Physical Therapy for the Foot & Ankle 
People of all ages play sports, work out and spend a lot of time on their feet. Occasionally, an individual can strain a muscle or ligament in their ankle or foot, such as the peroneal or Achilles tendon, that can cause considerable pain. Others may have arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis or even a stress fracture. Consequently, people occasionally need physical therapy treatment to recover from foot and ankle pain.
Significance
Whether a person is seeing a doctor or physical therapist, anyone with foot and ankle pain should rest initially and restrain from physical activity for awhile. Rest prevents further aggravation of the injury. During the first few days, a person should use ice to minimize the swelling. Ice is most effective if it is compressed directly against the injury. Ice should be used at 15 to 20 minute intervals throughout the day.
A person should also use anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen as part of their physical therapy for foot and ankle pain, according to the American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Anti-inflammatory medications are Cox-2 inhibitors which minimize the effects enzymes on prostaglandins or body chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications should be taken every four to six hours.
Once the swelling and pain have subsided, heat is the next line of physical therapy treatment for foot and ankle pain. Like ice treatment, heat should be used at 15 to 20 minute intervals several times a day. Heat increases blood flow to the injury which enhances the healing process by carrying oxygen and nutrients to the injured area.
Once the pain and inflammation have subsided, physical therapy for the foot and ankle will usually include some light stretching exercises. People with an Achille's tendon injury may be instructed to stretch their Achille's heel by placing their hands against a wall. By placing the injured leg back and the other leg forward, a person can stretch their injured Achille's tendon by straightening the knee on the side of their injured tendon. There are also various stretching exercises for the foot such as placing a towel on the toes and pulling them backward. Walking is also a highly recommended physical therapy treatment for rehabilitating the foot and ankle.
Other physical therapy treatments for the foot and ankle can include massage, foot orthotics (inserts) or walking with a cane until the injury heals. The goal of physical therapy is to gradually allow a person to increase the flexibility in their foot and ankle and fully work their way back into their activities or work tasks.
To read more about Foot and Ankle please click here
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Lake Worth, FL 33461
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6056 Boynton Beach Blvd
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Boynton Beach, FL 33437
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