Is foot and ankle pain preventing you from getting active? Is the pain getting in the way of your daily routine? Oftentimes, we don’t realize just how much we rely on our feet until we become injured.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we understand how frustrating it is to deal with limited mobility. If you’re struggling to move, walk, or even stand, it’s past time to see a physical therapist.
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 Austin Manual Therapy can help get you back on track. Request an appointment today with one of our physical therapists and learn more about how our services can benefit you!
Why did I develop foot or ankle pain?
Foot pain can negatively affect your walking ability, balance, and overall independence. Foot disorders have also been linked to an increased risk of falls and reduced quality of life.
Whether you are hoping to enjoy hikes, strolls, runs, or just make it through the grocery store without pain, it is important to make sure you’re taking care of your feet. If you begin to experience pain in your feet, it could be a sign of a deeper issue, and seeking help sooner than later can help your health in the long run.
While many different factors could be leading to the discomfort you are feeling, some of the most common conditions of the foot that we treat are sprains/strains tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and neuropathy:
Sprains/strains: A sprain is an overstretching or tearing of a ligament, whereas a strain is an overstretching or tearing of muscle or tendon.
An awkward step or a slip of some kind can result in an injury to the soft tissue. In either case, the tissue is typically injured by a specific trauma. The severity of the sprain/strain will determine the time frame for healing and recovery.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is often known as an overuse injury or a repetitive stress injury. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed, resulting in swelling and pain, especially with movement of the affected area.
Tendinitis in the feet is commonly referred to as Achilles tendonitis and/or peroneal tendonitis.
Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition involving the bottom, inner aspect of the heel that is worse following periods of non-weight bearing (i.e., the morning after sleeping, after prolonged sitting).
The plantar fascia is a long tissue at the bottom of your feet that connects from the heel bone to the toes. Although the name suggests inflammation is present, recent research has demonstrated that the plantar fascia is not inflamed but degenerating tissue. This change is vital to the course of treatment and positive outcomes.
Neuropathy: Neuropathy refers to a diseased state of nerves. This typically occurs in people who have diabetes, which damages the nerves, especially in the feet. In addition, circulation issues like peripheral vascular disease can cause neuropathy in the feet and lower legs.
Neuropathy can be especially problematic as the lack of sensation in the feet can lead to cuts or injuries without the person knowing. The sensation changes can also make you more susceptible to balance issues and falls.
Fortunately, physical therapy can improve your situation and get you moving comfortably once again, regardless of the condition.
How can physical therapy treat 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 Austin Manual Therapy. Our physical therapists will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint what is causing your pain, and then create a personalized treatment plan for you specifically.
Your treatment plan will typically include a combination of specialized hands-on manual therapy techniques, exercises, and stretching. These tactics restore joint mobility, improve balance, improve gait and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles. Austin Manual 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 any recurring foot pain from developing in the future.
Get started on your recovery today!
Don’t let foot and ankle pain slow you down! Our physical therapists will help you dictate your own mobility, comfort, and overall function, free from the limitations of foot and ankle pain.
Contact Austin Manual Therapy today to schedule your appointment. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time!
