Joint Mobilisation involves controlled gliding movements by a podiatrist at various joint positions to restore normal joint motion. It serves to break up restrictions in joint tissue and therefore increases range of motion, reduces pain or both. Occasionally with more chronic and extensive restrictions some joints benefit from more forceful Joint Manipulation, where the movement is more rapid and occasionally, although not a necessity, a popping sound may be elicited from the joint.
Joints that do not move freely through their full range of motion are generally termed dysfunctional.
Joint Dysfunction may be caused by injury, poor foot / lower limb posture (eg. flat feet) and some diseases such as Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
When a joint is unable to move freely, a cycle of muscle spasm, pain, and fatigue may begin.
Joint Mobilisation / Manipulation can:
There are many musculoskeletal problems that may be helped with mobilisation / manipulation of the foot and ankle joints. Examples include stiffness and pain related to old ankle / foot injuries, Osteoarthritis, heel pain, Achilles Tendon pain, generalised foot / ankle pain and many more.