FOOT PAIN

If you are dealing with foot pain for any reason, whether an injury or a condition, we understand how difficult it can be to get around. Things that should be relatively simple, like walking or standing, can turn into quite stressful experiences. 

What Is Causing My Foot Pain?

You may be experiencing foot pain for a variety of reasons. An injury to the foot may result in minor pain or can cause excruciating pain and make it difficult to bear weight. While some foot pain may occur suddenly due to acute injury, it can also develop over time due to a chronic underlying condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several common causes of foot pain, including, but not limited to the following:

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.

Bursitis –

Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs, causing them to become irritated and uncomfortable. This condition can also occur in a person’s elbow, shoulder, and hip, although the foot and heel are most commonly affected.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome –

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tarsal tunnel (the nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot) becomes pinched and painfully inflamed. Symptoms include sharp, shooting pains, feelings of “pins and needles” and burning sensations in the feet.

Plantar fasciitis –

Plantar fasciitis happens when the connective tissue on the bottom of the feet becomes inflamed. This can occur from aggravated overuse, such as constant standing, improper posture, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.

Tendinitis –

Tendinitis is caused by overuse of the tendons, which can make them inflamed for an extended period of time. Tendinitis can make even the most basic tasks difficult, such as reaching for a glass on the cabinet’s top shelf or bending down to pick up a dropped item. To make matters worse, tendinitis can become chronic and excruciatingly painful over time.

Strains and sprains –

Sprains and strains happen often, and oftentimes, they get confused with each other! A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn, while a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far. Both of these injuries should be checked out by a medical professional to ensure no lasting damage will occur.

Fallen arches –

The arch of your foot is formed by several tendons that work together. Your foot will form a proper arch when the tendons pull together properly. Your foot will form a very small arch or no arch at all if the tendons do not pull together properly. This is known as a “fallen arch” or “flat foot,” and it can result in pain or discomfort over time.

Arthritis –

Arthritis is a very common inflammatory condition that affects the joints and results in pain. The most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints. Arthritis can also affect anyone at any age.

Fortunately, physical therapy has been shown to help with the rehabilitation of injured feet as well as the relief of acute and chronic pain.

How Can A Physical Therapist At Pro-X Physical Therapy Relieve My Foot Pain?

If you or a loved one are experiencing foot pain, Physical Therapy can help. 

During your initial appointment, our physical therapist will perform a thorough assessment to determine the source of your pain and then create a personalized treatment plan for your condition. The majority of our treatment plans incorporate specialized hands-on manual therapy techniques, exercises, and stretches to restore joint mobility, improve balance, and strengthen the foot muscles. We will do everything in our power to alleviate your discomfort and improve your strength and circulation, so you can get back to moving with ease. We will also re-evaluate your treatment plan over time and may recommend lifestyle changes or orthotics to prevent re-injury or additional problems in the future.

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