Ankle complaints

Pain in your ankle: what causes it?

Pain in the ankle usually results from improper movement, such as spraining, or from long-term strain. Wear and tear or inflammation can also play a role. Sometimes you notice immediately where the pain comes from, for example after a misstep. In other cases, the complaint arises gradually.

Swelling, sprain, torn ankle ligament or bone fracture

If you have twisted or double-folded your ankle, you may suffer from:

• Swelling: mild ligament damage, often with swelling.
• Sprain: a partial tear in the ankle ligament.
• Torn ankle ligament: the ankle quickly becomes thick and blue.
• Bone fracture: the foot may be in a strange position.

When in doubt or with persistent symptoms, it is wise to have your ankle checked.

Common ankle complaints

With ankle pain, you may experience a variety of symptoms that affect your daily life. Do you recognize yourself in one or more of the points below? Then it is wise to make an appointment.

• Pain on the outside or inside of the ankle, especially with movement or strain.
• Instability, the feeling of slipping or sinking through your ankle.
• Swelling around the ankle joint, sometimes with bruising.
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
• Difficulty bending or stretching the foot.
• A crackling sensation during movement.
• Tingling or dull sensation, sometimes due to nerve problems.
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or exercising.

The earlier you get there, the better the chance of a good recovery. That way you prevent the symptoms from worsening or becoming chronic.

When physical therapy for a sprained, sprained or broken ankle?

For mild symptoms, rest may be sufficient. But do the symptoms persist, or do you notice that you are not recovering well? Then physical therapy helps strengthen your ankle and improve your stability. Even after a fracture or tear in the ankle ligaments, we ensure a safe build-up of load.

This is how The Physio Man helps you recover

We look at the cause of your symptoms, not just the pain.

Mobilization, taping and exercise therapy

• Mobilization of the ankle to improve mobility.
• Taping or a brace for extra support.
• Exercises for strength, balance and coordination.
• Advice on posture, shoes and load.

Sustainable recovery

We look beyond pain. By working on muscle strength, posture and your movement patterns, we ensure that you can continue to move well in the long term.

Inflammation in your heel or ankle

Inflammation can result from overuse or improper exercise. Common complaints are:

• Bursitis: painful, warm and swollen.
• Inflammation of joint fluid: often after a sprain.
• Achilles tendinitis: pain when running or jumping.

Physical therapy helps with these types of complaints with exercises, taping or massage.

Osteoarthritis in your ankle

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your ankle is thinner or damaged. You notice this by stiffness, a cracking sensation and pain during movement. The physical therapist will help you continue to use the joint responsibly and support your ankle.

Drop foot (also called foot lift paresis)

With a clubfoot, you cannot lift your foot properly while walking. Your foot then hits the ground, which can cause tripping or falling. This is often due to a pinched nerve. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the right muscles and improving your walking pattern.

This is how we operate at The Physio Man

1. Introduction and physical examination

We discuss your symptoms, do physical examinations and watch how you move. This way we get a good idea of the cause.

2. Personalized customized treatment plan

You will receive a treatment plan that fits your body, your symptoms and your goals.

3. Getting and staying in motion

We work together to recover and ensure that you remain symptom-free in the long term.