What Causes Foot and Ankle Pain
The foot and ankle consist of many small bones and joints working together to allow for walking, jumping, and all sorts of athletic movements. As a result, ankle and foot pain can greatly limit these activities. Common foot and ankle injuries treated in physical therapy include ankle sprain, ankle tendinitis, plantar fasciitis (pain in the bottom of the foot), and metatarsalgia (pain along the top of the foot). Patients may also be referred to physical therapy if they have undergone surgery to address broken bones or a calf tendon tear and need to return to normal weight-bearing activity. Physical therapy can be effective in treating these conditions, literally getting you back on your feet!
Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Pain
- Pain or stiffness along the ankle, bottom of the foot, top of the foot, and/or toes
- Calf tightness
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Weakness in the calf, ankle, and/or foot
- Unsteadiness or poor balance on the affected leg
- Feeling of instability on the affected leg
- Bone spurs
- Swelling
