Ankle

Ankle Impingement

Ankle impingement syndrome occurs when there is an active compression of bony or soft tissue structures. More commonly impingement presents at the front (anterior) of the ankle but it can also occur at the back (posterior). The condition is common in athletes, particularly soccer players and dancers

Symptoms
  • Pain in the front of the ankle 
  • Pain with jumping or squatting or lunging activities 
  • Pain with calf stretch activities 
  • Swelling and tender over affected area

Depending on the individual, the structure impinged and the extent of the impingement treatment can vary.

  • Minimum of 4-6 week physiotherapy treatment required. This may look like physiotherapy once a week for 2-3 weeks followed by fortnightly sessions.
  • Exercise physiology in later stages of rehabilitation
  • Podiatry input 
  • Medical management can involve medication, cortisone injection and surgery in more severe cases. 
  • Hydrotherapy supervised by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist may be beneficial for many lower limb injuries
  • All of our physiotherapists 
  • All of our exercise physiologists 

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain occurs when an abnormal force or pressure is placed to the ankle in the form of a twist or a roll. Pain can be immediate or latent which is often accompanied by swelling. Various structures can be affected depending on the mechanism and severity of the sprain. Injuries can involve overstretching of the ligaments in the ankle, sinus tarsi syndrome, and with more severe cases syndesmosis joint injury, and fractures. A physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the extent of the injury with some ankle tests and scans as required.

  • Pain +/- swelling 
  • Pain with weight bearing 
  • Pain with ankle movement 
  • Changes in colour – redness 
  • Tender to touch 
  • Feeling of instability on ankle
  • Rehabilitation can last for 3-6months depending on level of injury 
  • Minimum of 4-6 weeks physiotherapy treatment required. This might look like physiotherapy once or twice  weekly for 1-2 weeks followed by a further 3-4 fortnightly sessions 
  • Exercise physiology for strengthening, and balance exercise to prevent re-injury
  • Hydrotherapy supervised by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist may be beneficial for lower limb injuries
  • All of our physiotherapists
  • All of our exercise physiologists

Osteoarthritis Foot And Ankle

Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle is caused by degeneration leading to joint damage. Osteoarthritis occurs through the breakdown of the articular cartilage tissues that protect a joint leading to pain, stiffness and swelling. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease which tends to become more prominent with age. Treatment for this condition can be ongoing, with a plan for patients to be able to self-manage symptoms.

Symptoms
  • Tender over affected joints 
  • Pain with weight bearing tasks
  • Associated stiffness in the joints

This will depend on the severity of your symptoms, assessment findings and individual goals. A treatment plan may look like:

  • Physiotherapy every 2-3 weeks for 5-6 sessions.  
  • Exercise physiology input for foot and ankle strengthening 
  • Hydrotherapy and exercise classes
  • All of our physiotherapists
  • All of our exercise physiologists