Common Causes of Foot Pain–And How Physical Therapy Can Help
You want to go for a nice evening stroll or spend an afternoon at the mall. But that pain in your foot makes prolonged walking seem like an impossibility. Now what?
Foot pain is a common problem–and one that can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. If severe enough, it becomes a risk factor for other concerns, particularly among older people, including decreased balance, increased fall risk, and general loss of mobility.
Fortunately, physical therapy at Rebound Physical Therapy can help you find relief. Our team of experts will dig down to identify the root cause of your pain. Then, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan to resolve the underlying injury or condition, helping to ensure lasting relief.
Don’t let foot pain hobble you completely! Give us a call to set up an appointment to uncover the source of your foot discomfort.
Foot Pain Can Limit Daily Life
Walking, shopping, and everyday movement can become difficult when foot pain starts interfering with mobility and comfort.
Customized Physical Therapy Care
Our therapists perform detailed evaluations and create individualized treatment plans designed around your needs and goals.
Move More Comfortably Again
Physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and support long-term foot and ankle health.
What Are the Common Causes of Foot Pain?
When determining the source of your foot pain, you’ll first want to pinpoint where the pain is coming from. Is it along the bottom of your foot? Is it along the top of your foot? In your heel? Could your ankle be involved?
Our therapists will conduct a detailed evaluation to ensure we fully understand your symptoms. We’ll review your health history and recent activities and perform a physical examination that gives a complete picture of your condition. From there, we can determine the underlying injury or condition causing you pain.
While causes of foot pain vary wildly, here are some of the most common:
Plantar Fasciitis
This is the most common cause of foot pain, occurring in about 10% of the general population. It causes pain and stiffness along the bottom of your foot and into your heel and occurs when certain tissue (the plantar fascia) becomes swollen and inflamed.
Achilles Tendonitis
Another example of inflammation in foot tissue, Achilles tendonitis causes pain and range of motion restriction in the tendon that runs along the back of your heel (the Achilles tendon).
Heel Spurs
This condition refers to a bony growth that develops on your heel bone due to stress and strain on the ligaments and tendons.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that generally occur due to overuse. While they can happen anywhere, your feet are particularly susceptible as they absorb much of the impact from activities like running, excessive walking, and jumping.
What Physical Therapy Can Do To Help
Once our therapists have determined the source of your foot pain, we’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that manages symptoms, improves functionality, and, in many cases, resolves the underlying condition. We customize every plan to suit your needs, pulling from various treatment options.
Here are just a few techniques we might incorporate:
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy offers drug-free pain management and a gentle way of improving foot mobility. Techniques like myofascial release, soft tissue manipulation, and joint mobilization offer unique benefits.
Therapeutic Exercise
We’ll provide a targeted, personalized exercise program to stretch and strengthen your foot and ankle muscles. Depending on your needs, we can also work on balance, overall mobility, and coordination.
Modalities
Various treatment modalities, such as hot and cold therapy, electrostimulation, and ultrasound techniques, can provide additional pain relief.
Lifestyle Modifications
Often, foot pain stems from lifestyle factors, such as wearing improper footwear or starting a new high-impact exercise regimen. We’ll help you identify these factors and suggest strategies for managing them.
Schedule An Appointment Today
The first step in resolving your foot pain is correctly identifying its cause. To learn why your foot is hurting, call Rebound Physical Therapy to schedule your initial consultation. We’ll have you on your way to an active lifestyle in no time!
Are Your Shoes the Cause of Your Foot Pain?
Who doesn’t love a great pair of shoes, especially when they’re the final touch on a knockout outfit? Unfortunately, shoes are more than just a fashion statement–they can also contribute to foot pain.
At Rebound Physical Therapy, we can let you know for certain if your shoes are causing your foot-related woes. In the meantime, here are some simple guidelines to remember the next time you go shoe shopping.
A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Shoe
Cinderella’s stepsisters learned it the hard way: it doesn’t matter what a shoe looks like if it doesn’t fit your foot. If your shoes are too tight or restrictive, your feet will not have full mobility, leading to pain and other discomfort.
Those fierce pointy-toed shoes might look great, but they squeeze your toes together in a way that can cause problems in your toe joints.
A severe high heel looks fabulous (and sounds even better), but it forces your foot into an unnatural shape, leading to significant impacts on the overall health of your feet–not to mention a higher risk of sprained ankles, lower back pain, and balance issues.
The best shoes are the ones that feel good while wearing them and after you take them off. In most cases, these shoes provide your foot with the support it needs to work correctly, ensuring the foot is protected and feeling good.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are individually designed devices created to uniquely fit your feet and provide long-lasting support, stability, and improved movement.
Reduce Foot Pain
Orthotics can help relieve strain and discomfort caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, heel pain, and metatarsalgia.
Improve Support
Properly fitted orthotics provide enhanced support and stability while improving the way your feet and lower legs function during movement.
Customized For You
Your physical therapist performs a comprehensive orthotic evaluation to ensure your inserts match your foot shape, activity level, and individual needs.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapists are specially trained in gait analysis and lower extremity biomechanics. Through a detailed evaluation, they can determine the best orthotic solution to improve comfort, reduce pressure, and support better movement patterns. Custom orthotics are designed to provide lasting correction and support that can help you stay active and move more comfortably throughout everyday life.
Ankle Alphabets
Improve ankle mobility, foot control, and joint movement with this simple exercise designed to support flexibility and stability.
How To Perform
Start by sitting up straight in a chair. Raise one leg out in front of you. Slowly write the letters of the alphabet with your foot, only moving at your ankle joint.
Smart Sun Safety and Hydration Tips
June’s warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, offering lots of opportunities to boost your physical health. However, navigating the challenges of sun exposure and hydration is crucial. Here’s how you can enjoy the outdoors while taking care of your health.
Smart Sun Practices
Choose early morning or late afternoon for outdoor activities to avoid peak sun hours. Apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use sunglasses to protect against UV rays.
Stay Hydrated
With higher temperatures, dehydration is a risk. Drink water consistently throughout the day, and always carry a water bottle during outdoor activities.
Dress Appropriately
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to keep cool and comfortable.
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Fuel your summer adventures with a fresh, balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for busy weekdays, beach trips, or post-workout recovery.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hummus
- Olive oil and lemon juice to taste
Directions
- Add quinoa to a bowl and top with grilled chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta.
- Add hummus on the side and drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Serve chilled or slightly warm for an easy summer meal.
Skip the Referral. Start Healing Today.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to start feeling better. With Direct Access in Idaho, you can begin physical therapy at Rebound right away—saving time, reducing pain, and getting back to the activities you love faster. Our expert team will evaluate your condition, create a personalized treatment plan, and guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward recovery.
