Foot and Ankle

Ankle and Foot Fractures
There are many bones that can be fractured in the ankle and foot. Typical fractures that occur are to the fibula bone (avulsion fracture), metatarsal bone fractures and calcaneal fractures. Fractures are typically immobilized with casting or bracing. In severe cases surgery may be required to align and stabilize the bone with pins or plates.

After being immobile for a period of time whether from casting or surgery, the ankle and foot joints will become quite stiff. This loss of motion in the joint also causes discomfort and results in lost muscle strength in the ankle and foot.

How physical therapy helps
Physical therapy is very important in the rehabilitative process to help you regain normal range of motion, reduce swelling, resolve pain and regain function of your ankle and foot.
Physical therapy is gentle and will help you quickly resolve your pain while working with your doctor to follow protocol and restore your function. Improvement in range of motion, strength, stability, walking and running will occur. With physical therapy, you can make a complete recovery quickly and safely. Call us today to learn more how we can help you fully recover after a fracture.

Foot and Ankle Post-surgery Rehab
There are many different surgeries for the foot and ankle from fracture repairs to tissue repair from trauma. In addition, common surgeries such as bunionectomies, hammer toe, and even ankle fusions will require physical therapy.
After surgery, due to limited post-operative movement and inflammation from the surgery, your range of motion and strength will be diminished. The loss of strength and range of motion in the foot or ankle can cause many problems in daily life including difficulty standing for short periods of time and an inability to easily use a set of stairs. When you are unable to stand for periods of time or walk on your own it can result in lost work hours and financial loss. But with a skilled physical therapist working with you, you can get great results and return to previous activities without pain or loss of function.

How physical therapy helps
Physical therapy is an important part of the rehabilitative process after ankle or foot surgery. Depending on your surgery and surgical protocols, we will progress you through a structured physical therapy rehabilitation program. Our goal is to restore pain-free range of motion in the ankle or foot while maintaining surgical rehab protocols. Our highly skilled physical therapists will also work to improve your walking coordination, balance, and strength to ensure that you are able to return to normal pain-free walking and have the ability to easily traverse a set of stairs.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue on the underside of the foot, connecting from the heel to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis typically occurs from tightening of the tissues under the foot and even further up in the legs. In addition, changes in the shape of the foot, such as fallen arches or changes in shoe wear can affect plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, with changes in walking posture for a variety of reasons, the strain on the plantar fascia can increase significantly.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly felt as burning or sharp pain when standing on the affected leg. This typically occurs first thing in the morning or with initial standing after sitting for a prolonged period. Inflammation builds up during the day in the fascia, and may begin to hurt after prolonged walking. As you sit or sleep the inflammation thickens and the plantar fascia stiffens. When you go to step on the foot, the inflamed and stiff tissue stretches causing pain. Pain may be felt mostly in the heel, but can extend along the bottom of the foot.

How physical therapy helps
Physical therapy is very beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis. At first we evaluate your movement, posture, walking pattern, ankle and foot mobility. Our gentle hands-on therapy is great for soothing the irritated tissue in the foot and also improving range of motion in the foot and ankle joints.

Modalities, such as ultrasound and ice may be used to reduce swelling and pain quickly. Our goal is to reduce your pain quickly and strengthen your feet for long-term results. Call us today to discover how we can help resolve your plantar fasciitis pain and get you quickly back on your feet!