Foot and Ankle Pain

Humans all spend an incredible amount of time on our feet every day, and if you are suffering from foot and ankle pain, your life can be greatly impacted. Foot and ankle pain can stem from a variety of different causes. Physical therapy has been proven to help with the rehabilitation of injured extremities, in addition to providing relief for both acute and chronic pain.

Your feet and ankles are complex mechanical structures that must work together to function optimally. The ankle joint consists of three bones that articulate with one another, in addition to the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together.

The foot and ankle complex contains approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because of all the complicated structures that make up the foot and ankle, it is common for people to experience pain in these areas. An injury to your foot or ankle can result in pain so severe that you may avoid putting your weight down on the affected body part. Even mild pain can cause physical limitations to your daily life, which can become a serious burden.

Foot and ankle pain can occur suddenly due to an acute injury, or it can develop over time in relation to a chronic, underlying condition. There are several common causes of foot and ankle pain according to the Mayo Clinic, including:

• Strains and sprains – A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or is torn, while a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far.
• Fracture – A fracture occurs when excessive force or trauma to the bone causes it to crack or break entirely. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing.
• Fallen arches – Your foot contains several tendons that work together to form your arch. When the tendons pull together properly, your foot will form a proper arch. However, this does not always occur. Sometimes the tendons do not pull together properly, which can cause your foot to form a very small arch, or no arch at all. This is referred to as “fallen arch” or “flat foot,” and it can cause pain or discomfort with time.
• Arthritis – Arthritis is a very common and painful inflammatory condition that affects the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints, resulting in pain and decreased function.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome – Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot, known as the “tarsal tunnel,” becomes pinched and inflamed.
• Plantar fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation in the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot. It is most commonly caused by aggravated overuse, such as constant standing, improper posture, or improper footwear that lacks proper arch support.
• Tendonitis – Tendonitis occurs from excessive overuse of the tendons, causing them to become inflamed for prolonged periods of time.
• Bursitis – Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the anti-friction sacs in your ankle, known as the “bursae,” causing them to become irritated and uncomfortable.

Whether you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic condition in your foot or ankle, you can find relief at New Stride Physical Therapy. The physical therapists will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of your pain, and then create an individualized treatment plan for your specific needs. If you have sustained an acute injury, it is likely that our physical therapists will prescribe a RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first few days, in order to make sure that any swelling subsides before your treatment plan begins.

Your treatment plan will typically include a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and stretching, in order to restore joint mobility, improve balance, and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles. Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, and/or ice may also be used to help promote the healing process.

Don’t let foot and ankle pain slow you down! New Stride Physical Therapy will help improve your mobility, comfort, and overall function, and free you from the limitations of pain.