Conditions We Treat
ANKLE & FOOT PAIN
At a glance
Foot and ankle pain frequently involves plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains or referred pain from higher up the chain. Plantar fasciitis is the most studied condition, both shockwave therapy and progressive loading exercises have strong meta-analysis support. Treating the foot in isolation often misses contributing factors at the knee, hip or low back.
Your feet and ankles bear the weight of every step you take, so when something goes wrong, it's hard to ignore. Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injury worldwide, while plantar fasciitis accounts for roughly 1 million doctor visits per year in the US alone. Whether your pain came on suddenly from a twist or has built up gradually, these are problems we treat regularly.
Ankle sprains typically involve the lateral (outer) ligaments and occur when the foot rolls inward. Most people assume a sprain is minor and will heal on its own, but the research tells a different story: a significant proportion of people who sprain their ankle go on to develop chronic instability without proper rehabilitation. Early mobilisation combined with progressive balance and strengthening exercises is essential for a full recovery.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain we see. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot, becomes overloaded and degenerates. It typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain under the heel that is worst with the first steps in the morning. Contributing factors include calf tightness, reduced ankle dorsiflexion and sudden increases in activity. Research and clinical practice guidelines support a combination of manual therapy, stretching and progressive loading as the recommended approach.
Achilles tendinopathy is another common presentation, particularly among runners and recreational athletes. The Achilles tendon becomes painful and stiff, usually from repetitive overload. Heavy-load eccentric exercise programmes have strong evidence for Achilles tendon pain. We combine these with calf and ankle mobilisation and a graduated return-to-activity plan.
We always assess the foot and ankle as part of the broader kinetic chain. Hip weakness, knee alignment and lumbar spine issues can all alter how forces are distributed through the lower limb. Addressing these contributing factors alongside the local problem leads to more lasting results.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ANKLE & FOOT PAIN
- Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
- Swelling and bruising after twisting your ankle
- Pain at the back of the heel or Achilles tendon
- Ankle giving way or feeling unstable
- Pain in the arch of the foot after standing or walking
- Stiffness in the ankle that limits movement
- Pain that increases with running or jumping
- Difficulty walking up or down stairs
- Tenderness along the sole of the foot
- Recurrent ankle sprains or a sense that the ankle is weak
Our approach combines hands-on treatment with structured rehabilitation. Ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon problems all respond well to a combination of mobilisation, soft tissue work and progressive loading exercises tailored to your activity level.
Located on Rivonia Road in Morningside, we serve patients from Sandton, Bryanston, Fourways, Randburg and surrounding areas. Runners can also take our 60-second injury risk screen to identify what might be driving their foot or ankle problems.
Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and let us help you get back on your feet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat conditions of the ankle and foot including sprains, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. Treatment typically includes joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and progressive rehabilitation exercises.
Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot becomes overloaded, often from increased activity, prolonged standing or poor footwear. It is the most common cause of heel pain and tends to be worst with the first steps in the morning. Calf tightness and reduced ankle mobility are frequent contributing factors.
A mild ankle sprain typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, while a moderate sprain can take 6 to 8 weeks. Full ligament remodelling takes several months. Without proper rehabilitation, a significant proportion of people develop chronic ankle instability after a sprain. Structured rehab focusing on balance and strength is essential.
Not always. We use the Ottawa Ankle Rules, a validated clinical tool, to determine whether imaging is necessary. Most ankle sprains do not require X-rays. If there are signs of a fracture based on these criteria, we will refer you for imaging before starting treatment.
Achilles tendinopathy is a degenerative condition of the Achilles tendon, usually caused by overuse. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling at the back of the heel or in the mid-tendon. Heavy-load eccentric exercises are widely recommended and have good evidence for reducing pain and improving function.