Using Physical Therapy to Enhance Foot Care

1. Plantar Fasciitis
2. Ankle Sprains
3. Tendinitis
4. Arch Pain
5. Bunions
6. Stress Fractures
7. Arthritic Conditions
8. Circulation Issues
9. Flat Feet
10. Physical Therapy Treatment

Taking care of your feet is important for overall health and well-being. Our feet are subjected to a significant amount of stress and strain on a daily basis. The feet support the entire body weight, absorb shock from physical activities, and help us to maintain balance and stability. When feet are not properly cared for, or when problems develop, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and limited mobility, which can impact quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

It is important to take care of the feet by wearing appropriate and well-fitted footwear, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise to help keep the feet and ankles strong and flexible. By taking care of your feet and seeking treatment for any problems that may arise, you can help to prevent long-term pain and disability, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes can have a significant impact on the health of the feet and ankles. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing a number of foot and ankle problems, including:

1. Neuropathy: Diabetes can cause nerve damage, or neuropathy, in the feet, which can lead to a loss of sensation or reduced ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. This can increase the risk of foot injuries and make it difficult to detect cuts, blisters, or other foot injuries.
2. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): PAD is a circulation problem that occurs when there is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. PAD can cause pain, numbness, and a loss of sensation in the feet, and can increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.
3. Infections: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing foot infections, including cellulitis and foot ulcers, which can be difficult to heal and can lead to amputations if left untreated.
4. Deformities: Diabetes can also lead to deformities in the feet, such as hammertoes, claw toes, and Charcot foot, which can cause pain, difficulty with walking, and a greater risk of falls.

It is important for people with diabetes to take good care of their feet and monitor them regularly for signs of problems. This includes checking their feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, and swelling, and wearing comfortable, properly fitting shoes that offer good support and protection. Regular visits to a podiatrist or foot specialist can also help to detect and treat any foot problems early on, reducing the risk of serious complications.

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Foot and Ankle Conditions That Can Benefit from Physical Therapy

From plantar fasciitis to ankle sprains, there are many common foot and ankle problems that can benefit from physical therapy. Our experienced physical therapists at Strive PT & Wellness are dedicated to helping you relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function to your feet and ankles.

Common foot and ankle problems can affect people in a variety of ways, causing pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. They can greatly impact a person's quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities or enjoy physical activities.Some of the most common conditions include:

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the heel and the bottom of the foot causing significant pain and discomfort. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and helps to support the arch. When this tissue becomes irritated and inflamed, it can result in plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot
• Pain is worse in the morning or after sitting for extended periods of time
• Stiffness in the foot
• Swelling and redness

At Strive PT & Wellness we have a specific protocol that we initiate on your first day to begin the healing process and help bring you back to pain free activity.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are a common injury that occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. These injuries can range from mild to severe, and can impact individuals in a variety of ways. Understanding the impact of an ankle sprain can help you take the necessary steps to manage the condition and reduce the risk of long-term consequences.

Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain:

• Pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected area
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
• Instability or a feeling of giving way in the ankle
• In severe cases, there may be a visible deformity, an inability to bear weight, or a feeling of instability even when the affected foot is at rest.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is a common condition that affects the tendons in the ankle and foot, causing pain and discomfort. Tendons are thick cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone and help move the joints. Overuse, repetitive motions, or sudden trauma can cause the tendons in the ankle and foot to become inflamed and lead to tendinitis.

Symptoms of Ankle/Foot Tendinitis:

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Stiffness in the affected area
• Swelling and redness
• Weakness in the affected limb

Arch Pain

Arch pain is a common condition that affects the arch of the foot and can cause significant pain and discomfort. The arch of the foot is a critical component of the foot's structure and helps absorb shock and support the body's weight. Pain in the arch can result from a variety of causes including overuse, injury, or structural issues.

Symptoms of Arch Pain:

• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Stiffness and swelling in the affected area
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Increased pain after periods of activity or exercise

Bunions

A bunion is a painful swelling that develops on the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions occur when the bones of the big toe become misaligned, causing the joint to enlarge and stick out. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, arthritis, and wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes.

Symptoms of Bunions:

• Pain and tenderness at the base of the big toe
• Swelling and redness in the affected area
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time
• Increased pain after periods of activity or exercise

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that occurs due to repetitive stress or overuse. The bones in the foot and ankle are particularly susceptible to stress fractures due to the high amount of weight and pressure they bear with each step. Stress fractures can occur in any bone of the foot or ankle, but are most commonly found in the metatarsals (the bones in the midfoot) and the tibia (the shinbone).

Symptoms of Stress Fractures of the Foot/Ankle:

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Swelling and redness in the affected area
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Increased pain after periods of activity or exercise

Arthritic Conditions

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the foot and ankle. Arthritis in the foot and ankle can result in decreased mobility and decreased quality of life. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle. Some of the most common types include:

1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, and is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the foot and ankle.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the foot and ankle.
3. Gout: This type of arthritis is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout is most commonly found in the big toe, but can also affect other joints in the foot and ankle.
4. Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis is a form of psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the foot and ankle.
5. Septic Arthritis: This type of arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection in a joint. Septic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints in the foot and ankle.

Each type of arthritis affects individuals differently, and the treatment options will depend on the type and severity of the condition. It is important to seek treatment from a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis in the foot and ankle.

