Diseases of the ankle joint and feet

Basic information on diseases of the ankle joint and the feet for patients in our osteopathic practice

Achilles tendon tendonitis

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse of the achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is a common condition in runners who have suddenly increased their training load. 

The achilles tendon is stressed when we run, jump or stand on our toes. As we age, the structure of the tendon changes, making it more susceptible to injury, especially during occasional sport participation or a sudden change in ones exercise habits. Men are more commonly affected, and the risk of achilles tendon injury increases with age. There are also other risk factors such as being overweight or having high blood pressure. Typically, pain commences insidiously after sport and intensifies after climbing stairs or running fast. 

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your ankle and foot pain or achilles tendon tendonitis, please feel free to call us.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects many people. It is characterised by sudden, severe attacks of pain in certain joints, combined with redness and tenderness. The joint of the big toe is most often affected. Often a gout attack occurs at night as a burning sensation in the foot. There is often severe swelling, which is accompanied by extreme sensitivity to touch. The first few hours of a gout attack are the most painful. After 4 to 12 hours, the pain subsides but can last up to several months. Subsequent attacks are often felt to be more severe. 

Gout is caused by an excess in uric acid, leading to the formation of tiny crystals. If the crystals accumulate in the joint, it can lead to inflammation. Uric acid is formed when the body processes purines. For this reason, gout patients are often advised to avoid foods that are particularly high in purines, such as alcohol, offal or seafood.

High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or kidney disease can all contribute to a gout attack. Men are more often affected. 

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your ankle and foot pain or plantar fasciitis, please feel free to call us.

Heel spur (Plantar fasciitis)

Heel spur or plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory process of the plantar fascia of the foot.  The plantar fascia is made up of ligamentous tissue and runs from the heel along the sole of the foot to the toes. When plantar fasciitis develops, sharp pain under load and especially mornings can be felt directly under the front part of the heel. The pain subsides with light movement, but can flare up again after standing for long periods. Obesity or the wearing of unsuitable footwear is an often contributor to plantar fasciitis. Typically affected are those between 40 to 60 years.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your ankle and foot pain or plantar fasciitis, please feel free to call us.

Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma or morton’s neuralgia is a painful condition of the foot. It usually affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes resulting from a thickening of the nerve tissue and presenting with the sensation of a foreign body in the shoe. Morton’s neuroma can also cause a stinging or burning sensation. The wearing of high shoes or prolonged periods spent in a squat position can potentially trigger a Morton’s neuroma, as to can foot malpositions or foot problems such as hammertoes. 

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your ankle and foot pain or Morton’s neuroma, please feel free to call us.

Ligament sprain of the ankle

Ligament sprains of the ankle are caused by an unusual sudden movement of the ankle beyond the normal range of motion in a rolling action, so that the ligaments connecting the ankle bones can be stretched or even torn. Pain and swelling is usually immediate, especially during weight bearing. The foot may be tender, swollen or red. The cause is usually a fall, a twisting of the ankle during sports or a kick on the foot during contact sports.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your ankle and ligament sprain of the ankle, please feel free to call us

Shin splints

Shin splints are an inflammatory injury to the muscular insertion on the shin bone due to overuse or poor ankle/foot biomechanics. This condition is typically seen amongst runners and dancers, or in those who have suddenly increased their training volume. If untreated, stress fractures of the shin bone may ensue.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your ankle and foot pain or shin splints, please feel free to call us.

Stress fracture

Stress fractures witness the development of tiny cracks in the affected bone resulting from prolonged stress e.g. when jumping up and down or long distance running. Pre-existing conditions such as osteoporosis is a pontential risk factor for stress fractures, although most often this condition is seen in athletes, especially track and field athletes. The pain starts insidiously initially with mild pain and intensifies over time. Swelling and tenderness may be present.

Women are more often affected. Risk factors include nutritional deficiencies, previous fractures, foot deformities or pre-existing foot conditions.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your ankle and foot pain or stress fracture, please feel free to call us.