Everyone knows how important the knees and the hips – which are among the body’s largest joints – are in walking and running. However, playing an equally big role are much smaller structures, namely the ankles and the joints of the feet. If you have any level of ankle or foot pain, stiffness, or instability, you know just how much more difficult this makes everyday movement. Physical therapy thankfully offers a number of different methods that can treat foot and ankle problems and help you return to a pain-free routine.
At JAG Physical Therapy, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania’s most trusted local name in PT, our experience treating conditions of the feet and ankles means that we’ll always provide a custom rehabilitation plan that works well for you. Our focus is on flexibility, getting you back to your customary movement level, and preventing future injuries. Book an appointment with us today or see below for more information on foot and ankle physical therapy techniques.
What Causes Foot and Ankle Mobility Issues?
You may have lowered mobility in your feet and ankles because of injuries, chronic conditions, other health events, or lifestyle reasons. The kinds of injury that typically lead to this loss of movement include foot or ankle fractures, sprains of the ligaments in the area, and Achilles tendinitis. You may also have difficulty with ankle mobility in particular due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and gout notably affects the big toes, causing issues with the motion of the feet.
If you habitually wear footwear that doesn’t entirely fit well or that is not supportive enough, you may develop ankle and foot pain, and this is a common issue that can go unnoticed until there is a significant joint problem. Weakness and imbalances in the leg muscles may also contribute, and if you’ve had lower body surgery, you might find that getting your feet and ankles back to normal condition in the recovery process is difficult.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Improve Ankle and Foot Mobility?
Before recommending an exercise routine or beginning manual therapy treatment, your physical therapy will first assess the actual physical condition of your feet and ankles. They may measure your range of motion, test your ankle strength, and use gait analysis to note your movement patterns and find any possible issues with your musculature.
Almost everyone who goes to physical therapy for their feet and ankles will be advised to do similar basic forms of exercise, such as stretching and flexibility drills. But, using the information about your particular condition, your PT will have you concentrate on various other techniques aimed at the causes.
For example, if your ankles are unstable or you have an ankle laxity, you will probably do more calf and ankle strength training to reinforce this area. If your joints are overly stiff and your range of motion is limited, your PT will perform manual joint mobilization. And if your gait is uneven, you will be recommended balance and proprioception exercises.
What Are the Best Exercises for Improving Foot and Ankle Mobility?
If you are exercising with the goal of foot and ankle mobility in mind, you should actually be concentrating on your whole lower leg. For example, not only are ankle dorsiflexion stretches useful, but so are standing and seated calf stretches and Achilles tendon lengthening. Resistance band exercises, such as ankle circles, side-to-side walks, and eversion or inversion, build up both ankle strength and range of motion. And variants on single-leg standing can improve balance and stability as well as calf strength. All in all, getting professional advice from a physical therapist is best, as your PT can make sure you’re working on the right factors and using correct form.
When Should You See a Physical Therapist for Foot and Ankle Problems?
Some forms of foot and ankle pain can be resolved just with lifestyle changes and exercise, but more persistent or severe forms will need attention from a physical therapist. If you have stiffness that lasts all day for many days in a row, limited range of motion due to weakness, or pain that makes walking consistently different, then a professional evaluation is in order. You should also see a PT if you frequently sprain your ankle, you feel as though your ankles are unstable, or if you develop difficulties with foot coordination or balance. Your mobility is important for all parts of everyday life, and getting treated early can prevent worsening symptoms down the line.
Regain Strength and Flexibility with JAG Physical Therapy
One of our top specializations at JAG Physical Therapy is foot and ankle rehabilitation, and we can treat any form of health concerns you have with this all-important body region. All of our locations have state-of-the-art resources available, and our therapy team members are passionate about helping you move better. Schedule your appointment now to get started on the path to better foot and ankle health.
