Ankle pain can manifest in various forms, each presenting its unique challenges and symptoms. At Still Point Osteopathy, our experienced practitioners possess the expertise to accurately diagnose and effectively address the following types of ankle pain:

Sprained Ankles: Perhaps one of the most common ankle injuries, even from just everyday activity, is a sprain. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn due to sudden twisting or turning movements.

Sprains can be categorised into three grades based on their severity: mild, moderate, and severe. At Still Point Osteopathy, we carefully assess the extent of the injury to devise an appropriate treatment plan for you. 

Achilles Tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This can be caused by repetitive stress, overuse, and inadequate warm-up exercises. Osteopathic treatment aims to reduce inflammation and restore proper function.

Ankle Arthritis: Arthritis can hit almost any part of your body, including your ankle. To help ease the stiffness and potential pain, our team may employ gentle manipulation and mobilisation techniques to improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance your mobility.

Peroneal Tendonitis: Peroneal tendonitis is characterised by inflammation of the peroneal tendons situated behind the outer ankle bone. Our osteopathic care treatment involves addressing the root cause of the inflammation and providing exercises to strengthen the affected tendons.

Stress Fractures: Overexertion or repetitive stress on the ankle can lead to stress fractures, otherwise known as small cracks in the bones. For this condition, we will focus on promoting healing and ensuring the proper alignment of the bones to prevent further damage.

Chronic Instability: Recurrent ankle sprains can lead to chronic instability, making the ankle susceptible to future injuries. To help prevent this, we will work on improving stability through targeted exercises and manual therapies. 

As osteopaths and healthcare professionals, we specialise in manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system to promote overall health and well-being.

When it comes to treating ankle pain, we use a combination of hands-on techniques and patient education to address the underlying causes of the pain and facilitate the body’s natural healing processes.

Here are some common approaches our team may use to treat ankle pain:

Comprehensive Assessment: The first step in an osteopathic treatment for ankle pain is a thorough assessment to identify the underlying cause. Your assigned osteopath will take a detailed medical history, conduct physical examinations, and may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your pain.

Manual Techniques: One of our most common treatments includes a variety of hands-on manual techniques to promote healing and restore proper function. These may include soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, and gentle stretching to alleviate tension and reduce pain.

Muscle Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the ankle is essential for improving stability and preventing future injuries. We often prescribe tailored exercises to target specific muscle groups, helping patients regain strength and flexibility.

Pain Management: Not all ankle pain is going to be healed and treated in one session but we do aim to reduce your pain with techniques such as ice or heat therapy to alleviate acute pain and inflammation.

Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: We may offer advice on lifestyle modifications and ergonomic practices to help minimise stress on the ankle joint during daily activities and sports, reducing the risk of exacerbating the condition.

Patient Education: It’s important that our patients understand their condition. We will spend time with each of our clients educating them about their condition, why we’ve selected their treatment plan, and advise on preventive measures that empower them to take an active role in their recovery and overall well-being.

It’s important to note that the osteopathic treatment we select is individualised for each patient based on their specific condition, health history, and preferences.

We aim to address the root cause of the ankle pain and promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to improved ankle stability and reduced pain.

If you’re experiencing ankle pain, consulting an osteopath can be an excellent option for a holistic and hands-on approach to your care.