Where is My Pain Coming From?
Pain in the foot and/or ankle is often caused by factors including traumatic injury, overuse injuries, various types of arthritis, or other medical conditions. Problems in the foot or ankle often result in pain, swelling, stiffness – and can also cause serious problems with walking.
Physical therapy can be highly beneficial in addressing foot and ankle pain. We focus on improving strength, flexibility, mobility, and overall function through a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs.
Common Foot & Ankle Pain Conditions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth
- Drop Foot
What We Treat
Assessment and Diagnosis
We will evaluate your posture, gait, muscle strength, joint range of motion and any contributing factors that may be causing foot or ankle pain.
Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles surrounding your foot and ankle. Strengthening these muscles can provide better support to the joints, improving stability, and reducing pain.
Flexibility and Range of Motion Exercises
Stretching exercises are incorporated to improve flexibility and enhance the range of motion in the affected joints. This helps prevent stiffness and promotes better joint function.
Balance and Proprioception Training
Many foot and ankle issues can be linked to poor balance and proprioception (awareness of body position in space). We may incorporate specific exercises to enhance these skills, reducing the risk of falls and injury.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and manipulation may be used to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Soft tissue manipulation can also help alleviate muscle tightness and discomfort.
Gait Analysis
Analyzing your walking pattern (gait) can help identify any abnormalities or imbalances. We can then provide recommendations or exercises to correct these issues, reducing stress on your foot and ankle.
Education and Home Exercise Programs
We will educate you about your condition and provide guidance on self-management strategies. We often prescribe specific exercises for patients to perform at home to reinforce the benefits of in-clinic therapy.
Functional Training
We focus on functional activities relevant to your daily life. This could include exercises that mimic activities such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for extended periods, helping you regain and maintain normal function.