Foot & Ankle Physiotherapy in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton

The ankle joint, also known as the talocrural joint, is formed by the tibia, fibula, talus, and calcaneus (heel bone). Articular cartilage covers the ends of these bones. At the same time, the joint space is lined with the synovium. This thin membrane provides cushioning and secretes synovial fluid for lubrication and reduced friction.

Ligaments play a crucial role in connecting and stabilizing these bones. The anterior tibiofibular ligament connects the tibia to the fibula. In contrast, the medial (detoid) and lateral collateral ligaments provide additional support. Tendons, on the other hand, connect the lower leg muscles to the foot and ankle bones.

The foot is divided into three regions: the hind, mid, and forefoot. The hindfoot extends from the ankle joint to the transverse tarsal joint, separating the rearfoot from the midfoot. The midfoot connects the forefoot to the hindfoot and includes muscles and ligaments. The forefoot comprises the metatarsals, phalanges (toe bones), and sesamoids (bones embedded within tendons or muscles to enhance their function).

Additionally, the foot has two columns: the medial column, consisting of the talus, navicular, medial cuneiform, 1st metatarsal, and great toe bones, and the lateral column, which includes the calcaneus, cuboid, and the 4th and 5th metatarsals.

Importance of Physiotherapy for Foot & Ankle Pain

Ankle and foot injuries are common due to the complexity of these structures. Fortunately, many conditions can be effectively treated with physiotherapy. Physiotherapists (PTs) are skilled in evaluating and treating movement dysfunctions and care for individuals of all ages with various muscle, joint, and neurological conditions.

Pacific Physiotherapy in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton successfully treat a range of ankle and foot conditions, including ankle pain, shin splints, ankle sprains, Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, excessive pronation, post-surgical conditions, flatfeet, high arch, and tibialis posterior tendonitis.

When it comes to treatment options, drugs, corticosteroid injections, surgery, and physiotherapy are available. Physiotherapy offers advantages such as no side effects, cost-effectiveness, support from clinical research, and customized treatment targeting the condition’s underlying cause.

Recovery from Foot & Ankle Pain with Physiotherapy

During your recovery process, we prioritize pain relief, restoration of mobility or stability, increased strength, walking and functional skills recovery, and promoting independent care.

Our approach to care includes a thorough biomechanical evaluation, extensive patient education, and the development of a personalized treatment plan. We utilize gentle hands-on techniques to relax muscles and effective joint mobilization techniques to reduce stiffness. Pain-relieving modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, shockwave therapy or electrical stimulation are employed, along with targeted stretching for tight muscles, walking retraining, balance exercises, and recommendations for shoe inserts (orthotics).

Sprains and strains are common injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system around joints. These injuries can occur due to various activities such as improper lifting, repetitive movements, or traumatic incidents like falls with twisting or pivoting motions.

Symptoms of sprains and strains are similar, leading to confusion between the two:

Sprain:

• Bruising (ecchymosis)
• Pain around the injured joint
• Swelling (edema)
• Limited flexibility and range of motion due to pain

Strain:

• Bruising (in cases of complete muscle tears)
• Muscle spasms
• Pain around the injured joint
• Swelling (edema)
• Limited flexibility and range of motion due to pain

Foot & Ankle Treatment at Pacific Physiotherapy in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton

Each individual’s treatment duration may vary, ranging from one or two visits to an extended care plan over weeks or months. If you seek relief from your ankle or foot condition and wish to address the root cause rather than just the symptoms, we are here to assist you.

If your foot or ankle hurts, call Pacific Physiotherapy in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton for a thorough assessment today!