Find Relief for Your Foot and Ankle Pain
Do you spend a lot of time on your feet? As spring and summer activities take full swing, you may find yourself partaking in more hikes, strolls, runs, and general outdoor excursions. It is important to make sure you’re taking care of your body – from your head to your toes! A lot of people don’t think about the toll we take on our feet, but especially in busy times such as this, we need to make sure we’re paying special attention to them.
If you begin to experience pain in your feet, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Fortunately, physiotherapy can help. Contact Foundation Physiotherapy today to schedule a consultation and find out how our services can benefit you!
Could your foot or ankle pain be one of these conditions?
While there are many different factors that could be leading to the discomfort you are feeling, some of the most common conditions of the foot and ankle that we treat are tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and neuropathy:
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is known as an “overuse injury,” because it develops over time. Because of this, it is a common condition that can arise in the feet and ankles. Every bone in the body is connected with muscular fibers called tendons. The tendons are flexible, allowing the body to move freely by letting bones stretch apart or move in one direction or another. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed, which can result in swelling and pain, especially with movement of the affected area. Tendinitis that occurs in the feet or ankles is commonly referred to as Achilles tendinitis, since it develops in the Achilles tendon. It is also colloquially referred to as “runner’s ankles” or “runner’s heels.”
Plantar fasciitis
When understanding plantar fasciitis, it is important to also understand heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis, also colloquially referred to as “policeman’s heel,” can either develop on its own or as a
symptomatic response to heel spurs. Heel spurs are calcium deposits that grow on the bottom of the heel and can cause bone-like protrusions to stick out of the flat underside of the heel. This can result in soreness or pain, which can develop into plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis occurs as an inflammation of the “plantar fascia,” which is a long tissue at the bottom of your feet that connects from the heel bone to the toes. Because of the range of tissue, you may feel pain or soreness in your heel, toes, or the entirety of your foot’s underside. People with plantar fasciitis also report their peak pain occurring in the morning, describing it as a “stabbing pain” that seems to alleviate with mobility as the day progresses.
It is also important to contact a doctor if you notice swelling or pain at the bottom of your foot, as it may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, and could be a symptom of heel spurs.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy refers to a disease state of nerves. This typically occurs in people who suffer from diabetes as this damages the nerves, especially in the feet. In addition, circulation issues can cause neuropathy to occur in the feet, legs, or hands. Various factors, which contribute to poor circulation, can often be improved. This in turn improves the neuropathy to varying degrees. Neuropathy can be especially
problematic as the lack of sensation in the feet can lead to cuts or injuries without the person knowing. Since circulation is usually compromised, the chances for infection become high. Fortunately, physiotherapy can improve your circulation and get you moving comfortably once again.
Another potential form of relief for your foot and ankle pain could be Orthotics. Visit our page to learn more about how you can benefit and live life pain-free!
Contact us today
If you begin to notice pain in your foot or ankles as you participate in more warm-weather activities, don’t hesitate to contact Foundation Physiotherapy for assistance. We’ll provide you with an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs, so you can get back to doing the activities you love as quickly as possible!