Should I see a physical therapist about foot or ankle pain?
Most people experience foot and ankle pain occasionally. It's most common in athletes and other active people, but your foot's structure makes it uniquely susceptible to injury.
Consider that your feet and ankles have dozens of bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. These tissues support your upper body but experience daily wear-and-tear. When combined with aging and lifestyle factors, pain is eventually bound to occur.
Foot and ankle pain usually improves with rest and activity changes, but if your symptoms continue for more than a week, contact Preserve Physical Therapy.
What causes foot and ankle pain?
At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta treats pain caused by:
- Arthritis
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Dislocated joints
- Tendinitis
- Gout
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Morton's neuroma (nerve tumor in the ball of the foot)
- Flat feet and high arches
You might be a candidate for physical therapy if you play sports and suffer a foot or ankle injury.
How does a physical therapist evaluate foot and ankle pain?
Dr. Mehta completes a patient evaluation before making treatment recommendations. He reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, where it occurs, and if it extends into other areas, like your ankles or legs.
Next, he completes a physical therapy assessment. Dr. Mehta evaluates your balance, strength, and coordination and gently presses on the painful area. He observes your gait (how you walk) and posture and examines the wear patterns on the bottoms of your shoes.
What does treatment involve?
At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta uses a combination of manual therapies and innovative technology. He might suggest:
- Joint mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Massage therapy
- Movement training
- Postural training
- Joint taping
- Foot pressure mapping
- Gait training
- Balance training
- Shockwave therapy
Treatment often includes biofeedback muscle training. Dr. Mehta offers this service as part of a comprehensive care plan. It uses mind-body techniques and wearable electronic sensors to improve muscle performance, relieve pain, and promote healing.
Most people benefit from two or more of these treatments. Call or text Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule treatment or request a new patient form online.
