FOOT & ANKLE PAIN
Foot and ankle pain can have a big impact on your mobility and quality of life, making it difficult to stay active or even get through a normal day. From plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy to ankle sprains and flat feet, our osteopaths and remedial massage therapists at Dingley Health Hub are experienced in treating a wide range of foot and ankle complaints. We'll assess not just the site of your pain but how the rest of your body may be contributing, and provide hands-on treatment and practical guidance to help you recover fully and move with ease again.
Common Foot & AnkleConditions
Ankle sprain
Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries we see at Dingley Health Hub, typically occurring when the ankle rolls inward during sport, walking on uneven ground, or an awkward landing. They involve stretching or tearing of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty weight-bearing. While ankle sprains are often dismissed as minor injuries, inadequate treatment and rehabilitation can lead to chronic instability and recurrent sprains. Our osteopaths and remedial massage therapists will provide targeted hands-on treatment and a structured rehabilitation program to ensure your ankle heals fully and your risk of re-injury is minimised.
Chronic ankle instability
Chronic ankle instability develops when the ligaments of the ankle fail to heal adequately following one or more sprains, leaving the ankle feeling loose, unreliable, and prone to giving way with everyday activities and sport. It is one of the most common long-term consequences of an inadequately rehabilitated ankle sprain. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths are experienced in assessing and treating chronic ankle instability, using hands-on treatment to address residual joint stiffness and a targeted rehabilitation program focused on rebuilding the strength, proprioception, and neuromuscular control needed to restore confidence and stability in the ankle.
High ankle sprain (syndesmotic injury)
A high ankle sprain involves injury to the syndesmotic ligaments that bind the tibia and fibula together just above the ankle joint, rather than the more commonly injured outer ankle ligaments. High ankle sprains typically occur through a forced external rotation of the foot and are common in contact sports and skiing. They are generally more serious and slower to heal than standard ankle sprains, and require careful assessment and management to ensure a full recovery. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths are experienced in managing syndesmotic injuries, providing appropriate hands-on treatment and progressive rehabilitation to restore ankle stability and function.
Ankle osteoarthritis
Ankle osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage within the ankle joint, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of movement that can significantly affect walking, standing, and daily activity. It is more commonly associated with a history of ankle injury or fracture than the age-related degeneration seen in other joints. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths and remedial massage therapists will work with you to manage the symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis, maintain as much mobility and function as possible, and provide practical guidance on footwear, activity modification, and exercise to help you stay active and comfortable.
Ankle fracture rehabilitation
Ankle fractures are among the most common lower limb fractures and require careful rehabilitation following immobilisation to restore the strength, mobility, and proprioception of the ankle and foot. Stiffness, weakness, swelling, and altered gait patterns are common after ankle fractures and can persist without appropriate treatment. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths are experienced in post-fracture ankle rehabilitation, guiding you through a structured recovery program that progressively restores your range of movement, strength, balance, and confidence in weight-bearing and walking.
Peroneal tendon injuries
The peroneal tendons run along the outer ankle and play an important role in ankle stability and eversion. They can become irritated, degenerated, or torn through repetitive loading, an acute ankle sprain, or chronic ankle instability, causing pain, swelling, and weakness on the outer ankle that is worse with activity. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths and remedial massage therapists are experienced in assessing and treating peroneal tendon injuries, providing hands-on treatment and a progressive rehabilitation program to restore tendon health and ankle stability.
Achilles tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common lower limb complaints we see at Dingley Health Hub, involving degeneration and irritation of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel or in its mid-portion. It typically presents as a stiff, aching pain in the back of the heel or lower calf that is worst first thing in the morning or at the start of exercise, and is particularly common in runners and middle-aged active adults. Our osteopaths are experienced in managing Achilles tendinopathy, using a carefully progressed loading program combined with hands-on treatment to stimulate tendon healing, reduce pain, and restore full function.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain we see at Dingley Health Hub, involving irritation and degeneration of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. It typically presents as a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel that is worst with the first steps in the morning or after a period of rest, and is particularly common in runners, people who stand for long periods, and those with flat feet or high arches. Our osteopaths and remedial massage therapists are experienced in treating plantar fasciitis, using hands-on treatment and a targeted loading program to reduce pain and restore comfortable foot function.
Heel fat pad syndrome
The heel fat pad is a specialised cushioning structure on the underside of the heel that absorbs the impact of each step. Over time — particularly in older adults, runners, and people who spend long hours on hard surfaces — this fat pad can thin and lose its shock-absorbing capacity, causing a deep, bruised-feeling pain directly under the heel with weight-bearing. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths will assess the contributing factors and provide appropriate management advice including footwear recommendations, heel padding, and targeted treatment to reduce heel pain and protect the fat pad from further stress.
Heel spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often in association with plantar fasciitis or prolonged tension on the plantar fascia. While heel spurs themselves are not always painful — many people have them without any symptoms — they can contribute to heel pain in some individuals. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths will assess whether your heel spur is contributing to your symptoms and provide targeted conservative management to address the underlying soft tissue and biomechanical factors, helping to relieve your heel pain without the need for invasive intervention in most cases.
Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis)
Sever's disease is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, involving irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone during periods of rapid growth. It typically affects active children between the ages of eight and fourteen and causes heel pain that is worse during and after sport, particularly running and jumping activities. At Dingley Health Hub, our osteopaths are experienced in managing Sever's disease, providing hands-on treatment and practical advice on load management, stretching, and footwear to reduce heel pain and keep your young athlete as active as possible during their growth phase.
Shin Splints
Shin splint treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing recurrence through tailored physiotherapy care. Our team assesses the underlying causes of shin pain — including overuse, biomechanical issues, and training load — before creating an individualised treatment plan. Treatment may include hands-on therapy, strength and conditioning exercises, gait assessment, taping, and return-to-sport guidance to help you recover safely and get back to doing what you enjoy.