Foot and ankle pain can make even simple things difficult — walking to the station, climbing stairs, running, or standing at work. Since 2001, Osteopathy London has helped people across Central & East London recover quickly, move better and get back to what they love with clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment and targeted rehab.
Does this describe you?
- Heel or arch pain that’s worst first thing in the morning (possible plantar fasciitis)
- Outer ankle pain and swelling after a sprain or twist
- Stiffness or aching in the ankle after walking, standing or sport
- Burning or tingling in the foot or toes after long periods on your feet
- Sharp pain when running, especially uphill or after sudden increases in training
- Painful “hot spot” at the back of the heel (Achilles tendon) or ball of the foot
- Ongoing foot or ankle pain despite rest, ice, insoles or online advice
What factors can lead to foot & ankle pain?
Problems rarely come from one single event. They usually build when load exceeds the body’s capacity:
- Sudden spikes in walking, running or sport (new routes, longer distances, harder terrain)
- Previous ankle sprains leaving weakness or instability
- Poor footwear (unsupportive shoes, worn-out trainers, high heels)
- Standing for long hours on hard floors without support
- Reduced calf or gluteal strength placing extra strain on the foot and ankle
- Stress and poor sleep increasing pain sensitivity and slowing recovery
What causes foot & ankle pain?
Causes are individual. Here are the common conditions we see and treat:
- Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Spur – heel or arch pain, worse in the morning or after sitting
- Achilles Tendinopathy – pain or stiffness at the back of the heel, often worse with running or hills
- Ankle Sprain & Instability – pain, swelling and weakness following ligament injury
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) – aching along the shinbone, often with running or impact sport
- Metatarsalgia & Morton’s Neuroma – pain or tingling in the ball of the foot or between the toes
- Arthritis in the foot or ankle – stiffness, swelling and reduced movement
- Referred pain from the knee, hip or lower back – discomfort that feels like foot/ankle pain but starts higher up
Your Path to Lasting Relief: Osteopathy London's 3-Part Foot & Ankle Pain Programme
1. Your New Patient Appointment.
Case History
We’ll explore when your pain started, what activities or positions make it worse, your walking/running habits, footwear choices, work demands and previous injuries. This helps us identify whether the source is joint, tendon, ligament, muscle, or referred from higher up the chain.
Physical Examination
We’ll assess foot and ankle mobility, arch mechanics, balance, strength, tendon loading, and gait. We’ll also check calf, hip and knee function, and screen the lumbar spine if relevant. A neurological screen is included when indicated.
Your Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
We’ll explain what’s driving your pain and agree a plan that fits your goals and diary. This usually blends hands-on care with staged rehab, footwear or activity advice, and clear markers to track progress.
2. Hands-on treatment for foot & ankle pain
At your first visit (and follow-ups) you’ll receive tailored treatment to reduce pain and restore easier movement:
Case History
We’ll explore when your pain started, what activities or positions make it worse, your walking/running habits, footwear choices, work demands and previous injuries. This helps us identify whether the source is joint, tendon, ligament, muscle, or referred from higher up the chain.
Physical Examination
We’ll assess foot and ankle mobility, arch mechanics, balance, strength, tendon loading, and gait. We’ll also check calf, hip and knee function, and screen the lumbar spine if relevant. A neurological screen is included when indicated.
Your Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
We’ll explain what’s driving your pain and agree a plan that fits your goals and diary. This usually blends hands-on care with staged rehab, footwear or activity advice, and clear markers to track progress.
3. Breaking the cycle with rehab & prevention
Foot and ankle problems respond best to progressive loading and smarter habits. We’ll build a plan that grows with your confidence:
Exercise programme:
Early isometrics (muscle contraction without movement) for tendon pain
Controlled strengthening for calf, Achilles and foot intrinsics
Balance and proprioception drills for ankle stability
Functional progression to running, jumping and sport where relevant
Mobility and flexibility: restore ankle dorsiflexion (foot to shin) and calf length where needed
Strength integration: hip and core stability to reduce overload on the ankle/foot
Lifestyle & footwear advice: work shoes, running trainers, orthotic advice if needed
Return-to-activity roadmap: graded return to walking, running or sport, with technique tips to prevent relapse
This combination speeds short-term relief and builds long-term resilience so you can walk, run and train with confidence.
Common Questions About Hip Pain?
Ready for Relief? Book Your Appointment
Osteopaths are experts in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle pain. Click below to book your first step towards relief — or arrange a free 15-minute chat with John if you’re unsure.
Osteopathy London's Osteopaths with expertise in foot & ankle pain treatment
John (Clinic Director)
John provides Osteopathy, Cranial & Baby Osteopathy, and Medical Acupuncture
Read more.
Gervais (Osteopath)
Gervais provides Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, and Medical Acupuncture.
Read more.
Osteopathy London, 31 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, East London E2 0HU
© John Mallinder