Foot And Ankle Pain

Overview

Both the ankle and foot are made up of many joints and an intricate network of tendons, ligaments, and muscles designed to support your body weight and can be prone to injury. Common causes of ankle and foot pain include damage to the Achilles tendon, as well as the connective tissues toward the outer side of the ankle. More serious injuries could include fractures to the bones.

Common Symptoms of Ankle and Foot Pain

Some common symptoms you will experience with ankle and foot pain may include the following:

Swelling, redness, and or warmth surrounding the ankle joint
Increased pain with walking
Increased pain with movement
Joint stiffness
Muscle weakness and/or tightness
Inability to put weight through the ankle and/or foot

How can physical therapy help?

A physical therapist will perform an initial evaluation which includes movement analysis, strength testing, and range of motion measurements to reveal the cause of your symptoms and determine a diagnosis. The evaluation process also helps to identify your limitations and gives the therapist insight on the best possible treatment approach. A plan of care will then be tailored to your individual needs that will include manual release of muscular tension, therapeutic exercise, stretching, as well as patient education on a home-based program for optimal outcomes. Physical therapy treatment is focused on injury prevention and promoting pain-free movement for a better quality of life. A physical therapist can also refer out to other specialties if further consultation is necessary.