Physical Therapy and Rehab for Feet

What You Need To Know

How physical therapy addresses foot and ankle pain, injury, and dysfunction.

Foot and Ankle Physical Therapy

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.

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.

To get started, call our office or request an appointment to be evaluated by a foot and ankle physical therapist.

Conditions Treated and Total Ankle Rehab

Our physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions, including acute and chronic pain, arthritis pain, ankle and foot injuries, hip and knee injuries, joint replacement, muscle strains and sprains, overuse injuries, pre- and post-surgical conditions, 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. Physical therapy can also serve as a useful alternative or complement to foot surgery to alleviate the root causes of foot deformities such as hammer toe and claw toe.

Generally at 6 weeks the total ankle components have effectively attached to the surrounding bone to begin transitional weight bearing and start the rehabilitation process. Calf weakness is a prominent problem in patients with long term ankle arthritis, as the pain of arthritis forces patients to limit their activities for years. Typically, the calf after total ankle replacement can be 1 to 2 inches smaller than the opposite leg.

There are exercises that will address the calf weakness, however it often takes time to resolve the problem. While walking is an excellent exercise, it will only maintain calf strength but will not build strength, so it is critical to work the calf muscle against gravity. Years of arthritic pain can also lead to compensation patterns in gait that need to be unlearned, such as turning the foot outward to take pressure off the ankle. Physical therapy is usually needed to get a start on rehabilitation and transition to a home program that supports lasting recovery.