Health blog Category: Foot and Ankle
Inflammation or Discomfort in the Lower Extremities
By Misha Gilani, DPT
Achilles tendonitis is a very common condition that we treat here at Loudoun Sports Therapy and it affects every age group. Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon in your foot. When a patient is suffering from this condition, they will most commonly complain of problems such as pain, limited range of motion, weakness and swelling. They often have difficulty performing daily and functional activities such as ascending or descending stairs, walking, running and pain at night; this pain is due to the inflammation that causes the calf muscles to weaken.
Top 5 Questions About Running
The concept of running seems easy. You put on a pair of sneakers, head outside and begin your journey. However, there are a number of misconceptions and misunderstandings about the sport that I would like to help dispel.
Whether you’re an avid runner, a weekend warrior, a beginner, or someone who only runs if you’re being chased, I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions I’ve been asked about running.
- Will running cause arthritis?
Footwear Staples
“Have you recently purchased new sneakers or other footwear?”
“Have you recently started running to get in shape for summer?”
“Do you happen to wear anything other than those flip flops?”
These are all common questions Loudoun Sports Therapy Center clinicians will ask patients who come in with foot and ankle pain. Each question brings forth additional information that allows the clinician to determine why the patient may be experiencing the pain.
Why is Cross Training Important?
By Xavier Thompson, ATC
Cross training. What is it and why is it important? If you follow the headlines of any sports’ stars in the off season, you’ll likely see multiple stories about how an athlete is doing something besides their professional sport to prepare for the next season. You can find videos on the internet of star basketball players boxing or doing core work. Articles are written about football players taking up ballet or yoga.
An Ankle Sprain is Never Just an Ankle Sprain
By Xavier Thompson, ATC
Have you ever “rolled” your ankle? Chances are that you have, because what is commonly referred to as a “rolled ankle” or ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries that people experience. It’s important to know though that once an ankle is sprained, the chances of re-spraining it go up dramatically. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in order to get back on your feet.
What Causes Discomfort in the Heel?
By Misha Gilani, DPT and Xavier Thompson, ATC
We spend a lot of time on our feet so it’s no wonder foot and ankle pain, discomfort in the heel and arches are common problems for every age group. We treat this often at Loudoun Sports Therapy. Foot and ankle problems make daily, functional activities such as standing, walking and using stairs difficult. The most frequent complaint we see in the clinic is pain at the ankle joint that can radiate up into the leg or down into the heel.
Trying to Take 10K Steps A Day?
By Alyssa Burke, PTA
Trying to reach that goal of 10K steps a day can be a challenge on its own. But when you are experiencing foot and ankle problems, it can make even 100 steps feel like a challenge. Your foot and ankle consist of tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles that take a lot of wear and tear throughout the day whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior. While there are many problems that could affect your foot and ankle some of the most common problems are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains.
From the Sideline: Plyometrics or Jump Training
By Cierra Washington, ATC
Since our first ‘From the Sideline’, I’ve talked about proper warm up routines and how to build the stability of isolated and functional muscle strength. SO now it’s now time to challenge the athlete’s power. Plyometric exercises help improve an athlete’s power and, therefore, performance of their sport. This kind of training is know as “jump training” and requires the athlete to perform exercises that produce maximum effort with short, quick bursts.
Don’t Walk Away From Foot and Ankle Problems
Foot and ankle problems can make daily activities very difficult. Experiencing a sharp pain in the bottom of our foot when we take our first few steps in the morning, an unstable or painful ankle when walking or running, and difficulty balancing on one foot without holding onto something are all signs to seek help.
These are all signs of common foot and ankle conditions that we often treat in physical therapy. Although there are many contributing factors leading to the aforementioned symptoms, here is a breakdown of the most frequent causes of foot and ankle pain as well as resulting ankle instability.
Untreated Foot & Ankle Problems Cause Even More Problems
By Misha Gilani, DPT
Foot and ankle conditions are very common for every age group. We treat general pain and injuries in this part of the body often at Loudoun Sports Therapy because even if it’s just general discomfort, foot and ankle conditions cause a lot of problems with daily, functional activities. The most frequent complaint we see in the clinic is pain at the ankle joint that can radiate up into the leg or down into the heel.