Chronic ankle instability often develops after repeated ankle sprains that never fully recover. People may notice frequent rolling of the ankle, weakness, swelling, or a feeling that the joint cannot be trusted. To better understand risk and recovery, podiatrists look at both movement and daily function. Simple balance testing can show how well the ankle controls motion during standing and reaching tasks, which reflects real-world stability. Self-reported questionnaires help capture how the ankle feels during normal activities such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs. When poor balance is paired with difficulty performing everyday tasks, the likelihood of long-term instability increases. Using both physical testing and patient feedback provides a clearer picture than either approach alone. This combined information helps guide treatment and reduce repeat injury. If ankle weakness or repeated sprains continue, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your podiatrist about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and helps you walk, run, and jump. Although it is the strongest tendon in the body, it is often injured during sports that involve sprinting, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. One common problem is Achilles tendinopathy, which means the tendon becomes irritated and damaged from overuse. This leads to pain, swelling, and reduced strength. In more severe cases, the tendon can tear completely, called a rupture. This may cause a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle and difficulty pushing off the foot. A podiatrist can perform a detailed exam, order ultrasound or MRI scans, and determine whether bracing, activity modification, or surgery is appropriate. Early diagnosis helps reduce long-term weakness and stiffness. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our clinicians of The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a podiatrist.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain affects the underside or back of the heel and can interfere with daily activities. The most frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. Symptoms include sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Other causes include heel pad syndrome, which involves thinning or inflammation of the protective fat pad, and Achilles tendinopathy, which produces pain and stiffness at the back of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the exact cause, and provide personalized treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our clinicians of The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist specializes in the care of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This includes diagnosing and treating injuries, chronic conditions, and structural problems that affect how people walk and move. Podiatrists care for issues such as heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, arthritis, and sports-related injuries. They also play an important role in managing diabetic foot problems, nerve conditions, and wounds that require close monitoring. Beyond treating pain, podiatrists focus on prevention and long-term foot health. They may recommend footwear changes, custom orthotics, stretching programs, or lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress on the feet and joints. Many podiatrists also perform in-office procedures and surgery, when needed, to restore function and comfort. If you have ongoing foot or ankle concerns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Weybridge, UK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.