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle:

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Stiffness and swelling in the affected area
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time
• Increased pain after periods of activity or exercise

Circulation Issues

Circulation issues in the foot and ankle can be caused by a number of factors, including age, injury, disease, and lifestyle factors. When blood flow is disrupted to the foot and ankle, it can result in a range of symptoms and conditions that can impact daily life. Some examples of circulation issues include:

1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A common circulation issue that occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.
2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, causing decreased circulation and increasing the risk of serious complications.
3. Varicose Veins: Enlarged veins that can cause pain, swelling, and decreased circulation in the legs and feet.
4. Raynaud's Disease: A condition that causes the blood vessels in the hands and feet to narrow, reducing blood flow and causing pain, numbness, and tingling.
5. Peripheral Neuropathy: A condition that affects the nerves in the feet and legs, causing pain, numbness, and decreased circulation.
6. Venous Insufficiency: A condition in which the veins are unable to pump blood back to the heart, leading to swelling and decreased circulation in the legs and feet.

It is important to seek treatment from a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of a circulation issue, as untreated circulation problems can lead to serious complications and long-term consequences.

Symptoms of Circulation Issues in the Foot and Ankle:

• Pain or cramping in the affected area
• Numbness or tingling in the affected area
• Coldness or paleness in the affected area
• Swelling or redness in the affected area
• Ulcerations or open wounds in the affected area

Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition in which the arch of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground. Normally, the arch of the foot helps distribute weight evenly and absorb shock, but in people with flat feet, the arch does not form properly or may flatten over time.

There are two types of flat feet:

1. Congenital flatfoot: This occurs when the arch is not present at birth and is often due to genetics.
2. Acquired flatfoot: This occurs when the arch collapses over time, often due to factors such as aging, injury, or certain medical conditions like obesity, arthritis, or nerve problems.

Flat feet can be classified into two types based on the degree of flexibility in the foot: rigid and flexible.

Rigid flat feet: In this type of flat foot, the arch is completely absent and the foot remains flat even when bearing weight. This type of flat foot is often due to a congenital defect or a result of a structural problem in the foot, such as a calcaneal spurring or tarsal coalition. Rigid flat feet typically cause more symptoms and are more difficult to treat than flexible flat feet.

Flexible flat feet: In this type of flat foot, the arch collapses when weight is placed on the foot, but returns to its normal position when weight is removed. This type of flat foot is often due to overuse or a strain on the foot and can be treated more effectively with conservative measures, such as orthotics or physical therapy.

Flat feet can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back
• Fatigue or discomfort while standing or walking for long periods of time
• Swelling or redness in the feet
• Difficulty with balance and stability
• Increased risk of injury to the feet, ankles, and legs

The impact of flat feet can vary from person to person, but it can make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as walking, running, and standing. People with flat feet may also experience discomfort while wearing certain shoes, such as high heels or tight-fitting shoes. The condition can also increase the risk of developing other foot and ankle conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or ankle instability. In some cases, flat feet can also contribute to problems in other parts of the body, such as knee or lower back pain.

Physical Therapy Treatment For Feet Conditions:

Gait and Movement Analysis: We will perform an evaluation of your body mechanics to identify any movement patterns or compensatory strategies that may be causing excess stress and injuries to your body and identify high risk movements patterns to reduce the risk of repetitive injuries. Understanding posture, body mechanics, and your gait pattern is crucial to helping you with any issues relating to feet as they are the foundation of your support and incur much of the stress of your day to day activities.

Improving mobility and flexibility: Physical therapy can help to improve joint mobility, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase flexibility in the feet and ankles, reducing the risk of injury.

Strengthening muscles and tendons: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and tendons that support the feet and ankles, reducing the risk of falls and injury.

Reducing pain: Physical therapy can help to reduce pain in the feet and ankles by using techniques such as manual therapy, heat and ice therapy, and electrical stimulation.

Improving circulation: Physical therapy can help to improve circulation in the feet and ankles, reducing the risk of complications associated with poor circulation such as wound healing and infections.

Orthotics/Assistive Devices: Our therapists will evaluate the need for any use of assistive devices and/or orthotics to provide support and reduce stress.

Educating patients: Physical therapists can also educate patients with diabetes about proper foot care and how to maintain good foot health. This can include information about appropriate shoes, how to care for wounds, and how to prevent infections.

If you are in need of a Podiatrist to oversee your care, obtain a referral, or get further information on your diagnosis and treatment, we encourage you to visit our friends at Empire Foot and Ankle Center.

Physical therapy is crucial for managing foot and ankle problems as it can help to improve function, reduce pain and prevent further complications. With its focus on the whole person and a customized approach, physical therapy can effectively target the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques such as posture/gait analysis, manual therapy, exercise, and modalities to help restore movement, reduce pain and improve overall foot and ankle health. By working with a physical therapist, patients can benefit from a non-invasive, safe, and effective solution to their foot and ankle problems. With a physical therapy plan tailored specifically to their needs, patients can enjoy a quick and lasting recovery, getting back to their active lifestyle and reducing the risk of future problems. So why settle for just managing the symptoms, when physical therapy can help you get to the root of the problem and achieve optimal foot and ankle health? Book an appointment with a physical therapist today!

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