Physical Therapy and Rehab for Your Feet

What You Need To Know

How physical therapy can help you recover from foot and ankle pain or injury.

Physical Therapy and Rehab Overview

If you are experiencing foot and ankle pain caused by an injury, foot deformity, or other issue, you can inquire about physical therapy treatment for your ailment by calling our office or requesting an appointment.

Choosing physical therapy treatment is one of the safest and most effective ways to address your foot and ankle pain all while working towards healthier movement patterns and an improved lifestyle. Working with a foot and ankle physical therapist can help to overcome issues involving the mechanics or structures of your foot and ankle.

Our physical therapy foot and ankle specialists are movement experts, first and foremost. They are trained to treat pain and dysfunction in all areas of the body with the added benefit of having a foot and ankle specialization given their collaboration with our physicians. Conditions treated include acute and chronic pain, arthritis pain, ankle and foot injuries, muscle strains and sprains, orthopedic injuries, overuse injuries, pre- and post-surgical conditions, repetitive stress injuries, sports and performance injuries, and work-related injuries.

We have also had success using physical therapy to help patients rehabilitate from plantar plate tears and other foot injuries. Additionally, physical therapy can be a useful alternative or complement to foot surgery in order to alleviate the root causes of foot deformities such as hammer toe and claw toe. If any of these issues sound familiar, reach out to schedule an evaluation and we will help you get started.

Treatment Approach and Rehabilitation

Our physical therapists are licensed in evaluating and treating movement pathologies. They strive for continuous improvement by advancing their knowledge through continued education and obtaining certifications in evidence-based treatment methods routinely. Their collaboration with our physicians on your care helps to promote a comprehensive treatment model that will ensure you reach your goals and allow you to return to your activities safely.

For patients recovering from total ankle replacement, rehabilitation generally begins around six weeks after surgery, when the components have effectively attached to the surrounding bone to begin transitional weight bearing.

Calf weakness is a prominent problem for patients with long term ankle arthritis. The pain of arthritis forces patients to limit activities for years, so after the primary pain source is removed, persistent calf weakness is common. Typically, the calf after total ankle replacement can be one to two inches smaller than the opposite leg. Walking will only maintain calf strength but will not build it, so working the calf against gravity is critical. As long as the calf is weak, the ankle will tend to swell.

Gait training is another important element of recovery, since years of arthritic pain often lead to compensation patterns, such as turning the foot outward, that need to be unlearned. Physical therapy helps start the rehabilitation process and transition you to a home program so you can continue progress on your own.