Relieve Your Foot and Ankle Pains Today with Our Physical Therapy Treatments
Is taking the stairs, commuting to work, or walking far distances causing you pain? We all spend a significant amount of time using our feet and ankles throughout the day, and when we experience pain in these areas, it can greatly limit our daily lives.
Fortunately, our Mesa, AZ physical therapy practice can help you find relief for any acute or chronic pains you may be experiencing in your feet or ankles. Contact MDM Physical Therapy today at (480) 832-9308 to schedule your consultation and find out how our services can help you kick your foot and ankle pains for good!
Physical therapy for foot and ankle pain relief
Our Mesa, AZ physical therapists are equipped to treat any foot or ankle condition you may be experiencing, whether it be acute or chronic. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to figure out where your pain is originating, and then we will design an individualized treatment plan based on your needs.
With an acute injury, it is likely that you will be prescribed a R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) treatment for the first few days, in order to make sure that all swelling subsides. Then more specialized treatments will begin.
If you have chronic pain, your treatment plan will start with specialized and targeted techniques, as the pain has become progressive. These techniques will include targeted and stretching exercises in order to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles, improve balance, and restore joint mobility.
Our physical therapist may also recommend lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear, in order to ease your pain, boost your circulation, and prevent more problems from occurring in the future.
What’s causing my foot or ankle pain?
Foot and ankle pain typically develops from one of three reasons: a sudden injury, a chronic, underlying condition, or an incorrect alignment of the pelvis resulting in a difference in leg length. Some of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain include:
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.
Fallen arches
Your arches are composed 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.
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.
Leg Length Discrepancy
When the pelvis is out of it’s proper alignment, your legs can be slightly different in length. This can result in undue stress or pressure in the ankle or foot.
Bursitis
Everyone has anti-friction sacs in their joints, known as the “bursae.” When tendons rub against these sacs, it causes inflammation and irritation known as bursitis.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when the tendons are excessively overused, causing them to become inflamed for prolonged periods of 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.
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 is torn.
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.
Why am I experiencing these symptoms?
Your feet and ankles are both very complex structures. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly, as well as various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together. In order for your feet and ankles to function properly, everything must work together in harmony.
While both structures have their complexities, the foot has an even more intricate make-up than the ankle. The foot consists of approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Because the feet and ankles are so complex, it is common for people to sustain injuries in those areas, which can lead to physical limitations. If your foot or ankle pain is limiting your life, contact MDM Physical Therapy today!
Relieve your foot and ankle pains today
In order to provide you with pain relief, you will receive gentle, hands-on manual therapy during every visit. Specific exercise and stretches will be added to your treatment based on your needs. In addition, special equipment may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. This may include deep tissue laser therapy, ultrasound, shortwave diathermy, electrical stimulation, percussion/vibration and heat or ice applications.
At MDM Physical Therapy, our goal is to provide holistic healing and pain management so you can get back to living your life without limitations. Contact Us Today at Mesa, AZ Center to schedule your consultation and get started on the first steps toward relief!
