KICK YOUR FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY
Every day we spend an exceptional amount of time on our feet. Because of this, if you find that you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, your daily life can suddenly become impacted. Physical therapy is a proven rehabilitation for injured feet and ankles, in addition to providing relief for both acute and chronic pain.
The team at Cape Fear Orthopedics would like to share the variety of reasons why foot or ankle pain may occur and how our physical therapists can help you get back on your feet.
WHAT IS CAUSING THE FOOT OR ANKLE PAIN
Foot and ankle pain can occur in two ways: suddenly, due to an acute injury, or over time, due to a chronic, underlying condition.
Some of the most common causes of foot pain and ankle pain include:
Tendonitis – Tendonitis occurs when the tendons are overused, causing them to become inflamed for long periods of time.
Strains and sprains – A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far; a sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or is torn.
Fracture – When excessive force or trauma is put on a bone, it can crack or break entirely. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in several weeks to ensure proper healing.
Arthritis – Very common and causes painful inflammation to joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types. Both types can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints, resulting in pain and decreased function.
Bursitis – Everyone has anti-friction sacs in their joints, known as the “bursae.” When tendons rub against these sacs, bursitis occurs.
Plantar fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis is when the connective tissue at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This is most commonly caused by overuse, such as improper posture, constant standing, or shoes lacking proper arch support.
HOW DOES FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN HAPPEN
Feet and ankles are very complex; they must work together in order to function at their ideal levels. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly, in addition to the various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together.
The foot is comprised of approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments making the foot is an even more complex part of the body than the ankle. Due to all the complicated structures that make up your feet and ankles, pain felt in those areas is extremely common. No matter your pain level, limitations can be put on your daily life and the practitioners at Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are here to fix that.
TREATMENT
R.I.C.E treatments (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) are the typical treatment for acute injuries, in order to make sure that any swelling subsides before your treatment plan begins. After that, you can begin more specialized treatments.
When it comes to chronic conditions, you will begin with specialized physical therapy treatments based on the needs of your condition. The goal is to provide holistic healing and pain management in order to get you back to your best physical function and decrease the risk of sustaining future injuries.
Treatment plans include stretches and exercises that work to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles, improve balance, and restore joint mobility. Additional treatment methods may include ice and heat therapy, manual therapy, balance boards, or laser therapy.
OUR TEAM
If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, don’t wait any longer for relief. At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we understand that pain can make simple, everyday activities challenging.
Our Foot & Ankle specialist, Dr. Michal Kozanek, completed his medical degree and Doctorate in Medical Science at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. He was an Orthopedic Surgery instructor at Harvard Medical School and completed his residency at Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency program. Dr. Kozanek completed the Baylor Foot & Ankle Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.
At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our specialty-trained doctors are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions and injuries. When you are seen by one of our experts, you know that you are being treated by an experienced doctor who is focused and dedicated to providing you exceptional orthopedic care.
Our experts understand that proper diagnosis is paramount in determining the most effective treatment plan for your individual condition. For a consultation with one of our providers, call us at (910) 484-2171.
