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From Sprains to Surgery: How PT Restores Foot & Ankle Function

Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your body. They support your weight, keep you balanced, and allow you to walk, run, and move easily. Even the smallest step can become painful and challenging when an injury strikes, whether a simple sprain or a complex surgical recovery.

Fortunately, foot and ankle physical therapy offers a comprehensive approach to healing, restoring function, and getting you back on your feet. 

Common Foot & Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle issues can affect anyone, from athletes to office workers to older adults. Some of the most common injuries and conditions we treat include:

  • Ankle Sprains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments, often from twisting the ankle.
  • Fractures: Breaks in the foot or ankle bones that require careful rehabilitation.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain.
  • Achilles Tendon Injuries: Strains, tears, or chronic tendonitis affecting mobility and strength.
  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Rehabilitation after surgeries such as ankle reconstruction or bunion removal.
  • Arthritis: Chronic pain and stiffness in the foot or ankle joints.

Regardless of the cause, proper treatment is essential to avoid long-term issues like chronic pain, instability, or recurring injuries.

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapy goes beyond pain relief. It addresses the root of your problem, helping you heal faster and more effectively. Here’s how it works:

1. Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

We use hands-on techniques, stretching, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to ease pain and reduce swelling.

2. Restoring Mobility and Flexibility

Foot and ankle injuries often limit the range of motion. Physical therapy restores standard movement patterns through targeted stretching and joint mobilization.

3. Strengthening Weak Muscles

Strong muscles provide stability for your foot and ankle, reducing the risk of future injuries. We create tailored strengthening programs for your lower leg, ankle, and foot muscles.

4. Improving Balance and Proprioception

Injuries can affect your balance and coordination. Our therapists use balance training and proprioceptive exercises to help retrain your body for safer movement.

5. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Physical therapy is critical for a successful recovery if you’ve undergone foot or ankle surgery. We guide you through safe exercises, gradually restoring strength, mobility, and function while protecting the surgical site.

What to Expect During Foot & Ankle Physical Therapy

When you visit us for foot and ankle physical therapy, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation to assess your pain, range of motion, strength, and functional limitations. From there, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and promote healing.
  • Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthening, stretching, and mobility drills customized for your condition.
  • Gait Training: Assessing and improving your walking patterns to reduce stress on your foot and ankle.
  • Balance and Stability Training: Exercises designed to prevent falls and re-injury.
  • Home Exercise Programs: Daily stretches and strengthening routines to accelerate progress between sessions.

Tips for a Faster Recovery

In addition to your therapy sessions, there are steps you can take to support healing and prevent future problems:

  • Wear Supportive Footwear: Choose shoes that provide cushioning and proper arch support.
  • Avoid Overuse: Gradually return to activity and avoid pushing through pain.
  • Stretch Regularly: Keep your calves, Achilles tendon, and foot muscles flexible.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess pressure on your feet and ankles can ease pain and improve healing.
  • Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore persistent discomfort or swelling; they could indicate a more serious problem.

Why Choose Movement Redefined?

At Movement Redefined, we don’t just treat symptoms; we treat the whole person. Our experienced therapists provide one-on-one care, using evidence-based techniques to help you recover quickly and safely. Whether dealing with a simple sprain or recovering from surgery, we aim to get you moving confidently and without pain.

Get Back on Your Feet Today

Foot and ankle injuries don’t have to keep you sidelined. You can regain mobility, improve strength, and return to normal activities with proper care.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse; take action today! Contact Movement Redefined to schedule your foot and ankle physical therapy session and take the first step toward recovery.