When foot or ankle pain sets in, our first thought is to rest or make a trip to Syracuse Podiatry. And you might be right for both… but you might also be missing a crucial step. Physical therapy is a cornerstone of foot and ankle injury rehab, and today, we’ll be outlining the most common foot conditions for which this amazing treatment strategy is most effective at healing.
Plantar Fasciitis
This heel pain is often a direct result of tight calf muscles and a weak foot arch. Physical therapists will guide you through targeted stretches for your calf muscles and the plantar fascia itself, which helps reduce tension and inflammation.
They will also give you strengthening exercises for the small, intrinsic muscles of your feet to better support your arch. This two-pronged approach to address the tightness and pain is what makes physical therapy so effective.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury often caused by tight calf muscles and going too hard, too fast. A physical therapist will introduce targeted stretches and eccentric exercises to help the muscles lengthen while under tension (like slowly lowering your heel below a step). This is a proven method to help reinforce the injured tendons causing you pain.
Stress Fractures
For a stress fracture, physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process once the bone has had time to rest. A therapist’s job is not to treat the fracture with exercise immediately, but to create a gradual, safe return to sports plan.
This involves training the muscles to better support the injured bone, correcting any biomechanical issues that may have caused the fracture in the first place, and helping you increase your activity level to prevent reinjury.
Chronic Ankle Instability
If you have a history of ankle sprains, you know that a weak ankle can be a constant concern. That’s why a physical therapist will work with you on balance through drills on wobble boards or foam pads. Over time, this will help retrain the nerves and muscles to react quickly.
They will also guide you through strengthening exercises for the muscles that stabilize your ankle joint to create a natural, internal brace that is more effective than relying on an external brace alone.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
After foot or ankle surgery, physical therapy is non-negotiable. A physical therapist will provide a structured plan that progresses at the right pace to make sure the surgical site heals optimally.
For advice related to any podiatric concerns you’re facing, the expert team at Syracuse Podiatry is here to help guide you. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.