Pain, weakness or dysfunction of the ankle, foot, or toes.

 

Common symptoms can include:

– Difficulty walking or climbing stairs

– Running pain or performance issues

– Pain when standing for a period of time

– Difficulty squatting or kneeling

– Tingling, numbness, or burning in the ankle, feet, or toes

– Pain or grinding under force

– Clicking or catching with movement

– General stiffness or loss of motion

– Pain or throbbing at rest

– Trouble sleeping

– Sensations spasm or cramping

– Weakness or control issues

– Swelling or tenderness to touch

 

Our ankle and foot complex has many bones and joint, many densely packed tendons, ligaments, “pulleys,” and nerves. While the basic structure is fairly similar to the hand and wrist, it is much more specialized for weight bearing and locomotion, and therefore much more force tolerance.

 

Common causes of foot and ankle problems include:

– Plantar fasciitis

– Tarsal tunnel syndrome

– Ankle sprains

– Other ligament sprains or tears

– Tendonitis or tendinosis

– Tendon sheath, pully, or retinacular irritation or damage

– Pinched nerves

– Muscle strains

– Arthritis

– Muscle spasms

– Issues stemming from the back leg

– Scar tissue from past injuries or surgeries

– And many more…

 

Physical therapy can help with all of these things and more. *Even if you have been told you have arthritis or been told you need surgery or have had surgery in the past. * Nearly anyone can expect to see at least partial improvement.

 

Most patients are pleasantly surprised to find just how much pain free function they can regain with conservative treatment, even returning to sports and heavy labor. Physical therapy may help you avoid surgery, injections, additional medications, and other more invasive procedures. Even if more invasive procedures eventually become necessary, physical therapy prior to those interventions often improves the outcome.

 

Physical therapy treatment may include:

  • Pain management and encouragement of tissue healing with use of

 

Therapists are trained unlike any other profession with knowledge and skills to specifically identify damaged or malfunctioning structures, how to help them heal naturally where able, and how to help the body accommodate and adapt where necessary.

 

Interesting foot and ankle facts:

– The “kinetic chain” refers to the system of the hips, knees, and ankles sharing many muscles and working together to stabilize our core and body against gravity.

– The foot functions as a relatively small lever arm for keeping the body upright.

– There are many joints and motions in the foot, all with a purpose related to kinetic chain stability, and they typically function best when not restricted by things like thick shoes.

 

Reminder:

The longer you wait, the more complex a problem can become. Call us or book your appointment online today! The sooner the better. Remember, you do not need a referral from any other doctors and your insurance will still be accepted the same as at any other medical appointment. Don’t delay, see us about naturally encouraging your body to heal itself without drugs, injections, or surgeries you may not need.