Ankle & Foot Pain
Foot and ankle pain is more than an inconvenience, it’s often an early indicator of deeper mechanical imbalances within the body. Without the right treatment, what begins as a slight ache or mild twist can progress into more complex issues affecting the knees, hips, or even spinal alignment.
Often, these symptoms reflect underlying problems such as joint restriction, ligament injury, or tendon inflammation. While it may be tempting to rely on rest, braces, or self-directed rehab, this approach can lead to further compensations and long-term weakness in the structures that support your movement.
Common causes of ankle and foot pain
Your feet and ankles are highly complex structures made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, all working together to support your movement, balance, and stability. Pain in this area can result from injury, overuse, poor biomechanics, or long-standing conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Ankle Sprains – Often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle. Ligament damage can lead to swelling, bruising, and long-term instability if not treated properly.
- Plantar Fasciitis – A sharp, stabbing pain often felt under the heel, especially with your first steps in the morning. Caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue.
- Achilles Tendinopathy – Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, often linked to increased activity or tight calves. This condition can worsen without appropriate rehab.
- Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction – A less well-known condition that can cause pain at the inside of the shin, foot and ankle and flattening of the arch, often worsened by prolonged walking or running, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Stress Fractures – Common in runners and in jumping-based sports, these small cracks in the bone can result from overuse, a sudden increase in training or insufficient recovery and nutrition.
- Morton’s Neuroma – A nerve irritation in the forefoot that can cause burning or tingling between the toes, often leaving you feeling like you are walking on a pebble.
- Osteoarthritis – Changes to the joint surfaces in the ankles or feet that causes stiffness, swelling, and pain, particularly with movement or weightbearing.
- Nerve Compression and Referred Pain – Pain in the foot or ankle may not always originate from the area itself. Compressed nerves in the lower back or along the leg can refer pain downwards, sometimes mimicking local issues.
- Poor biomechanics – Flat feet, overpronation or old injuries can cause misalignment, making your ankle do more work than it should.
How can we help?
At S&C Therapy, we deliver precise, expert care for foot and ankle pain – targeting the root causes and biomechanical factors that impact your movement. Our tailored approach gets you moving stronger, pain-free, and with lasting results.
- In-depth Assessment: We carefully examine your foot and ankle, assessing joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall biomechanics to uncover the true source of your pain.
- Targeted Treatment: Using manual therapy, taping, and personalised exercises, we reduce pain, improve stability, and restore natural movement.
- Footwear & Support Advice: Expert recommendations on footwear, orthotics, or bracing to protect your foot and ankle during recovery and prevent future issues.
- Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-ups ensure your treatment evolves with your healing, keeping you on track to return confidently to daily activities and sports.
How we treat ankle and foot pain
- Comprehensive Biomechanics Assessment: We analyse your movement patterns to identify underlying causes and correct imbalances.
- Manual Therapy & Taping: Hands-on treatment paired with taping to reduce pain, support injured tissues, and enhance stability.
- Personalised Exercise Programmes: Targeted exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent recurrence.
- Acupuncture & Dry Needling: Effective techniques to reduce pain and muscular tightness, and promote natural healing.
- Sports Massage: To release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery.
- Return-to-Sport Planning: When applicable, a carefully structured programme to safely guide your comeback to sport or activity.
Recovery doesn’t stop after your first appointment
We offer flexible follow-up sessions to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan, and ensure your foot and ankle stay strong and healthy.