Foot Pain Relief and Ankle Pain Relief Fairfax, VA

Foot and Ankle Pain Relief

The Foolproof Way to Kick Your Foot and Ankle Pain

Is taking the stairs, commuting to work, or walking far distances, running, or jumping causing you pain? We all spend a significant amount of time using our feet and ankles throughout the day, and when we experience pain in these areas, it can greatly limit our daily lives. Fortunately, our Fairfax physical therapy practice can help you find relief for any acute or chronic pains you may be experiencing in your feet or ankles. Contact Resurgent Sports Rehab today to schedule your evaluation and find out how our services can help you kick your foot and ankle pains for good!

Why do I have foot and ankle pain?

Your feet and ankles are both very complex structures. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the ankle joint consists of three bones that all must interact with one another correctly, as well as various connective tissues that hold the assembly of the joint together. In order for your feet and ankles to function properly, everything must work together in harmony. The tricky part is that the source of foot and ankle pain often develops from weakness up in the chain, especially core and hips.

Diving into anatomy, the foot has an even more intricate make-up than the ankle. The foot is comprised of approximately two dozen bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because the feet and ankles are so complex, it is common for people to sustain injuries in those areas, which can lead to physical limitations. If your foot or ankle pain is limiting your life, contact Resurgent Sports Rehab today!

Common conditions leading to foot and ankle pain:

Foot and ankle pain typically develops from one of two reasons: a sudden injury or a chronic, underlying condition.

Some of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain include:

  • Sprains and strains. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or is torn, while a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or is torn.
  • Fracture. When excessive force or trauma is put on a bone, it can crack or break entirely. This is known as a fracture. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing.
  • Tendonitis. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons are excessively overused, causing them to become inflamed for prolonged periods of time. This is the most common cause of foot and ankle pain in athletes.
  • Bursitis. Everyone has anti-friction sacs in their joints, known as the “bursae.” When tendons rub against these sacs, it causes inflammation and irritation known as bursitis.
  • Arthritis. Arthritis is common and causes painful inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis and both can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints, resulting in pain and decreased function.
  • Fallen arches. Your arches are comprised of several tendons. When the tendons pull together properly, your foot will form a proper arch. However, sometimes the tendons do not pull together properly, resulting in a very small arch, or no arch at all. This is referred to as “fallen arches” or “flat feet,” which can cause pain or discomfort over time.
  • Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. It is most commonly caused by aggravated overuse, such as improper posture, constant standing, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome. The tarsal tunnel contains a nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot. When it becomes pinched or inflamed, tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs.

Contact Resurgent Sports Rehab for foot and ankle pain relief:

Our Fairfax physical therapists are equipped to treat any foot or ankle condition you may be experiencing, whether it be acute or chronic. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to figure out where your pain is originating, and then we will design an individualized treatment plan based on your needs.

With an acute injury, it is likely that you will be prescribed a period of active rest, strengthening relevant areas above and below, and manual therapy to dial the pain and swelling down. Then more specialized treatments will begin.

If you have chronic pain, your treatment plan will start with specialized and targeted techniques, as the pain has become progressive. These techniques will include targeted exercises in order to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles, improve balance, and restore joint mobility. Manual therapy strategies will be used as necessary.

Our physical therapist may also recommend a video analysis of sport, including insert or orthotic recommendations, in order to ease your pain, boost your circulation, and prevent future reinjury.

At Resurgent Sports Rehab, our goal is to create a strong and stable environment so you can get back to living your life and return to sport without limitations. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and get started on the first steps toward relief!