At Galleria Podiatry, seeing our patients regain their mobility and confidence is what drives us every day. Recently we had the pleasure of helping one of our inspiring patients do just that.
Meet Our Patient
Our patient, a 68-year-old woman working in aged care, first came to us seeking help with severe left ankle pain. Previous imaging had confirmed advanced osteoarthritis in both ankles. The pain had become so debilitating that she was forced to cut back her work shifts from full-time to just two days a week. She reported pain levels reaching 10/10 after long hours on her feet and noticed significant swelling around both ankles.
Despite having multiple corticosteroid injections, which provided only temporary relief, her symptoms kept recurring.
Initial Assessment
At her first appointment, we noted:
- Severe pain on any inversion or eversion movements of the left ankle.
- Limited dorsiflexion (ability to move the foot upwards).
- Swelling around the ankle joint.
- Inadequate footwear providing little to no support.
Our Treatment Plan
We developed a multi-modal plan that included:
- Effleurage massage to gently reduce swelling.
- Dry needling to help release tight structures around the ankle.
- LightForce Laser Therapy to promote tissue healing and reduce pain.
- Over-the-counter orthotics to offload, stabilise and support.
- Provided supportive footwear
- Stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Ankle lock strapping for stability during activity.
The Results
After just two sessions of laser therapy, our patient reported a significant improvement in her ankle’s range of motion. By the time she completed six treatments over three weeks, she was practically pain-free.
Not only was she able to increase her activities, but she also returned to work three days per week, pain-free and feeling more confident than she had in years!
Why This Matters
Chronic joint pain, especially from osteoarthritis, can often feel like something “you just have to live with.” But with the right treatment plan and early intervention, improvements are possible even when other treatments have failed.
Our approach focused not just on managing her symptoms temporarily, but on enhancing joint function, reducing inflammation, and improving overall foot and ankle health.
If you’re tired of putting up with ankle pain that holds you back, there are options available that can reduce your symptoms and improve your mobility.
Our team at Galleria Podiatry Perth is ready to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love. Book an appointment today!
