Can Physical Therapy Help Your Feet?

Ankle and foot injuries are some of the most common injuries, particularly among athletes. They can also be extremely debilitating because we need our ankles and feet to perform everyday activities. Because October is National Physical Therapy Month, in today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is discussing how physical therapy can treat some common conditions.

There are several helpful rehabilitation programs created to specifically address ankle and foot issues. Physical therapy is one of the most respected and commonly used options for ankle and foot ailments and injuries, such as turf toe, foot/ankle stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis.

These therapies emphasize the use of focused, therapeutic exercises created to restore muscle strength, neuromuscular coordination, gait mechanics, and joint range of motion to name a few.

8 Common Types of Ankle and Foot Conditions

Here are some of the most common problems and injury issues associated with the ankles and feet that can benefit from physical therapy.

1. Plantar Fasciitis: When the flat band of the tissue that connects a person’s toes to their heel bones, it is known as plantar fasciitis. People living with this affliction complain of heel pain when the band becomes swollen, weak, or otherwise irritated.
2. Broken Ankle: When one or more of the bones in the ankle breaks.
3. Turf Toe: This condition, which is quite common among professional athletes, develops when a patient sustains a sprain to the ligaments of the big toe joint.
4. Achilles Tendonitis: Develops when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed.
5. Metatarsalgia: When a patient experiences inflammation and pain in the forefoot – typically due to overuse – it is referred to as metatarsalgia.
6. Ankle and Foot Stress Fractures: These are small breaks in the bone typically caused by repetitive stress.
7. Bunion: This is a bony bump located at the bottom of the big toe joint. It makes the big toe turn toward the second toe, resulting in pain and discomfort.
8. Achilles Rupture: When the Achilles tendon tears or separates, it is referred to as an Achilles rupture. This usually happens due to a forceful, sudden movement in the calf area.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Foot and Ankle Problems

If you have suffered a serious injury to your ankle or foot, you may think about researching a focused physical therapy program. It can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength while focusing certain muscles.

Along with correcting issues from overuse and sports injuries, physical therapy can address problems related to recovery from ankle or foot surgery. The program you select will depend on your specific issue and your podiatrist’s recommendations.

To determine if physical therapy can relieve your ankle or foot problems, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, to make an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.