Do you notice that the pain in your foot doesn’t seem to go away? Have you struggled to find a shoe that feels comfortable? It can be challenging to stay active when every step you take hurts. Fortunately, at Austin Manual Therapy in Austin, TX, our physical therapists will help identify the root cause of your pain and give you the tools to get back on your feet!
We often don’t realize how much we rely on our feet until they start to hurt or we have an injury. Research has shown that foot pain affects around 20% of all people and over 30% over 65 years. When all standing and walking activities hurt, our life becomes very limited.
Foot pain can also lead to pain in other regions of the body. For example, limited mobility in the foot will directly affect the normal function of the knee and, in some cases, the hip. Figuring out the interconnectedness of the different regions in our body is where physical therapists thrive!
At Austin Manual Therapy, we understand how frustrating it is to deal with limited mobility from foot pain. If you struggle to move, walk or even stand, it’s time to see our physical therapists!
Request an appointment with one of our specialists today!
What are the most common foot issues causing pain?
Whether you enjoy strolls around your neighborhood, long runs in the woods, or just want to make it through the grocery store without pain, foot pain can interfere with your ability to enjoy your life.
Foot disorders have been associated with an increased risk of falls, reduced quality of life, and reduced overall independence. Too often, people try to ignore their pain or try home remedies to resolve it. At Austin Manual Therapy in Austin, TX, our therapists are skilled at identifying what is causing your pain.
The most common conditions that cause foot pain include the following:
Sprains/strains: An awkward step or a slip of some kind can result in an injury to the soft tissue known as a sprain or strain. A sprain is an overstretching or tearing of a ligament, whereas a strain is an overstretching or tearing of muscle or tendon.
In either case, the tissue was injured by a specific trauma, and the severity will determine the time frame for healing and recovery.
Tendinopathy: Any problem with a tendon, including disease, injury, or disorder, is known as tendinopathy. Tendinitis is one such problem that occurs when the tendons become inflamed, resulting in swelling and pain, especially with movement of the affected area.
Tendinitis is often known as an overuse injury or a repetitive stress injury.
Plantar fasciitis: The long tissue at the bottom of your feet connecting the heel bone to the toes is known as the plantar fascia. 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).
Although the name suggests inflammation is present, recent research has demonstrated that the plantar fascia is not inflamed but degenerating tissue.
Neuropathy: Neuropathy refers to a diseased state of nerves typically associated with diabetes, medication toxicity (i.e., chemotherapy), or circulation issues like peripheral vascular disease.
Neuropathy negatively affects the sensation in your feet and can be especially problematic when cuts or injuries are not noticed. Sensation changes can also make you more susceptible to balance issues and falls.
No matter what type of pain you are experiencing in your feet, getting help sooner than later will help you in the long run. Our physical therapists at Austin Manual Therapy in Austin, TX will help you reduce your pain and get you moving comfortably once again!
What to expect at your Austin Manual Therapy visits
Treatment for foot pain depends on where the injury happened and how long ago it occurred. If it is impossible to walk more than two or three steps without pain, it is essential to visit a physical therapist as soon as possible.
One of the most critical aspects of the initial evaluation is assessing your gait. Our physical therapists will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint what is causing your pain. We will use the information gathered from our assessment to create a personalized treatment plan for you specifically.
Your treatment plan will typically include targeted manual techniques, strength exercises, and mobility work. Next, we will progress your program to help restore your balance and coordination so you can return to your everyday activities.
Our comprehensive program will address any changes in your gait to ensure you can move around freely. Our physical therapists at Austin Manual Therapy will address any underlying issue to ensure you minimize the risk of any future injuries.
Request an appointment to get started on your recovery today!
If you are tired of experiencing pain the first time you take a step each morning, you can find relief at Austin Manual Therapy in Austin, TX. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time!
Sources:
https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijatt/17/6/article-p4.xml
