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Foot & Ankle Problems

Mid West Physiotherapy offers specialist foot and ankle physiotherapy at our physiotherapy clinic in Castletroy, Limerick, with physiotherapist Shane Brennan. Foot and ankle physiotherapy is a specialist area of physiotherapy, dealing with pain and dysfunction arising from issues in the foot or ankle.

Specialist Foot & Ankle Treatment

Mid West Physiotherapy offers specialist foot and ankle physiotherapy at our physiotherapy clinic in Castletroy, Limerick, with physiotherapist Shane Brennan. Foot and ankle physiotherapy is a specialist area of physiotherapy, dealing with pain and dysfunction arising from issues in the foot or ankle.

Who Might Benefit?

Anyone who has pain or dysfunction in their feet or ankles would benefit from foot and ankle physiotherapy. Sometimes this can occur after an injury, or sometimes the pain can develop slowly over time.

Meet Shane Brennan

Shane Brennan is a Senior Physiotherapist at Mid West Physiotherapy, specialising in foot and ankle problems.

As well as having 10 years experience, with a particular emphasis on treating foot and ankle injuries, Shane has undertaken additional training and accreditation in the treatment of foot and ankle pain. Shane uses biomechanical and movement analysis to diagnose issues, and has trained in orthotic prescription and Foot Mobilisation Therapy, which aid his treatment. Shane also maintains links with other disciplines in his quest for understanding foot pain and liaises regularly with consultants specialising in this area.

Shane is passionate about providing high quality, evidence based, affordable treatment to people with foot pain, because he understands what it is like to live with a painful foot. In 2017, Shane suffered a tear in a ligament in his foot which required surgery and months of rehabilitation. At the core of Shane’s treatment approach is an understanding of biomechanics and anatomy, as well as an understanding of the patient, and a desire to keep treatment as simple and effective as possible.

What Conditions Are Treated?

The most common conditions we treat are listed below, but Shane is confident dealing with any foot or ankle issues:

  • Ankle Sprain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Heel Pain
  • Sever’s Disease
  • Forefoot pain
  • Toe pain
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Syndesmosis Injury
  • Post surgery: Ankle replacement/Ankle Fusion/Tendon Transfer
  • Foot pain
  • Arch pain
  • Calf Strain
  • Achilles Rupture
  • Plantar plate tear
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need orthotics?

Orthotics can be helpful in the treatment of a variety of conditions. They work by altering the area of load in the foot – to offload areas that are vulnerable or under pressure, and disperse load elsewhere throughout the foot. If you are having leg pain and think you might benefit from orthotics, Shane would be delighted to assess and decide.

Why do my feet hurt?

Feet can hurt for a variety of reasons, depending on activity levels, foot posture, and footwear. If your feet hurt, Shane can assess the reason for your pain and make a recommendation for your treatment.

Why should I go to a foot and ankle physiotherapist?

The foot and ankle is a complex area of physiotherapy. The foot alone consists of 28 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and is controlled by 34 muscles. While most physiotherapists understand basic foot and ankle issues, Shane’s specialism allows him to see more feet and ankle issues, and build up a bigger knowledge base. By focusing more on foot and ankle issues, Shane has built up an experience base which allows him to figure out the trickier complaints in the foot.

What is involved in going to a foot and ankle physiotherapist?
Much like going to any other physiotherapist, Shane will first take a full history of the condition, allowing him to get a full picture of what might be causing the issue. He will then do a physical exam – observing the foot and ankle in standing, walking and non weight bearing positions. He will carry out a number of physical tests which make up his foot and ankle assessment, and from there will come up with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. One of the key components to successful treatment of the foot and ankle condition is consistent engagement with home exercise. Shane will prescribe some exercises which you will practice in clinic and then at home. If needed, Shane might use shockwave therapy, orthotics or foot mobilisation therapy to aid his treatment.