Foot & Ankle Physiotherapy


What is Foot & Ankle Physiotherapy?
 Foot and ankle physiotherapy involves diagnosis, treatment planning and rehabilitation for conditions of the foot, ankle and shin, including post-surgical or conservatively managed patients.

After a thorough assessment of the problem, treatment will usually include;

  • Mobilisation of joints
  • Soft tissue techniques (massage)
  • Taping and brace prescription supply & fitting
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Return to sporting activity and/or occupational loading of the foot and ankle
  • Alternative activities for maintenance of general health and fitness
  • Advice on return to sporting activity and/or occupational loading of the foot and ankle
  • Maintenance of general health & fitness when mobility challenged

In addition, other interventions are utilised including footwear prescription, orthotic advice, in-shoe modifications etc. During post-surgical rehabilitation, wound management and advice is also required at times.

Who should see the Foot & Ankle physio?
 Those who suffer from;

  • Achilles and heel pain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Local tendon problems
  • "Shin Splints"
  • Ankle injury (acute or chronic) & ankle instability
  • Arch pain
  • Flat feet
  • Tibialis Posterior Tendon Disease (acquired adult flat foot)
  • High arched (rigid, stiff) feet
  • Stress fractures of the foot
  • Ankle impingement
  • Osteoarthritis of ankle or foot
  • Rheumatoid arthritis of the foot
  • Bunions, claw or hammer toes
  • Neuroma
  • Metatarsalgia

Stuart ImerHaving worked for over ten years in orthopaedic surgical foot and ankle practices, operative advice and surgical referral is a large part of Stuart's practice.

In addition, patients who haven't had rehabilitation after surgery are appropriate referrals at any stage post-operatively, whether it's weeks or years since their operation.

Specialising in Foot and Ankle problems
 Often people who have chronic foot and ankle conditions feel that there is nothing further that can be done, eg. "It's arthritis - I'll just have to live with it!". This is usually not true!

In cases where it's uncertain if physiotherapy can assist, Stuart is able to discuss the options for treatment and map out a plan that will include a set period of intervention and a fall back plan if progress is not being made. Stuart sees a lot of cases that might otherwise fall into the "too hard basket". He is often asked for an opinion by other physiotherapists regarding their difficult cases.