Ankle Sprains, Achilles Tendonitis & Ligament Tears
Ankle sprain, Achilles tendonosis, and Tibialis Posterior Tendonosis
The outside of the ankle is more commonly sprained than the inside, owing to the structure and relative flexibility of this side of the ankle. In this injury the ligaments are often torn.
Ligament tears like muscle tears are graded by severity. A grade 1 tear occurs when a few strands of ligament fibres are torn these normally heal within 3-4 weeks. A grade 2 tear is a partial and substantial tear of the ligament and can take between 6-12 weeks to resolve. Grade 3 tear is defined as a complete tear or rupture of the ligament; this can require surgery and lengthy periods of immobilisation.
Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment
The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone and allows us to push off during walking. Faulty foot and lower limb biomechanics can cause injury to the tendon. The initial inflammatory stage is referred to as Achilles tendonitis, this is followed by tendon breakdown and degeneration (wear and tear) referred to as Achilles tendonosis. A similar problem can occur within the tibialis posterior tendon on the inside of the ankle.
Treatment of shin and calf pain includes manual therapy (hands on techniques), stretching/strengthening, specific exercises, ultrasound, footwear modification, addition of insoles (orthoses) and life style changes.
Foot Injuries, Heel Pain & Metatarsalgia
Plantar fasciitis/fasciosis, Capsulitis (often Metatarsalgia)
Heel pain is often a result of overloading and subsequent damage of the plantar fascia. At onset this problem is referred to as plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the fascia) however as the inflammation very quickly abates (within a few days) the problem should here on be referred to as plantar fasciosis (degenerative tissue due to previous injury and poor healing). This condition can last for months and even years and will often require physiotherapy and podiatric input.
Pain in the forefoot has historically been referred to as metatarsalgia (pain in the metatarsal region). There can be several reasons for forefoot pain but most commonly inflammation of the toe joints is to blame. This is referred to as capsulitis. Treatment of shin and calf pain includes manual therapy (hands on techniques), stretching/strengthening, specific exercises, ultrasound, footwear modification, addition of insoles (orthoses) and life style changes.
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