Ankle & Foot Pain
METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT INJURY
The big toe joint at the base of the big toe can be damaged when the foot is jammed into the ground – such as when pushing off for running – resulting in forced over straightening (hyperextension) of the joint. Typical symptoms include pain at the base of the toe.
There are 3 grades:
• Grade I: Minor tearing of capsuloligamentous complex.
• Grade II: Partial tear of capsuloligamentous complex.
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• Grade III: Complete tear of capsuloligamentous complex and plantar plate torn from the toe bone, the proximal phalanx of the metatarsal head.
• Diagnosis is by physical exam by physio or GP and then X-ray, and treatment can include: physiotherapy, laser, MBST/MRT, pulsed shortwave, Acupuncture, brace, and firm shoes to prevent bending. Non-weight bearing activity for two days, using a stick or crutches. Buddy tape for shoes. Then, strengthening rehab over three to four weeks, allowing the injury to heal before returning to normal sport.
ACHILLES TENDONITIS
Achilles tendinitis is the irritation/inflammation of the large tendon at the back of the ankle. This is an acute condition, rather than the chronic condition called tendinosis. Causes of achilles tendinitis include a lack of flexibility and overpronation, increasing running mileage, more uphill work, poor footwear, and poor biomechanics.
Typically the back of the ankle is very sore after rest, about 4 cm above tendon insertion on the heel bone (calcaneus). Pushing off through the foot will also be difficult. Rehab must allow for adequate rest to stop the tendon getting inflamed. Initially, cycling and swimming is progressed to weight bearing and balance exercises, and then plyometrics.
Diagnosis is by physiotherapy assessment, biomechanical assessment, and MRI scan, and treatment can include: sports rehab exercises, stretches, a training program, MBST, orthotics, physiotherapy, massage, and laser. For chronic cases, Gunn IMS and shockwave will be needed.
ACHILLES BURSITIS
An increase in running mileage, more uphill work, poor footwear, and poor biomechanics can cause this. Like with Achilles tendinitis, the back of the ankle is very sore after rest, about 4 cm above tendon insertion on the heel bone (calcaneus). Pushing off through the foot will also be difficult.
Rehab must allow for adequate rest to stop the tendon getting inflamed. Initially, cycling and swimming is progressed to weight bearing and balance exercises, and then plyometrics.
Diagnosis is by physiotherapy assessment, biomechanical assessment, and MRI scan, and treatment can include: sports rehab exercises, stretches, a training program, MBST, orthotics, physiotherapy, massage, and laser, and for chronic cases, Gunn IMS and shockwave.
- Do you have leg pain, but no amount of working your leg muscles or prodding specific places gives a pain?
- (If so, you may have radiculopathy (see the spinal section).
- Do you have pain and swelling over the outside of the ankle, which gets worse with activity?
- If so, you may have peroneal tendinitis or a peroneal nerve injury (weakness of foot raise).
PERONEAL TENDINITIS
The two peroneal tendons – the brevis and longus – run outside the lower leg and then behind and underneath the bony prominence on the outside of the ankle (lateral malleolus). A high arch tends to increase the stress through the tendons and thus aggravate the condition.
Peroneal tendinitis tends to be a chronic wear and tear problem resulting from repetitive loading, and in some cases the tendons can become torn. Symptoms of peroneal tendinitis include pain and inflammation on the outside rear of the ankle. This inflammation will cause stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity such as first thing in the morning.
The tendons are activated in direction changes and therefore sports involving rapid changes of direction will aggravate the tendinitis and should be avoided while healing. Biomechanically, a high arch with an inverted ankle (the foot being rotated as if you are trying to look at the bottom of your foot) will predispose you to peroneal problems. A complete tear would be evident with you not being able to move the foot to the side. Occasionally, nearby nerves (sural) are affected and this will cause nerve supersensitivity.
Diagnosis is by physiotherapy assessment, pressing on the peroneal, and a biomechanical assessment for overpronation and excessive eversion. Treatment can include: biomechanical assessment, orthotics with a view to looking at the high arch being a problem, foot plate analysis for pressure around the big toe, rehab with strengthening and stretching the peroneal and calf muscles, and sports.
PERONEAL NERVE INJURY
The peroneal nerve branches off the sciatic nerve and is responsible for innervating the muscles that raise the foot and toes. Damage to the nerve can thus lead to spontaneous foot drop or weakness in lifting the foot. Other symptoms include a tingling or numbness on the outside of the lower leg, and pain down the shin or the top of the foot.
