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All about foot and ankle problems

Ankle / Foot problems

Ankle/ foot  problems can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • stiffness

You don’t normally need to see a healthcare professional. New onset or flare-up of a longstanding ankle/foot problem should begin to settle within 6 weeks.

What causes ankle / foot problems?

Ankle/foot  problems are fairly common and can be caused by injuries such as tripping or going over on your ankle or wear and tear .

Muscle weakness around the ankle can also cause ankle problems to flare-up now and again. It may also be due to a flare-up of an existing problem.

Can this cause problems anywhere else?

You may feel some pain in the muscles around your calf and foot. This should improve as your ankle/foot  problem gets better.

Ankle/foot  problems can also cause limping. If the limp is severe, using a walking stick on the opposite side to your ankle/foot problem may help.

Self-help

Keeping active is an essential part of your treatment and recovery and is the single best thing you can do for your health.

Being physically active throughout your recovery can prevent a recurrence of the problem maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible

It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain or symptom-free to return to work.

Pain treatments

Pain medication can help to reduce the pain and help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery.

Speak to your community pharmacist about taking medication or other methods of pain relief​. It’s important to take medication regularly.​

Resting or moving?

Within the first 24 to 48 hours of onset of an ankle problem you should try to:

  • rest your ankle in an elevated position but avoid long spells of not moving at all
  • move your ankle gently for 10 to 20 seconds every hour when you’re awake

After 48 hours:

  • Try to use your leg more – exercise really helps your ankle and can relieve pain.
  • Do whatever you normally would and stay at, or return to work – this is important and is the best way to get better.

When going upstairs or downstairs , reduce the strain on your foot/ankle by using  a handrail if available.

Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement. Remember to warm up before sports.

When to speak to a health professional

  • There has been significant trauma, for example a fall from height or direct blow to the ankle
  • your ankle/foot is misshapen
  • your calf is hot, swollen and tender
  • you’ve difficulty putting weight on your leg
  • you’ve pain that’s worsening

Help and support

  • If, after following the above advice, your foot / ankle problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks a referral to TIMS may be of benefit.
  • To refer yourself to TIMS you will need to have your NHS number to hand.
  • For information on where to find your NHS number see NHS England – How can I find out my NHS number?

Useful links for foot and ankle pain

  • Information leaflets developed by TIMS giving advice on:

    • Ankle rehabilitation
      An exercise programme for patients following an ankle fracture or trauma, includes exercise, strength and balance work.
    • Achilles tendinopathy
      Suggested exercises and advise for patients with Achilles pain associated with Achilles tendinopathy.
    • Lower Limb strengthening exercises
      An exercise programme including hip, knee and ankle strengthening exercises with a progression of exercises for each area.  Ideal for post trauma, post op or for patients suffering from general deconditioning.
    • Proprioception/balance exercises
      Specific balance exercises for patients who have problems with balance, particularly for patients who have suffered an ankle injury.

  • Other Sources of information