Foot and Ankle Pains Can Make Life Difficult – Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy has been proven to help with the rehabilitation of injured extremities, in addition to providing relief for both acute and chronic pain.
Foot and ankle pain can stem from a variety of different causes, but Back In Action Physical Therapy can help get you back on track.
You spend an incredible amount of time using your feet every day, and if you are suffering from foot and ankle pain, your life can be greatly impacted. It can cause dread and agony when taking the stairs, walking a block to your office, or even driving your car.
Request an appointment today with a licensed Ocean Pines, MD physical therapist and learn more about how our services can benefit you!
Why did my foot/ankle pain develop?
Your feet and your ankles are complex mechanical structures that must work together in harmony in order to function at their optimal level. The ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly, along with the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
The foot is even more complex, containing approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because there are many complicated structures that make up your feet and ankles, pain in those areas is a very common affliction.
An injury to your foot or ankle can result in pain so severe that you avoid putting weight down on your foot. This leaves you with only two options; hopping around, risking injury to your other foot, or worse, being stuck in a chair, unable to go anywhere and take care of yourself or others. Even mild pain can cause physical limitations to your daily life, and burden those around you.
Common conditions causing foot and ankle pain
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.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several common causes of foot pain and ankle pain, including:
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation in the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot. This can occur from aggravated overuse, such as constant standing, improper posture, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.
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, when the tendons do not pull together properly, your foot will form a very small arch, or no arch at all. This is referred to as “fallen arch” or “flat foot” and can cause pain or discomfort with time.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tarsal tunnel nerve becomes pinched and inflamed. This nerve runs from the ankle to the foot.
A fracture occurs from excessive force or trauma to the bone, causing it to crack or break entirely. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing.
Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs, causing them to become irritated and uncomfortable.
Tendinitis occurs from excessive overuse of the tendons, causing them to become inflamed for a long time.
Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition that affects the joints and results in pain; the most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints.
A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn, while a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched.
What will physical therapy treatments look like for foot and ankle pain?
Whether you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic condition in your foot or ankle, you can find relief at Back In Action Physical Therapy. Our Ocean Pines, MD physical therapists will conduct a thorough examination to find what is causing your pain, and then a personalized treatment plan will be created for you specifically.
Your treatment plan will typically include a combination of specialized hands-on manual therapy techniques, exercises, and stretching, in order to restore joint mobility, improve balance, and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles.
Your treatment plan may also include exercises on a balance board, as well as other specialized services. Back In Action Physical Therapy will do all we can to ease your pain quickly and boost your circulation. We will also evaluate and recommend lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear to prevent more problems in the future.
Ready to say goodbye to foot and ankle pains?
Don’t let foot and ankle pain slow you down! Our Ocean Pines, MD physical therapy practice will help you dictate your own mobility, comfort, and overall function, free from the limitations of foot and ankle pain.
Contact Back In Action Physical Therapy today to schedule your appointment. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time!