nature

 

Common Diagnoses

  • Ligament injuries (tear or rupture) : Anterior Talofibular (ATFL), Calcaneofibular (CFL), Posterior talofibular (PTFL)
  • High Ankle Sprain aka Syndesmosis Injury: Ligament injury to Distal Tibiofibular Ligament (ligament connecting your main leg bone/shin bone, to your outer leg bone)
  • Peroneal Tendinopathy/Tendinitis
  • Peroneal Subluxation/Dislocation
  • Fracture : Cuboid, 5th metatarsal “Jones” fracture or Lateral Malleolusankle lateral ligaments trauma pain location lateral inversion trauma inversion

 

Medial Ankle pain

à Pain on the inner side of your ankle

Usually due to overuse, ie “wear and tear”

 

Common Diagnoses

  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome or Medial Calcaneal Nerve Entrapment
  • Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy
  • Ligament injury: Deltoid ligament
  • Flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy

Photo: Location of Tibialis Posterior Syndrome

Anterior Ankle Pain

–>Pain on the top of the foot at the front of your ankle joint

 

Common Diagnoses

  • Anterior Ankle Impingement

-Often due to Bone Spur formation

-Common in Soccer players or Dancers

-Often intense, sharp pain

  • Osteochondral lesion at Talar Dome
  • Tibialis Anterior Tendinopathy/Tendinitis
  • Extensor Retinaculum restriction/injury

Location of Pain in Anterior Ankle Impingement

 

The above information is informative only, see your Podiatrist for a detailed examination to determine what may be the cause of your ankle pain or injury, to diagnose correctly and form a comprehensive treatment plan to get you back and moving!

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

*Sources

https://orthopaedia.com/page/Anatomy-of-the-Foot-Ankle

https://www.completepaincare.com/patient-education/conditions-treated/ankle-pain/

https://www.physiocheck.co.uk/condition/4/lateral-ankle-ligament-injury

https://www.physioroom.com/injuries/ankle_and_foot/tibialis_posterior_syndrome_full.php

Anterior Ankle Impingement

MARATHON RECOVERY

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Recovery from any sporting event is critical to injury prevention and must be a component that should be planned into your training program. The main basic steps to follow in the first few days: 

On the day: 

  • Keep warm. Your body will cool down rapidly which is stressful to your cells, so have tracksuit pants and a jumper ready, and get your wet clothes off. 
  • Eat. Protein – bananas, energy bars, sporting drinks, fruit are all good options and will help with recovery. 
  • Ice bath. Later in the day when you get home an ice bath will help with muscular repair. 
  • Walk. A light walk in the evening before going to bed.

Day 1 – 3 of recovery: 

  • Warm bath followed by stretch.

  • Eat, and eat lots. Focus on carbs and protein to refuel.
  • Light massage – no deep tissue at this stage, it will be too much for muscle fibres.

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

Want to know how to best care for your feet? Here’s how you can show your feet some more love, which can even benefit your overall health!

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TIP THREE

Pain can be a subjective experience, yet no matter how it is packaged it shouldn’t be ignored. To avoid pain it is important to have shoes that fit well and are comfortable, since pain in your feet can trigger a ‘chain effect’ of pain elsewhere such as in your hips or knees.

DO

  • Rest tired feet and legs, particularly if you stand for long periods of time
  • Explore what triggers any foot pain and make note of this for your podiatrist
  • Consider applying ice packs to areas of swelling or inflammation

DONT

  • Ignore pain, since it is your body’s way of letting you know something needs investigation
  • Assume hip and knee pain isnt connected to your feet or the way you walk
  • Believe all pain is ‘bad’, your podiatrist may advise you to safely work through your foot pain

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

*Source foothealthaustralia.org.au

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

GROWING PAINS?

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Growing Pains?

Is pain most commonly affecting the legs during adolescence. This pain most often occurs at afternoon to night time and will affect the muscles. 

Growing pains is defined as pain in the muscles and not the bones or joints. Often it is genralised muscle pain which is often described as non-specific pain.

There are many theories as to why it occurs. The first theory is that due to large amounts of growth in a short time, there is an increased effort for the leg muscles to work and so pain occurs. The second is that the muscles fatigue due to overuse in active children. Lastly, there may be a psychological aspect to the pain development within the brain. 

Growing pains is linked to obesity, lowered pain thresholds, decreased bone strength and is more prevalent in children who suffer migraines. 

The symptoms will include being bilateral, pain in the late afternoon or evening, intermittent pain with some pain free days and is most likely be in the calf or quad muscles.

If the symptoms are unilateral, persistent, within joint or persistent until the next morning, see your doctor immediately.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

TOENAIL BRUISING AND INJURY

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Toenail bruising and injury

Bruising of the toenails is very common. It can occur because of an injury (i.e. dropping something on it) or from repetitive stress to the area. This is frequently occurring in ballet dancers and football players due to the nature of their activities.

When to see a podiatrist?

–          If it causes any pain

–          If the nail breaks, thickens, cracks or lifts from the nail bed

–          If the bruising is not going away

–          If the bruising has defined borders or occurs in a strip

Depending on the presentation and cause for the changes to the nail, the podiatrist may:

–          Cut and file the nail

–          Monitor it for changes

–          Offload the area with paddings and/or orthotics

–          Provide footwear recommendations

–          Activity modifications

 

 

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

 

CORNS AND CALLUS – what are they and treatment

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Corns and Callus

Callus is the thickening of the skin on the hands and feet. On the feet, callus forms as a reaction from repeated high areas of pressure. This mechanism is to protect the skin from breaking down. Over time however this may lead to discomfort and bruising around the callus.

