Do you dread having to take the stairs, commute to work, or walk from the parking lot to your destination? When you think about it, we spend an incredible amount of time using our feet throughout the day. Because of this, foot and ankle pain can greatly hinder your daily life. Fortunately, you can find relief with physical therapy for any acute or chronic foot or ankle pains you may be experiencing. To consult with one of our licensed Boise and Meridian physical therapists and learn more about our services, contact Rebound Physical Therapy today!
Why does foot and ankle pain occur?
Your feet and your ankles are extremely complex structures of your body. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation states that the ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly, in addition to the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together. In order to achieve optimum levels of function, they must work together in harmony at all times.
The foot is even more complex than the ankle. The foot is comprised of approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because the feet and ankles are so complex, injuries are common in these areas. Whether your pain is mild or severe, serious limitations can be put on your daily life. At Rebound Physical Therapy, our goal is to fix those limitations.
Common causes of foot and ankle pain:
Foot and ankle pain typically develops from one of two reasons: a sudden injury or a chronic, underlying condition. Some of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
Sprains and strains.
A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or is torn, while a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn.
Fallen arches.
Your arches are comprised of several tendons. When the tendons pull together properly, your foot will form a proper arch. However, sometimes the tendons do not pull together properly, resulting in a very small arch, or no arch at all. This is referred to as “fallen arches” or “flat feet,” which can cause pain or discomfort over time.
Fracture.
When excessive force or trauma is put on a bone, it can crack or break entirely. This is known as a fracture. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing.
Plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. It is most commonly caused by aggravated overuse, such as improper posture, constant standing, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
The tarsal tunnel is the nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot. When it becomes pinched or inflamed, tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs.
Tendonitis.
Tendonitis occurs when the tendons are excessively overused, causing them to become inflamed for prolonged periods of time.
Bursitis.
Everyone has anti-friction sacs in their joints, known as the “bursae.” When tendons rub against these sacs, bursitis occurs.
Arthritis.
Arthritis is common and causes painful inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis and both can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints, resulting in pain and decreased function.
Find relief with Rebound Physical Therapy:
Whether your pain is acute or chronic, our Boise and Meridian physical therapy practices can help. At your initial appointment, one of our physical therapists will conduct a thorough examination in order to diagnose the root cause of your pain. Your treatment plan will be based on your diagnosis and your specific needs.
Acute injuries are typically prescribed R.I.C.E treatments (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first few days, in order to make sure that any swelling subsides before your treatment plan begins. After that, you will begin more specialized treatments.
Chronic conditions will begin with specialized treatments based on the nature of the condition. Treatment plans will include targeted exercises and stretches in order to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles, improve balance, and restore joint mobility. The foot and ankle can often be too mobile so techniques can also be applied to control excessive mobility.
Our Boise and Meridian physical therapist will focus on easing your pain and boosting your circulation, which may include recommending lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear, which can also prevent more problems from occurring in the future. At Rebound Physical Therapy, our goal is to provide holistic healing and pain management so you can get back to your optimum physical function, with a decreased risk of sustaining future injuries.
If you are looking to kick your foot and ankle pain, once and for all, contact us today at Boise and Meridian, ID center. We’ll discuss how our services can help improve your mobility, comfort, and overall function, and get you started on your first steps toward pain relief.
Visit our clinic locations in Boise and Meridian today!
Read our blog post on how physical therapy can reduce your joint pain and improve your mobility by clicking here!