Foot and Ankle Physical Therapy

By Joe Altepeter, DPM

Physical therapy is an important part of the healing process for many if not all of the injuries and issues seen in a podiatry clinic.

The basic goals of any physical therapy program would involve relief of pain, restoration of function, and return to normal or baseline activity levels. Benefits of physical therapy include quicker healing, better management of pain levels, decreasing injury recurrence rates while increasing flexibility, mobility, and balance, and to minimize the development of scar tissue.

Whether the deficit is acute and sudden in onset, or an issue that has gradually developed over time, physical therapy will undoubtedly be important. Some of the most common issues addressed by a foot and ankle physical therapist include:
. Sprains, strains, fractures of the foot and ankle, and other sports related injuries
. Tendon issues, namely the achilles tendon, posterior tibial tendon, peroneal tendons, among others
. Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
. Arthritis and other joint issues
. Tarsal tunnel syndrome and other nerve related entrapments
. Gait disturbances and proprioceptive abnormalities

These programs may be initiated after surgery to expedite the return to a more active and healthy lifestyle, including:
. Bunionectomy or correction of other toe deformities
. Repair and reinforcement of fractures and tendons
. Joint replacements and fusions
. Reconstructive surgery such as correction of a flat or high arched foot

A well rounded foot and ankle conditioning program is not only going to focus on the primary issue at hand, but will entail a more global approach to address the biomechanical and compensatory factors that can be associated with the primary issue. Modalities that are often employed include:
. Manual therapy with passive mobilization and manipulation
. Flexibility and stretching regimen
. Strength training
. Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, dry needling,
and desensitization techniques
. Proprioception and gait training

It is important that these exercises are employed under the guidance of a physical therapist as appropriate form with and gradual progression through these exercises is imperative for a good outcome. Oftentimes the expected course of treatment is about four to six weeks in length with two or three sessions scheduled per week. The completion of an individually designed treatment program should not end at the last scheduled session, but continuation of specific home exercises is necessary to avoid recurrence.

At Family Foot & Leg Center we are blessed to have Dr. Ketul Shah on staff to provide care in our physical therapy department here in Lee County at our 6846 International Center Boulevard location. Dr. Shah has been practicing since 2017 after graduating cum laude from The College of New Jersey (Ewing Township, NJ) with a B.S. of Health and Exercise Science in 2013, and completing physical therapy school at MGH Institute of Health Professions (Boston, MA) in 2017. He is board certified as a Sports Clinical Specialist, and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is a proud member of the Florida Physical Therapy Association and was elected Director of Public Relations this year. Despite working alongside a group of foot and ankle specialists, his scope is not limited to the lower extremities and treats the whole patient from head to toe.

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Joe Altepeter, DPM, AACFAS, is a Podiatrist at Family Foot & Leg Centers in Fort Myers FL. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Call 239-430-3668 or visit  www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to make an appointment. Visit FootHealthFacts.org to learn more about foot and ankle conditions.

Family Foot & Leg Centers
1645 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33907

(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com