Corns are similar to callus but they mostly form over joints where there is a focused centre to the pressure. Due to this pressure, the callus forms a nucleus at this location which can become sensitive and painful.

Podiatrist can ‘shave’ down the callus and remove the painful centre of the corns. 

They may also recommend an offloading device to reduce the pressure at those locations.
This can be achieved through:

  • Taping
  • Orthotics
  • Foam or gel pads
  • Toe sleeves

#toesleeves

 

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS? Check out our latest blog to find out more!

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ARTHRITIS

There are 3 types of arthritis that commonly affect the feet

Osteoarthritis

 Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis

 Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gout

 Gout

These will most likely affect the big toe of the foot and lead to degeneration of the joint.

Over time this may lead to structural changes of the joint and reduce range of motion.

Reduced range of motion will decrease the body’s ability to adapt to forces loaded to the area and impinge on the normal function of
the joint.

Symptoms
Reduced range of motion
Visible changes to the joint
Pain in the joint and/or surrounding soft tissue
Change in walking gait

Treatment is to help decreased pain and maintain the joint’s range of motion.

This may include
Mobilisation
Soft tissue therapy
Orthotics
Exercise prescription
Footwear recommendations

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

ANKLE INJURIES/SPRAINS – Symptoms & Treatment

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Ankle Injuries/Sprains

An ankle sprain may relate to ligament damage to the medial (inside), lateral (outside) or syndesmosis (‘high ankle sprain’) of the ankle. 

Sprains result from over-extension joint, putting high levels of load through the ligaments to resist these forces. Most commonly these injuries will occur during high impact activity with different sports carrying higher risk for some injuries. 

Symptoms

  • Pain on weightbearing 
  • Swelling/bruising 
  • Pain on palpation

Treatment

  • RICE (Rest, ice, compress and elevate) for the first 24 hours 
  • Activity modification
  • Medical imaging may be required to investigate and rule out other injuries such as a fracture
  • Offloading
    • Taping
    • Ankle braces
    • Moonboot/post-op shoe
    • Orthotics
    • Laser treatment

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

HOW MANY PHALANGES DOES A HUMAN HAVE?

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56 phalanges!

There are 56 phalanges (bones) in the human body, with fourteen on each hand and foot. Three phalanges are present on each finger and toe, with the exception of the thumb and large toe, which possess only two. 
The phalanges of the fingers help us manipulate our environment while the phalanges of the foot help us balance, walk, and run.

Phalanges have many attachments such as muscles (via tendons), ligaments and other soft tissue.

Treatment of Toe Fractures

Fractures of the toe bones are almost always traumatic fractures. Treatment for traumatic fractures depends on the break itself and may include these options:

  • Rest. Sometimes rest is all that is needed to treat a traumatic fracture of the toe.
  • Splinting. The toe may be fitted with a splint to keep it in a fixed position.
  • Rigid or stiff-soled shoe. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe protects the toe and helps keep it properly positioned. Use of a postoperative shoe or bootwalker is also helpful.
  • Buddy taping the fractured toe to another toe is sometimes appropriate, but in other cases, it may be harmful.
  • Surgery. If the break is badly displaced or if the joint is affected, surgery may be necessary. Surgery often involves the use of fixation devices, such as pins

Consequences of Improper Treatment

Some people say that “the doctor can’t do anything for a broken bone in the foot.” This is usually not true. In fact, if a fractured toe or metatarsal bone is not treated correctly, serious complications may develop. For example:

  • A deformity in the bony architecture, which may limit the ability to move the foot or cause difficulty in fitting shoes.
  • Arthritis, which may be caused by a fracture in a joint (the juncture where two bones meet), or may be a result of angular deformities that develop when a displaced fracture is severe or has not been properly corrected.
  • Chronic pain and deformity.
  • Non-union, or failure to heal, can lead to subsequent surgery or chronic pain.

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

 

 

 

SKIP A STEP & SAVE MONEY…do I need to see my GP or Podiatrist for a foot complaint?

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Podiatry

A podiatrist is an Allied health professional in foot care. Podiatrists help people in the care of their lower limbs including the foot and ankle and may also be involved in supporting older people to reduce their risk of falling.

They can treat conditions such as toe fungus, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, bunions, infections and foot injuries. Podiatrists can perform ingrown toenail surgery using a local anaesthetic.

Where do podiatrists practice?

Podiatrists mainly work in private practices but also work in a range of health settings including hospitals, aged care, sports clinics and research and policy organisations.

When should I see a podiatrist?

There are a wide range of reasons to see a podiatrist but some typical foot conditions include heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, tinea, plantar warts, corns and calluses.  Some typical examples of why someone might see a podiatrist are:

  • Patient with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, or neuropathy
  • Clinical diagnosis or history of foot or lower limb deformity
  • Clinical diagnosis of falls
  • Arthritis
  • Soft tissue and muscular pathologies
  • Circulatory diseases.

What services do podiatrists provide?

Podiatrists provide a wide range of services from the treatment of calluses to the treatment of bone and joint disorders. For conditions such as recurring sprains and chronic pain, podiatrists may prescribe foot orthoses.

The podiatrist’s scope of practice includes areas such as paediatrics, diabetes, sports injuries, structural problems, treatment of the elderly as well as general foot care.

Podiatrists with additional qualifications and registration may also perform foot surgery.

How are podiatrists qualified?

In order to practice in Australia, a podiatrist must complete the following:

  • A Bachelor of Podiatry
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • Continuing professional development.

Skip a step and make a direct booking with one of our qualified podiatrists today on 5223 1531