Pain can occur in the foot and ankles for a number of reasons.
The foot and ankle is made up of a number of small bones interconnected by ligaments, muscles and fascia all working together to give the strength, stability and flexibility the foot and ankle needs to function properly. At Central Oxford Osteopathy we know how much foot and ankle pain can limit your mobility.
Common conditions which can give rise to this pain include:
Sometimes x-rays, scans and other tests are required to make a full diagnosis and particularly to rule out a fracture. If we feel our osteopath cannot completely heal or discover the cause of your pain, we will refer you to your GP or a specialist for additional investigation and to prescribe pain- or anti inflammatory-medication as required.
In the first 24-48 hours after an acute injury to your foot or ankle, your osteopath will often advise rest, ice, elevation and compression. Depending on the diagnosis and your age and fitness we can also use a variety of gentle massage and manipulative techniques to increase the mobility of the joints and the flexibility of the muscles in the foot. Your osteopath will often look at muscles and joints in the lower limb, the knee, hip and lower back and may treat any joint restrictions and muscle tightness they find there. Often improving the movement in the joints of the lower will help the foot and ankle function better.
Your long term recovery is important to us. Once we have treated your immediate pain at the clinic, we will help you maintain your recovery by recommending gentle balancing or loosening exercises and stretches that you can do at home. We may offer advice on strapping and brace supports, footwear and any lifestyle factors that might be hindering healing. We may also refer you to a podiatrist for their opinion and for specialist foot supports
Acknowledgement: with thanks to Institute of Osteopathy for data and sources.
Jamie treated my neck, gave me exercises to repeat and probably more importantly, convinced me I had a healthy spine. Within
two weeks I was a new woman, and have been pain free for weeks and weeks."
- Bobbie, 56
"After twisting my back when picking up my daughter, I was struggling to walk. I had two sessions with Jamie and have continued
with the exercises which he suggested. A month later, my back feels great and the pain has completely gone."
- Chris, 33
"For the first time in years I am no longer taking pain killers and able to sleep through the night"
- Anna, violinist with Roxy Music, 26
As we announced last month, Central Oxford Osteopathy is moving… but not far. We’re putting the finishing touches to our brand new, permanent clinic space and are nearly ready to open our doors. From Read More...
Jamie Dearing | 15 June, 2021