Foot & Ankle

Foot and ankle physical therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation designed to treat injuries, conditions, and post-surgical recovery involving the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The foot and ankle are essential for mobility, balance, and performing daily activities such as walking, running, climbing stairs, and standing. Physical therapy for the foot and ankle aims to reduce pain, restore movement, improve strength, and enhance overall function, allowing individuals to return to their normal activities and prevent future injuries.

Common Conditions Treated in Foot and Ankle Physical Therapy:

1. Sprains and Strains – Injuries to the ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) of the foot or ankle, often caused by sudden twists, overuse, or trauma.
2. Ankle Instability – Recurrent ankle sprains or weakness in the ligaments that result in a feeling of instability or "giving way," often after an initial injury.
3. Achilles Tendinitis – Inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements, such as running or jumping.
4. Plantar Fasciitis – A condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
5. Flat Feet (Pes Planus) – A condition where the arches of the feet collapse or fall, leading to pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, or lower back.
6. Bunions (Hallux Valgus) – A bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often causing pain, inflammation, and difficulty walking.
7. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot.
8. Ankle Fractures – Breaks or cracks in the bones of the ankle, often requiring rehabilitation after healing to restore strength and mobility.
9. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation – After surgeries such as ankle fusion, ligament repair, or bunion surgery, physical therapy is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and function.
10. Foot and Ankle Arthritis – Degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the foot and ankle, often requiring therapy to improve function and reduce pain.
11. Morton’s Neuroma – A benign growth of nerve tissue that causes pain, tingling, or numbness between the toes, commonly in the third and fourth toes.

Goals of Foot and Ankle Physical Therapy:

• Pain Relief: Manage pain and swelling using modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and soft tissue mobilization.
• Restoring Range of Motion (ROM): Improve flexibility in the ankle joint, foot muscles, and tendons to restore proper movement and prevent stiffness.
• Strengthening: Strengthen the muscles surrounding the foot and ankle, such as the calf muscles and the intrinsic foot muscles, to provide better support and prevent future injury.
• Balance and Proprioception: Enhance balance and body awareness, crucial for preventing falls and improving coordination, especially for those recovering from sprains or surgeries.
• Functional Recovery: Help individuals return to walking, running, climbing stairs, or performing other daily activities with minimal discomfort or limitation.
• Posture and Gait Correction: Correct abnormal walking patterns (gait) or posture issues that place unnecessary stress on the foot and ankle.