When is the last time you could walk the dog, go shopping, take your kids to the amusement park, go for a run, or even just stand for prolonged periods of time without experiencing nagging foot or ankle pain? If you or someone you know is experiencing foot/ankle pain, know that you are not alone. Approximately one-fourth of the population is affected by foot/ankle problems at any given time!
Foot/ankle conditions can present with a number of signs and symptoms including:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Numbness/Tingling
- Burning sensation
- Inability to weight bear
- Stiffness
- Weakness
The foot and ankle are composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Each of these components function together to provide support, balance, and mobility for the body. Injury or overstress to any of these structures may result in pain, which can impair our function, overall mood, self-care ability, risk of falls, and even quality of life.
Common problems of the foot and ankle include:
| · Ankle sprains · Fractures · Turf toe · Posterior tibial tendonitis · Tarsal tunnel syndrome · Stress fractures | · Achilles tendonitis · Plantar fasciitis · Arthritis · Metatarsalgia · Sesmoiditis · Flatfoot |
The foot and ankle are intricate structures that provide your body its foundation, and when not working properly, can alter the function of your knees, hips, back, and even your posture. That is why it is so important to treat the problem now rather than trying to push through the pain and risk further injury. At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center, one of our expert physical therapists will evaluate your foot and ankle to determine the exact source of your pain. We will then create a personalized plan of care in order to help you return to your daily activities and reach your goals, whether they be running a 5k, playing with your kids, or simply walking more comfortably. We will help decrease your pain while increasing the stability, mobility, and strength of your foot/ankle. Our focus is to relieve your pain quickly and restore your normal walking/running function.
By Jessica Freedman, ATC
If you or someone you know are experiencing foot or ankle pain, do not wait any longer and risk further injury. Call Loudoun Sports Therapy Center TODAY at (703) 450-4300. We will evaluate your foot/ankle problems to determine if physical therapy is a good course of treatment for you.
