Ankle sprains
Rolling your ankle stretches or tears the ligaments. Early movement and balance work help it recover and lower the chance of it happening again.
Ankle & foot pain
A sprained ankle, a sore Achilles or heel pain can stop you walking, running and playing sport. We help you recover and build your strength back up.
Understanding ankle and foot pain
Your ankle and foot take your whole body weight with every step. Ligaments, tendons and the many small joints of the foot can all be strained, especially when you change your activity or come back from an injury.
Common causes
Rolling your ankle, a sudden increase in walking or running, new footwear, or long hours on your feet are common triggers. Old sprains that never fully recovered can leave the ankle weak and wobbly.
A personal approach
We look at your ankle and foot alongside your knee, hip and the way you move, so the plan fits your body and your goals, from walking the dog to getting back to sport.
Physiotherapy and osteopathy
Rehabilitation exercises are the main treatment for most ankle and foot problems, especially tendon and heel pain. Hands-on treatment can help ease pain and stiffness so you can do them. Where it helps, we use simple measures and our force plates to check balance and strength on each side.
Common ankle and foot problems
A quick guide to the problems we see most often.
Achilles tendon pain
Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, often worst first thing in the morning. A gradual strengthening programme is the key treatment.
Heel pain
Pain under the heel (often called plantar fasciitis), usually worst with the first steps of the day. Stretching, strengthening and load changes help.
A weak or wobbly ankle
If your ankle keeps giving way after an old sprain, balance and strength training can make it more stable.
Our whole-person approach
Thorough assessment
A detailed consultation and examination of your foot, ankle and the way you walk, stand and balance.
Treatment
Hands-on treatment where it helps, with advice on what to do now and what to avoid for a while.
Measured rehabilitation
A step-by-step exercise plan, with progress checked using simple tests and, where useful, our force plates. See Measured, not guessed.
Your first appointment includes a full assessment and your first treatment. Book now to start your recovery.
Questions about ankle and foot pain
What happens at my first appointment for ankle or foot pain?
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes. We ask how the problem started and what makes it better or worse, then check how your foot and ankle move, how strong they are and how well you balance. We explain what we find, agree a plan and usually start treatment the same day.
Do I need an X-ray after a sprain?
Not usually. If you can’t take four steps on it, or the bone itself is very tender, you may need an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Go to a minor injuries unit first in that case.
Should I keep running or walking?
Often you can keep active with some changes. We’ll help you find a level of activity your ankle or foot can cope with while it recovers, rather than stopping completely.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the cause of your pain and how long you’ve had it. We’ll give you an honest idea at your first appointment and review your progress at each visit. We won’t ask you to sign up to a long course of treatment.
Where are you, and do I need a GP referral?
We’re at 90 Fore Street in Chudleigh, just off the A38 and a short drive from Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Kingsteignton and Exeter, with convenient parking close by. You don’t need a GP referral, but if you’re claiming on health insurance, check with your insurer first.
When to get urgent help
Get medical help first if you have:
- You can’t put weight on your foot or take four steps after an injury
- A sudden snap or kick-like pain at the back of your heel
- A hot, red, swollen or very painful calf
- A foot wound, colour change or numbness if you have diabetes
Go to a minor injuries unit or A&E for a possible fracture or torn Achilles. Call 111 about a painful swollen calf, and see your GP or podiatrist about a diabetic foot problem.
Other conditions we treat
Lower back pain
Acute and chronic backache, lumbago and sciatica.
Neck pain & headaches
Neck pain, headaches arising from the neck, migraine prevention and nerve pain.
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and more.
Sciatica
Leg pain from the lower back, numbness and tingling.
Upper back & rib pain
Pain between the shoulder blades and around the ribs.
Arthritis & joint stiffness
Arthritic pain and stiff, aching joints.