If you’re walking to and from pretty much anywhere, your feet and ankles take a beating every day. Whether you work on an assembly line, behind a desk, or on a construction site, you’re on your feet more than you even realize–yes, even those who work behind a desk.
After all, your feet are your body’s transportation–you can’t go anywhere without them. And, after time and wear and tear, foot and ankle pain is a common issue. If putting your feet up, a nice pedicure or better shoes doesn’t help your pain, and you live in the Cape Coral area, foot and ankle physical therapy may be an option to consider.
What Types of Foot and Ankle Injuries Are There?
Quite a few. Among the more common sources of foot and ankle pain are:
• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Tendon issues such as Achilles tendonitis and
plantar fasciitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Bunions
• Neuropathic foot from diabetes
The degree of pain you’re experiencing clearly depends on the severity and type of foot or ankle injury you have. A proper diagnosis determines what specific injury you have and the best treatment course.
How To Strengthen Your Foot and Ankle
Strengthening and reinforcing your ankle and foot can go a long way toward preventing more pain in the area. It’s not going to necessarily “fix” the pain, but it should help keep you on your feet much more comfortably. The best way to do this is through a foot exercise and stretching routine, which will help build strength and flexibility in your feet and ankles… most of which you can do while sitting down.
Some of these exercises include toe stretches, toe curls, picking up a small object with your toes, stretching your Achilles tendon, and toe extensions. All easy to do and worth the few minutes, it’ll take you each day. To reiterate, this won’t miraculously fix any structural issues, but these exercises and stretches will help manage pain by creating a more substantial base and foundation.
Other Ways To Reduce Your Foot and Ankle Pain
So, what can you do to alleviate some of the foot and ankle pain you’re experiencing? Healthline offers some easy and effective ways to calm your foot and ankle pain.
• Footbath: Some warm water and Epsom salts can help relieve sore muscles and reduce foot swelling. Add a cup of Epsom salt to a tub of warm water and relax for 20 minutes.
• Strengthening exercises: In addition to those mentioned above, you can also use resistance exercises with bands. Also, consider a regular daily walking routine. Surprisingly enough, walking is actually one of the best activities for healthy feet!
• Foot massage: Treat yourself! You can go to a professional for a foot massage, or you can save the money and trip and give yourself one–all you need is lotion or oil, then rub and knead the bottoms of your feet and your toes. You can also use foot rollers to mimic a professional foot rub down.
Foot and Ankle Therapy
If you’ve tried these suggestions and you’re still in quite a bit of pain, Physical Therapy Now can help! We offer foot and ankle therapy to help you deal with pain, joint instability, and loss of motion. At our state-of-the-art Cape Coral facility, our skilled therapists provide a wide range of therapies, including manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, programs for sprains and strains, stretch therapy, RockTape, and more.
You shouldn’t have to be forced into a sedentary lifestyle because of foot and ankle pain. Let us help you get back on your feet to do the physical activities you enjoy–without the pain. Call us today at (239) 424-9904 to set up your first appointment. In addition to our Cape Coral facility, we have an additional location in Fort Myers, so we’re just around the corner.
Foot and Ankle Therapy
www.physicaltherapynow.com
Fort Myers
239-533-9903
Cape Coral
239-424-9904