At Andersonville Physical Therapy, our physical therapists treat patients with foot and ankle pain and functional deficits all the time. We’ll help you put your best foot forward.

More than two million Americans seek treatment each year for foot pain and 75% of us will experience foot problems at least once in our lives. Our feet connect us to the earth and provide a stable base for our body. Their sophisticated design includes 26 bones, 33 joints, and 29 muscles in each foot! A healthy foot is strong and flexible so all the joints of the foot and ankle work together to absorb shock, maintain balance, and propel you forward with each step.

As we age, old injuries, inactivity, and weakness can lead to restricted ankle mobility, abnormal mechanics, and occasionally chronic injuries in the foot and ankle.  

Common Foot Problems Our Physical Therapists Treat Include:

Tendonitis and Plantar Fascitiis – Tendonitis of the Achilles, Posterior Tibialis, Extensor Digatorum and Peroneal tendons are examples of tendons that may become inflamed due to acute or repetitive injury.  These are the tendons of the muscles that surround and support the ankle.  The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain, burning, or aching, which is usually worse in the morning. 

Arthritis and pain can occur at any joint in the foot, but are more common in the arch (midfoot) or at the big toe.  

Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. 

Metatarsalgia is pain at the front of the foot, which can be from overuse or arthritis in the metatarsal joints.

Stress Fractures are tiny breaks in the bone that usually occur because of repetitive stress to the area. This fatigues those muscles in the area, which are then unable to support the bones.

Ankle Fractures and Sprains are acute injuries that usually require immobilization afterwards for the tissues to heal. 

Treating Foot Problems Begins with a Comprehensive Assessment 

Problems with the foot and ankle can cause your knee, hip, or entire body to be pulled out of alignment, which can create muscle imbalance, joint strain, and pain further up the “kinetic chain” in your body.  When we evaluate your injury, we assess the joint mobility and strength in your feet and ankles, your hips and core, and we look at your whole body alignment.  We will examine your functional movement patterns and gait.

Heal Today’s Injury — Move Better for Life 

Initially, treatment will focus on strategies to decrease pain and improve mobility.  You will learn how to modify your daily and sports activities to allow healing to begin. Your physical therapist may use different types of treatments and technologies to control and reduce your pain and swelling, including taping, specific exercises, and hands-on therapy, such as specialized massage. 

Using functional exercises and variability of movement, we teach you ways to strengthen your feet, legs, hips, and core. We will train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home or work. We’ll provide guidance for balance, strength, and endurance training, and sport-specific mechanics as we progress your rehabilitation.   

Your physical therapist will discuss activity goals with you and use them to set your work, sport, and home-life recovery goals. They will design a home exercise program that will be specific to your needs. Performing your routine regularly will progress your mobility, strength, and endurance and help speed your recovery. We also recommend a footwear solution that will work best for you.  

It is Not Just About Moving Again — It’s About Living More

We are a passionate team ready to help you get back on your feet and back in the game. To schedule an appointment, complete our appointment form or call our Chicago office in Andersonville at (773) 907-3599 during regular business hours. We will evaluate your injury, design a unique treatment plan for you, and give you the tools to be successful at achieving your goals.