Every year, millions of patients visit the emergency room due to foot and ankle injuries. The injury to your foot or ankle has to be treated immediately.
As, your feet and ankles are two of the most important parts of your body. They support your entire weight and allow you to move around.
So, when they’re injured, it can be debilitating. That’s where foot and ankle physical therapy comes in.
Physical therapy for the feet and ankles can help you recover from injuries and improve your overall foot and ankle health.
It can also help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and increase your strength and flexibility.
Common conditions that require physical therapy and rehabilitation:
There are several injuries and other conditions that can benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation. These include:
- Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This condition can be caused by overuse or injury. Treatment may involve exercises, stretching, and electrical stimulation.
- Ankle sprains and strains: Ankle sprains and strains are common injuries that can be caused by overuse or trauma. Treatment may involve exercises, bracing, and electrical stimulation.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. There are several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment may involve exercises, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation.
- Bunions: Bunions are a deformity of the big toe. They can be caused by genetics, shoes that don’t fit well, or other factors. Treatment may involve exercises, shoe inserts, and surgery.
- Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This condition is caused by overuse or injury. Treatment may involve exercises, stretching, and night splints.
- Shin splints: Shin splints are a type of stress injury that can be caused by overuse or improper footwear. Treatment may involve rest, ice, and exercises.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot. It is caused by compression of the nerves in the foot. Treatment may involve exercises, splints, and surgery.
Foot and ankle physical therapy may involve a variety of treatments, including:
- Exercise: Exercise is an important part of physical therapy. It can help improve your range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
- Manual therapy: Manual therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve function.
- Electrical stimulation: Electrical stimulation is a treatment that uses electrical currents to relieve pain and promote healing.
- Ice and heat: Ice and heat can help reduce swelling and pain. They can also help improve blood flow to the area.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a treatment that uses sound waves to reduce pain and promote healing.
Final Suggestions:
If you’re dealing with a foot or ankle injury, physical therapy can help you get back on your feet. It can also help prevent future injuries.
To find a physical therapist near you, visit the American Physical Therapy Association’s website.
And if you live in Texas, then Austin Physical Therapy Specialist can help. APTS physical therapists have extensive experience in treating foot and ankle conditions and offer a wide range of services, including:
- Exercise programs
- Manual therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Ice and heat therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
So what are you waiting for? Give them a call today, to schedule an appointment and get rid of your foot and ankle pain for good!!
