Ankle and foot complaints

The development of ankle complaints

An ankle complaint can develop acutely after a trauma such as a fall, but can also develop gradually and without a clearly identifiable cause. We list a number of ways in which it can develop and what physiotherapy can do for this. Pain complaints in the ankle can vary in intensity per individual, depending on the injury or condition. However, there are typical pain complaints that are characteristic and that are explained per condition.

Acute ankle complaints

During sports, for example, the muscles of the foot and ankle can become injured. A sharp, stabbing pain is characteristic of an acute complaint. An abrupt movement can overload a muscle or tendon and a strain or tear can occur. In most cases, there is a ligament injury. The clinical picture can be confirmed by the physiotherapist, in the case of serious trauma this will be determined by a specialist. In addition, physiotherapy will be necessary to work on recovery after a possible operation.

Muscle or tendon injury

In severe cases of ligament injury, a muscle tear or a tendon injury, the range of motion when moving will be limited and walking will be painful. Tensing the affected muscle or tendon will worsen the pain and (local) fluid may develop. In the case of a rupture, a dent or unevenness will be palpable in the muscle. Ultrasound diagnostics can be used to determine the extent and severity of the rupture. For more information about ultrasound diagnostics, visit www.shockwaveveldhoven.nl

Treatment: In the case of a rupture or another form of acute injury, medical taping can be used. In addition, advice is discussed and you will be guided in resuming (sports) activities. This guidance mainly consists of exercise therapy and, in the final recovery phase, stretching the affected muscle (if necessary). Another option is to use shockwave to promote recovery. Shockwave is used at both locations at Cardo Healthcare.

Subacute or chronic complaints

When vague complaints occur that are not continuously present, there may be an overload of muscle or tendon tissue. In some cases, the tendon plate of the foot can also become inflamed. These complaints often occur around the heel or under the foot. Typical of these complaints are problems with walking, especially the first steps.

Wear and tear complaints or osteoarthritis

These complaints limit activities such as sports, work, but also daily activities such as dressing and self-care. The most common complaints with wear and tear of the hip are:

• Pain around the ankle that worsens with strain such as walking, climbing stairs
• Night pain
• Stiffening of the ankle and loss of mobility. Starting stiffness in particular is a well-known complaint.
• Loss of strength due to weakening of the muscles around the ankle.

Postural deviations:

Our podiatrist will be called in if there is an indication from the physical examination performed by the physiotherapist. The podiatrist will further investigate whether there is a deviation from the position of the feet and/or the ankle joint. Such a deviation can have negative consequences for the load on the ankle joint. A targeted sole treatment can significantly reduce the complaints. Targeted walking training during the exercise therapy with your physiotherapist will be discussed afterwards. Click on Podiatry to read what the podiatrist can do for you and for which complaints you can go to him.

Don’t keep walking around with your complaint and make an appointment in Veldhoven or Waalre!