Do I need scans before seeing a physio for ankle or foot pain?

Not usually. Most ankle and foot presentations can be assessed clinically first. We’ll only suggest imaging or a GP/specialist review if your symptoms indicate it may change management.

What ankle and foot conditions do you treat?

We commonly see plantar fasciitis/heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains and chronic instability, tendon overload around the ankle, forefoot pain patterns, arthritis-type stiffness, and post-surgical or post-fracture rehab needs.

Can you help after an ankle sprain?

Yes. We guide early swelling control and safe movement, then progress balance, strength and return-to-running/change-of-direction so you’re less likely to re-injure.

Why does my heel hurt most in the morning?

This is a common pattern in plantar heel pain. The right combination of load management, calf/foot strengthening and movement strategies can reduce symptoms and improve tolerance.

Can you help me return to running or the gym?

Yes. We build a staged plan with strength, mobility and gradual exposure so you return with confidence rather than hoping symptoms “just settle.”

Do you accept funded care for ankle & foot pain treatment?

Yes. We support Medicare CDM, NDIS, WorkCover, TAC, My Aged Care and DVA where eligible. Please bring referrals or claim details so we can align your care with your funding.

Where are you located?

Mernda: 136 Schotters Rd, Mernda VIC 3754. Reservoir: 224A Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073. See our Locations page for directions, parking and clinic photos at each.

Ankle & Foot Pain — Assessment, Treatment & Rehab

Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, heel pain, arthritis or post-surgery stiffness?

Get clear answers and evidence-based physio to reduce pain, restore strength and help you walk, run and move with confidence again.

Rated 5/5 on Google

Book an appointment

Start your referral

Benefits

How physio can help your ankle & foot pain

Here’s what to expect from working with us — clear assessment, evidence-based treatment, and care that adapts to your goals.

Settle pain & irritation

targeted hands-on care where appropriate, load management and early movement strategies to calm symptoms.

Restore strength & control

Progressive rehab for calves, foot intrinsics and lower limb control so walking, stairs and standing feel easier.

Improve balance and stability

Especially important after ankle sprains and for preventing repeat injuries.

Return to sport and training safely

Staged progressions for running, gym and change-of-direction demands.

Prevent flare-ups

Education around pacing, footwear considerations and early warning signs so you can self-manage confidently.

Who It Helps

Common ankle & foot problems we see

Ankle & foot pain physio may be right for you if you:

Feel sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning or after long periods sitting — common in plantar fascia overload patterns.

Have Achilles pain that builds with running, jumping or faster walking — often linked to tendon load intolerance.

Rolled your ankle and still feel unstable or nervous on uneven ground or during sport.

Notice persistent forefoot pain, burning or “pebble in shoe” sensations that worsen with activity.

Are recovering from fracture or surgery and want a safe, progressive plan back to daily life and training.

Have stiffness and aching that worsens after rest or longer walks — sometimes seen in arthritis-type patterns.

How It Works

Your pathway to relief

Every appointment is structured around your story. Below is how we work together to get you back to what matters.

01. Assessment

We start by listening—where your pain is, what triggers it and what you need to get back to. Your physio will:

• Review your history, training load, footwear and any relevant scans or reports

• Assess ankle/foot range of motion, calf strength, balance and gait

• Differentiate likely drivers (e.g., plantar heel pain vs Achilles tendon overload vs instability patterns)

• Explain your diagnosis and recovery outlook clearly

02. Treatment

Your plan may include:

• Manual therapy where appropriate to improve comfort and mobility

• A tailored strength, mobility and balance approach

• Education around load, footwear considerations and flare-up management

• Taping or bracing advice where helpful

• Progressive conditioning aligned to sport, gym or work demands

03. Progress

At follow-ups we:

• Track function (walking tolerance, stairs, calf raises, running exposure)

• Progress loading safely — especially important for tendon-related pain

• Build confidence for return to sport or physically demanding work

• Adjust your plan to keep momentum without aggravation

Testimonials

What Our Patients Said

Real feedback from people we’ve helped with pain, injury and movement problems across our Mernda and Reservoir clinics.

Google rating from local patients

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Tracey Jones 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would recommend 100%, very punctual, professional and caring
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   eunice 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Stephanie by my GP for my tendinitis. I finished 5 sessions with her and my hip pain has greatly improved and learned tips about stretching and exercises to manage my condition. I highly recommend Stephanie for your physio needs!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Potter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely rapt with the service and treatment I receive from Stephanie at radiant health care, highly recommend for all your physiotherapy needs.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nita Rana 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommended Stephanie. She is very helpful and has a great knowledge about physiotherapy. I already feel such a relief with my CTS and shoulder pain after seeing her and doing excercise regularly.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Agib 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephanie really helped me with my lower back pain. She also helped with my knee pain and gave me exercises that helped a lot. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julia Gao 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed my first visit to Radiant Care today. Stephanie is really good. She not only provided a good treatment for my aching buttock, but also instructed me how to further improve that area by a set of exercises at home. Can’t wait for the following up visits to her.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Rofail 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been to Stephanie multiple times and she helped me through my shoulder pain and got me back on track in no time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   shahina Khan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went in for a appointment today Stephanie was really nice and welcoming she did an amazing job
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   johney kalra 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited my physiotherapist today for back pain, and I’m already feeling so much better. She was professional, friendly, and truly knew how to address the issue with care. I really appreciate her approach and the relief she provided. Highly recommended!

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FAQs

Affordable Pricing that Doesn't Sacrifice Quality

Do I need a GP referral?

Do you accept WorkCover, TAC, NDIS, DVA or My Aged Care?

Do you offer home visits?

How many sessions will I need?

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MEET THE TEAM

Meet your physiotherapists

Stephanie and Mau both see patients across our Mernda and Reservoir clinics. Click a card to read full bios and book direct.

Stephanie

Director & Senior Physiotherapist

Director and Senior Physiotherapist with almost a decade of experience in person-centred care — working from our Mernda and Reservoir clinics. Special interests in chronic pain, sports injuries, women’s health and balance/vestibular conditions.

Mau

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist with almost 10 years across private practice, community physio and aged care. Special interests in orthopaedic rehabilitation, chronic disease management and sports injuries.