We’re often guilty of taking our feet for granted. But they’re under constant impact, with the joints of 26 bones (per foot) all shock absorbing at every step. It makes sense that issues in the feet are likely to impact further up the body, whether that’s as close as a stiff ankle or tight calf, or if it impacts the pelvis and beyond.
Identifying the underlying problem behind your foot or ankle symptoms is the first step (excuse the pun) towards an effective treatment plan.
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain
There area number of structures within the foot and ankle that can become painful. Ligaments, tendons, joints, nerves, muscles, and bones all work together to keep you moving, and can all become problematic.
One of the most common acute injuries is an ankle sprain. This usually occurs when the foot rolls inwards, stretching the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Although many people assume a sprain simply needs rest, the right rehabilitation is important. Regaining strength, balance, and proprioception (your awareness of joint position) helps reduce the risk of future sprains. Ideally, this rehab will begin in the first 6 weeks post injury, to encourage optimal healing. You can read more about sprains in our post on Minor Sports Injuries.
Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle
Arthritis is another common cause of foot pain, but not all arthritis behaves in the same way.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It develops when the smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually wears down. Symptoms often include stiffness after rest, pain during weight-bearing, and reduced movement. Small joints within the foot are frequently affected, particularly around the big toe.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different. It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. The feet are often among the first areas involved, with pain, swelling, and prolonged morning stiffness affecting both feet symmetrically. Because rheumatoid arthritis can permanently damage joints if left untreated, early diagnosis by your GP or rheumatology team is essential.
Bunions
Bunions are a common cause of pain around the big toe. They develop as the tip of the big toe gradually drifts towards the smaller toes, creating a prominent bump on the inside of the foot (pictured above).
There is a strong inherited component, meaning some people are naturally more likely to develop bunions because of the shape of their feet. However, footwear, joint laxity, foot mechanics, and underlying arthritis can all influence how symptoms progress.
Not every bunion is painful, but they can alter the way weight passes through the foot, increasing strain on neighbouring joints and sometimes further contributing to osteoarthritis. This vicious cycle is worth intervention to prevent increased pain and a more exaggerated bunion.
Looking at the Mechanical Picture
One of the principles of osteopathy is that so many different parts of the body influence each other. Pain in the foot often causes subtle changes in walking that you might not even notice. Over time, these altered movement patterns may contribute to knee pain, hip stiffness, pelvic imbalance, or lower back discomfort.
Likewise, reduced movement higher up the body can increase demand on the feet. A stiff hip or ankle changes the way forces are absorbed with every step, sometimes leading to persistent foot pain that doesn’t fully settle until the whole movement pattern is addressed.
Osteopathy for Foot and Ankle Pain
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment to identify the structures involved and how your body has adapted. Barnes takes a mechanical, evidence-based approach, looking not only at the painful area but also at how the rest of your body is moving.
Treatment may include manipulation and mobilisation techniques to improve joint movement, soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension, rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and balance, and advice on activity modification where appropriate. If your symptoms suggest an inflammatory arthritis or another condition requiring medical investigation, Barnes can advise on appropriate onward referral.
Make an appointment here to start managing your foot or ankle problems.
