Ankle Pain Treatment in Guelph & Milton

Do you have aching pains along your ankles and legs? You may possibly have tendonitis.

Tendonitis or tendinitis means there is an inflamed tendon that is attaches a muscle in your leg or foot to the bone. There are many muscles in the foot, let and ankle and many of these are susceptible to over use, often resulting in tendonitis.

These injuries are most often seen when there is biomechanical instability—often when you roll over on your ankle (hyperpronation) paired with excessive use. For example, repetitive motions such as sports, running or even doing the same type of job for long periods of time can cause tendonitis.

Treatment for Ankle Pain
Diagram of ankle pain: Achilles tendon and peroneal tendon pain

 

The most common forms of tendonitis in the foot and ankle are:

  • Achilles tendonitis — pain at the back of the heel and ankle
  • Shin splints — pain on the front of the lower leg and ankle
  • Posterior tibial tendonitis — often causes pain on the inside of the foot or ankle
  • Peroneal tendonitis — pain on the outside of the ankle or calf

Tendons attach a muscle to a bone. When a tendon is overly stressed, usually as a result of poor biomechanics coupled with increased mileage or excess use, a tendon can become inflamed.

A foot that overpronates (turns inwards) does so as a result of too much motion between the bones of the foot, especially the first toe.

When your body cannot stabilize your foot properly, the muscles in the foot and leg try to make up the difference by working too hard for too long. Contracting too long puts excess stress on the tendon and the sheath surrounding the tendon, resulting in pain.

You can control the amount of excess pronation (overturning of foot) with a custom orthotic. Pain will usually go away and ice and massage can also help reduce the inflammation associated with tendonitis.

In more difficult cases, we might also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.

Physical therapy as well as stretching and strengthening exercises may also be recommended. Tendonitis tends to respond very well to laer, ultrasound and in stubborn cases, shockwave therapy.

Trina Scarrow, BSc, DCh, is a Registered Chiropodist and Foot Specialist who has been helping patients for over 20 years.

Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only regulated health professionals who specialize in treating conditions of the foot. In Ontario, there are 600 Registered Chiropodists and only 60 Podiatrists.

Chiropodists today must complete 7 years of post-secondary education before they get their professional designation. Chiropodists do complete case management of foot problems, including assessment, treatment and ongoing care.

Chiropodist Podiatry Foot Specialist Trina Scarrow Treating Feet

Chiropodist Trina Scarrow, BSc, DCh 
*Picture taken before COVID-19, now full safety protocols in place including air filtration systems

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I am an experienced Foot Specialist and Registered Chiropodist with locations in Guelph and Milton.

I provide a full assessment, biomechanical exams, and gait analysis. I will be able to help address your foot discomfort with a variety of techniques including foot care treatment, custom orthotics, orthopaedic shoes, medication, laser, or physical therapy.

I can help get your feet functioning better to help you feel better. Contact me today.