Peroneal nerve injuries have a poor chance of recovery, worsening with time, so it is important to be assessed quickly by a specialist who can determine whether to proceed with surgery or go down a more conservative route – typical conservative options include physiotherapy and orthotics.
Diagnosis is by EMG tests, an orthopaedic surgeon, or a back specialist, and treatment can include: Gunn IMS for assessment, physiotherapy, and biomechanical assessment.
Achilles tendinitis is the irritation/inflammation of the large tendon at the back of the ankle. This is an acute condition, rather than a chronic condition called tendinosis. Causes of Achilles tendinitis include a lack of flexibility and overpronation, increasing running mileage, more uphill work, poor footwear, and poor biomechanics.
Typically the back of the ankle is very sore after rest, about 4 cm above tendon insertion on the heel bone (calcaneus). Pushing off through the foot will also be difficult. Rehab must allow for adequate rest to stop the tendon from getting inflamed. Initially, cycling and swimming is progressed to weight bearing and balance exercises, and then plyometrics.
Diagnosis is by physiotherapy assessment, biomechanical assessment, and MRI scan, and treatment can include: sports rehab exercises, stretches, a training program, MBST, orthotics, physiotherapy, massage, and laser. For chronic cases, Gunn IMS and shockwave will be needed.
ACHILLES BURSITIS
An increase in running mileage, more uphill work, poor footwear, and poor biomechanics can cause this. Like with achilles tendinitis, the back of the ankle is very sore after rest, about 4 cm above tendon insertion on the heel bone (calcaneus). Pushing off through the foot will also be difficult.
Rehab must allow for adequate rest to stop the tendon getting inflamed. Initially, cycling and swimming is progressed to weight bearing and balance exercises, and then plyometrics.
Diagnosis is by physiotherapy assessment, biomechanical assessment, and MRI scan, and treatment can include: sports rehab exercises, stretches, a training program, MBST, orthotics, physiotherapy, massage, and laser, and for chronic cases, Gunn IMS and shockwave.
- Do you have leg pain, but no amount of working your leg muscles or prodding specific places gives a pain?
- If so, you may have radiculopathy (see the spinal section).
- Do you have pain and swelling over the outside of the ankle, which gets worse with activity?
- If so, you may have peroneal tendinitis or a peroneal nerve injury (weakness of foot raise).
PERONEAL TENDINITIS
The two peroneal tendons – the brevis and longus – run outside the lower leg and then behind and underneath the bony prominence on the outside of the ankle (lateral malleolus). A high arch tends to increase the stress through the tendons and thus aggravate the condition.
Peroneal tendinitis tends to be a chronic wear and tear problem resulting from repetitive loading, and in some cases the tendons can become torn. Symptoms of peroneal tendinitis include pain and inflammation on the outside rear of the ankle. This inflammation will cause stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity such as first thing in the morning.
The tendons are activated in direction changes and therefore sports involving rapid changes of direction will aggravate the tendinitis and should be
avoided while healing. Biomechanically, a high arch with an inverted ankle (the foot being rotated as if you are trying to look at the bottom of your foot) will predispose you to peroneal problems. A complete tear would be evident with you not being able to move the foot to the side. Occasionally, nearby nerves (sural) are affected and this will cause nerve supersensitivity.
Diagnosis is by physiotherapy assessment, pressing on the peroneal, and a biomechanical assessment for overpronation and excessive eversion. Treatment can include: biomechanical assessment, orthotics with a view to looking at the high arch being a problem, foot plate analysis for pressure around the big toe, rehab with strengthening and stretching the peroneal and calf muscles, and sports.
PERONEAL NERVE INJURY
The peroneal nerve branches off the sciatic nerve and is responsible for innervating the muscles that raise the foot and toes. Damage to the nerve can thus lead to spontaneous foot drop or weakness in lifting the foot. Other symptoms include a tingling or numbness on the outside of the lower leg, and pain down the shin or the top of the foot.
Peroneal nerve injuries have a poor chance of recovery, worsening with time, so it is important to be assessed quickly by a specialist who can determine whether to proceed with surgery or go down a more conservative route – typical conservative options include physiotherapy and orthotics.
Diagnosis is by EMG tests, orthopaedic surgeon, or a back specialist, and treatment can include: Gunn IMS for assessment, physiotherapy, and biomechanical assessment.