Foot and Ankle Pain

How Physiotherapy Can Help Your Foot and Ankle Pain

Pain In Your Feet and Ankles? Here’s The Cure

How many times a day do you think you get up and walk somewhere? Even if it’s just from your desk to the office kitchen, you’re using your feet. We walk around an awful lot, so it goes without saying that if you suffer from ankle and feet pain, your quality of life has most likely taken a drastic downturn.

Foot and ankle pain stems from a multitude of different things, but ProActive Physiotherapy can pinpoint the source of your pain and help get you back to where you need to be. Did you know that physiotherapy is a common solution for the rehabilitation of injuries and underlying  conditions? It’s true! Seeing a physiotherapist about your acute or chronic feet and ankle pain could just be the key to your problems.

Having pain in your feet and ankles can make mundane tasks seem daunting and dreadful, but you don’t have to live this way for much longer.  Contact us today to speak with one of our licensed Edmonton, AB physiotherapists and learn more about how our services can benefit you!

Why do my feet and ankles hurt?

Ankles and feet are extremely intricate and complex body parts that absolutely have to work together correctly in order to function at the most favorable levels. The Arthritis Foundation states that the ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another properly, along with the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together. If these joints don’t work the way they’re supposed to, not only will you experience pain in your ankles and feet, but you could also end up dealing with even more painful conditions. Your gait and balance can be affected by pain in these parts of your body!

 Did you know that your foot has 24 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles? That’s a whole lot to work with down there, but it’s true! Because there are so many complex structures making up your feet and ankles, experiencing pain in those extremities is a common issue many people suffer from. Receiving an injury to your foot or ankle can be painful enough that you avoid putting your full weight down. This leaves you with two choices: hop around on one leg and risk hurting your other foot, or risk getting stuck in a wheelchair, unable to go anywhere or take care of yourself.  Even if you think your injury is only mild, it can worsen without the proper care and become a burden to you, and those around you.

What is the source of ankle and foot pain?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there can be various causes of foot pain and ankle pain, including: Foot and ankle pain can happen seemingly out of nowhere after receiving an acute injury, or it can slowly develop over the course of a few days, weeks, or months. In the latter case, the pain is linked to a chronic, underlying condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several common causes of foot pain and ankle pain, including:

Fractures

A fracture is the outcome of receiving extreme force or damage to the bone, causing it to split or break altogether. You’ll need weeks of downtime to make sure a  fracture to the foot or ankle properly heals..

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis refers to swelling in the connective tissue on the soles of your feet. This happens as a result of overuse, such as standing all too much without a break, poor posture, or wearing shoes without proper arch support.

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the tendons brush against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs. This causes them to become aggravated and painful.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tarsal tunnel (the nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot) becomes pinched and inflamed.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common inflammatory condition that affects the joints and results in pain and reduced range of motion. The most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both conditions can heavily mpact the foot and ankle joints.

Sprains and strains

A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or tears. A strain happens when a muscle or tendon becomes overstretched.

Fallen arches

As you read above, your foot has many tendons. These all work together to form the part of your foot called the arch. When these tendons pull together correctly, your foot will form the right arch. When these tendons don’t pull together properly, the arch will be much smaller or non-existent. This is called a “fallen arch” or “flat foot” and can cause intense discomfort and pain over time.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs from overworking of the tendons, causing them to become inflamed.

Is physiotherapy the right option for my foot and ankle pain?

If you’re dealing with pain from a chronic condition or an acute injury in your ankle or foot, it’s important to see a professional before things get more unbearable for you. You can find relief here at ProActive Physiotherapy. Our Edmonton, AB physiotherapists will perform a thorough examination and pinpoint the source of your pain to create your very own specialized treatment plan.

Treatment plans include a mixture of specialized hands-on manual therapy techniques as well as targeted stretches and exercises, in order to improve balance, relieve foot and ankle pain, and restore joint mobility. Your treatment plan may also include exercises on a balance board, as well as other specialized services. We will do all we can to ease your pain quickly, boost your circulation, and give you lasting results. Your therapist will also recommend lifestyle changes for you, including orthotic footwear to prevent future injuries.Kiss that pain in the foot goodbye! You deserve to live your life, free from the limitations of pain. Contact ProActive Physiotherapy today to schedule your appointment. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time at all!