Tomasz Poboży

FOR PATIENTS · REHABILITATION

Foot and ankle rehabilitation without injury

A guide to foot and ankle problems without a single injury. Find the topic that matches the established diagnosis before choosing a detailed exercise programme.

Physiotherapy of the foot and ankle — illustration of movement and function assessment. Medical content prepared by: Tomasz Poboży - orthopaedic surgeon.

Problems an orthopaedic surgeon assesses in this area

The topics below provide an overview. Detailed exercise protocols are being developed as separate pages; these summaries are not complete exercise programmes.

Midportion Achilles tendinopathy

Chronic symptoms in the middle portion of the Achilles tendon. This is distinct from insertional symptoms at the heel and from an acute rupture.

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy

Problems where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Exercises used for midportion symptoms should not automatically be transferred to this condition.

Plantar heel pain

Pain under the heel, including plantar fascia problems. The diagnosis matters because heel pain can arise from different tissues.

Peroneal and posterior tibial tendons

Diagnosed tendon problems around the ankle and foot. Resources will be separated by the affected tendon rather than grouped solely under the label of foot pain.

Ankle stiffness and osteoarthritis

Chronic limitations of ankle movement and function. The topic concerns walking and everyday activity in the context of the established diagnosis.

What to prepare before planning rehabilitation

Prepare information about walking, standing, footwear and the terrain where difficulties occur. It matters whether symptoms involve the heel, Achilles tendon or ankle joint itself.

An appropriate programme is selected for the diagnosis and current ability, rather than symptom similarity alone. If the cause is unclear, discuss it with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Author: Tomasz Poboży - orthopaedic surgeon, MD, PhD. Educational information; it does not replace individual assessment and advice.

Illustrated exercise guides