Physio for Ankle & Foot Pain and Post Ankle & Foot Replacement

What causes ankle and foot pain?

Ankle and foot problems usually come from a sudden injury, such as rolling your ankle, or from overload over weeks or months, such as a change in running, new footwear or more time on your feet at work. The same pain can have different causes, so we start with a proper assessment before choosing treatment.

Common problems we see include:

• Sprained ankles that stay swollen, stiff or unstable, or that keep giving way
• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning
• Achilles and calf problems, including tight, sore or strained calf muscles
• Foot pain in the arch, ball of the foot or toes, including bunions and sesamoiditis
• Recovery after fractures, ankle surgery or ankle and foot replacement

What happens at your first appointment

1. We listen first. We ask about when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to, whether that is walking the dog, a 10 km run, or standing through a work shift.
2. We examine your ankle, foot and the joints above it. We check movement, strength, balance and how you walk. Often the hip, knee or calf is part of the problem.
3. We explain what we find in plain language and agree a plan with you.
4. You start treatment straight away. You leave with a few exercises and advice you can use at home.

How physiotherapy can help

Your plan depends on your diagnosis and goals. It may include:

• Exercise therapy to restore movement, strength and balance, which is the main part of ankle and foot rehabilitation
• Hands-on treatment for stiff joints and tight muscles
• Dry needling for painful calf and foot muscles, where it is suitable for you
• Therapeutic ultrasound in selected cases
• Advice on footwear, activity levels and return to sport. We can also talk to you about custom foot orthotics if they are relevant to your problem.
• A step-by-step return to walking, running or sport, so you build up safely

How long will it take?

It depends on the problem. A mild sprain may settle in a few weeks, while heel pain or recovery after surgery or a fracture can take several weeks to months. We will give you a realistic timeframe after your assessment, and we will tell you if we think you need to see your GP or a consultant instead.

After ankle or foot surgery

If you have had an ankle fracture repair, ankle fusion, ligament reconstruction or a foot or ankle replacement, rehabilitation helps you regain movement and confidence safely. We work with the instructions from your surgeon. Please bring your discharge letter or any weight-bearing instructions to your first visit. See also our post-operative rehabilitation page.

When to get urgent medical help instead

Please do not wait for a physiotherapy appointment. Go to your GP or an emergency department if:

• you cannot put any weight on your foot after an injury
• the ankle looks deformed, or there is severe swelling or bruising straight after a fall
• your calf is hot, red, swollen and painful (especially after surgery, a long journey or a long period of rest)
• you have new numbness, tingling or a cold, pale or blue foot
• you have a fever with a red, hot, swollen joint

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can book directly with us.

Can I get an appointment on the same day?

Same-day appointments are often available. Call or book online and we will do our best.

Where can I be seen?

At our Santry clinic (256 Swords Road, Dublin 9), at our Swords clinic (Broadmeadow Hall), or at home through our home visit service across North Dublin.

Can I claim from my health insurer?

You pay at the end of each appointment and we give you a receipt, which you send to your insurer to claim your refund. We do not bill insurers directly.

Do you treat sports injuries?

Yes. See our sports injury rehabilitation service. If you run, our blog posts on shin splints and runner's knee may help.

Book an ankle or foot appointment