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. Foot and ankle pain can stem from a variety of different causes, but Prestige Physiotherapy can help get you back on track.
Physiotherapy has been proven to help with the rehabilitation of injured extremities, in addition to providing relief for both acute and chronic pain. Request an appointment today with one of our licensed physiotherapists and learn more about how our services can benefit you!
Why am I experiencing foot and ankle pain?
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.
The foot is very 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.
Causes of 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. There are several common causes of foot pain and ankle pain, including:
1. Strains and sprains
A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched, while a sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition that affects the joints and results in pain; the most common types including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints.
3. Tendinitis
Tendinitis occurs from excessive overuse of the tendons, causing them to become inflamed for a long time.
4. Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs, causing them to become irritated and uncomfortable.
5. Fracture
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.
6. Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerves in tarsal tunnel becomes pinched and inflamed. This nerve runs from the ankle to the foot.
7. Fallen arches - "flat foot"
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.
8. Plantar fasciitis
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.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Whether you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic condition in your foot or ankle, you can find relief at Prestige Physiotherapy. Our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough examination to find what is causing your pain, and then a formulate a personalized treatment plan for you.
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 such as Dry Needling/IMS.
Don’t let foot and ankle pain slow you down. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time!