Foot and Ankle

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Your feet and your ankles are complex mechanical structures that must work together in harmony in order to function at their optimal level. The ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly, along with the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

The foot is even more complex, containing approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because there are many complicated structures that make up your feet and ankles, pain in those areas is a very common affliction. An injury to your foot or ankle can result in pain so severe that you avoid putting weight down on your foot. This leaves you with only two options; hopping around, risking injury to your other foot, or worse, being stuck in a chair, unable to go anywhere and take care of yourself or others. Even mild pain can cause physical limitations to your daily life, and burden those around you.

Foot and ankle pain can occur suddenly due to an acute injury, or it can develop over time in relation to a chronic, underlying condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several common causes of foot pain and ankle pain including:

• Strains and sprains. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched, while a sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn.
• Arthritis.  is a common inflammatory condition that affects the joints and results in pain; the most common types including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints.
• Tendinitis. Tendinitis occurs from excessive overuse of the tendons, causing them to become inflamed for a long time.
• Bursitis. Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs, causing them to become irritated and uncomfortable.
• Fractures. A fracture occurs from excessive force or trauma to the bone, causing it to crack or break entirely. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tarsal tunnel never becomes pinched and inflamed. This nerve runs from the ankle to the foot.
• Fallen arches. Your foot contains several tendons that work together to form your arch. When the tendons pull together properly, your foot will form a proper arch. However, when the tendons do not pull together properly, your foot will form a very small arch, or no arch at all. This is referred to as “fallen arch” or “flat foot” and can cause pain or discomfort with time.
• Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation in the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot. This can occur from aggravated overuse, such as constant standing, improper posture, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.

Whether you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic condition in your foot or ankle, you can find relief at Huron Valley Rehab. Our Royal Oak, MI physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination to find what is causing your pain, and then a personalized treatment plan will be created for you specifically. 

Your treatment plan will typically include a combination of specialized hands-on techniques, exercises and stretching, in order to restore joint mobility, improve balance, and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles. Your treatment plan may also include exercises on a balance board, as well as other specialized services. Huron Valley Rehab  Physical Therapy will do all we can to ease your pain quickly and boost your circulation. We will also evaluate and recommend lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear to prevent more problems in the future. 

Don’t let foot and ankle pain slow you down! Our Royal Oak, MI therapy practice will help you dictate your own mobility, comfort, and overall function, free from the limitations of foot and ankle pain.  Contact Huron Valley Rehab physical therapy today to schedule your appointment. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time!

2530 Crooks Rd Suite 3 Royal Oak, MI 48073. 888-202-5474