Ankle and foot injuries are very common and are often under treated. The ankle and foot are the first areas of the body that are affected as we walk or run. The ankle is also inherently less stable than many other joints because it is very mobile. There are many structures that may be injured in the ankle such as ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones. Identifying the injured tissue and following an appropriate plan of care is crucial to prevent future injury. The original cause of injury also needs to be identified. Preexisting instability or lack of range of motion will predispose the ankle to injury and needs to be correctly identified.
N E W S L E T T E R
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Treatment of Foot & Ankle Pain • Service Spotlight • Patient Success Spotlight • Meet the Team
N E W S L E T T E R
Ankle and foot injuries are very common and are often under treated. The ankle and foot are the first areas of the body that are affected as we walk or run. The ankle is also inherently less stable than many other joints because it is very mobile. There are many structures that may be injured in the ankle such as ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones. Identifying the injured tissue and following an appropriate plan of care is crucial to prevent future injury. The original cause of injury also needs to be identified. Preexisting instability or lack of range of motion will predispose the ankle to injury and needs to be correctly identified. Types of Foot or Ankle Pain Foot and ankle pain can come from a variety of sources. • Foot or Ankle Sprain - A sprain happens when the ligament, the tissue that connects one bone to another, is stretched or torn. A sprain can also happen when there is damage to a joint capsule, the part of the ankle or foot that adds stability to the joint. Symptoms of sprains include pain, inflammation, bruising, instability, or muscle spasms. • Foot or Ankle Strain - While sprains happen when there is damage to a ligament, strains happen when there is damage to the muscle or the tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Strains usually happen when the muscle suddenly contracts while it is stretched, like when you run or jump. The symptoms of strains are similar to those associated with sprains, making them difficult to tell apart without doing an MRI or ultrasound. However, physical therapists utilize special COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM FOOT & ANKLE INJURY Q U I C K LY G E T B A C K U P A N D R U N N I N G
tests to identify which structures are damaged. • Plantar Fasciitis - On the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes is a thick band of connective tissue called your plantar fascia. Usually, this tissue acts like a shock absorber when you walk, run or jump. If the plantar fascia has too much tension on it, small tears begin to appear causing inflammation. This inflammation sends sharp, stabbing pains through your heel with every step, especially first thing in the morning. This condition, called plantar fasciitis, is generally an injury that occurs as a result of impairments above the foot. This means that we will screen your back, hips, knees, and ankles in order to identify the original cause of the plantar fasciitis. Causes of Foot or Ankle Pain There are cases where an injury to the foot or ankle is related to an event of trauma. However, the majority of ankle pain arises from impairments that have not been addressed properly. Often times, an improperly rehabilitated ankle will lead to future injury. Alternatively, a difference in range of motion of the hips and knees from side to side will also lead to changes in ankle mobility which can cause pain and dysfunction. These are only a few of the many causes of ankle pain. An in depth examination needs to be conducted in order to identify what actually caused the pain in the first place. Call us at (214) 383-0623 or visit our website at aaphysicaltherapy.com. We can help you find quick and complete recovery from your foot or ankle sprain.
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TREATMENT OF FOOT & ANKLE PAIN
Foot and ankle pain treatment depends on where the injury happens and how long ago it occurred. Compression and Elevation If it is not possible to walk more than two or threestepswithoutpainor ifthe joint looksout ofplace, it is importanttovisitadoctorassoon as possible as a fracture can be suspected. However, within a few hours of compression wrapping and elevation, most people notice that the swelling begins to subside and they can carry on with most of their daily tasks withminimal discomfort. However, this initial treatment of a foot or ankle sprain does not help strengthen the area and prevent injury in the future. Exercises to Try Once theacutephaseof the injuryhaspassed after about 2-3 days (the point where there is pain), it is possible to prevent future injury by exercises targeted at strengthening the muscles thatsurround theankle.Trydrawing the alphabet with your toes to improve range of motion, perform calf raises every time you stand at the sink, or raise your toes slowly off of the ground when you are standing in line. As stated earlier, there are many structures that may be affected. These exercises may not be appropriate for everybody, but they are OUR SERV I CES • Aquatic Therapy • Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) • Concussion Therapy • Dance Injury Rehabilitation • Electrical Stimulation • Instrument Assisted Manual Therapy • Joint Mobilization • Kinesio Taping • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) • Manual Therapy • Therapeutic Exercise • Vertigo Treatment
generally effective in this stage of recovery. Physical Therapy It’s just a sprain or strain. Do you really need physical therapy? In short, yes. Physical therapy isdesigned torelieve thepainofa foot orankleproblem, improvetherangeofmotion, and strengthen your muscles so they become more flexible and able to take on the shock of normal activities. Arguably more importantly, yourphysicaltherapistwill identifytheoriginal causeofthe injury.Whetherthere isweakness, tightness,or instabilityelsewhere in thebody, yourPTwillformulateaplanofcaretoaddress all pertinent impairments. Wewillshowyouproperways tostabilizeyour footorankle.Thismay includeusingorthotics insupportiveshoes,wrappingyour injured foot or ankle or using other modalities for pain relief such aslow level laser therapy (LLLT) or manual therapy. We will also show you therapeutic exercises that target themuscles that keep the foot or ankle supported. Whether you injured your foot or ankle or have been dealing with plantar fasciitis for a long time, physical therapy is the answer to achieving long-term relief. Contact us today at (214) 383-0623 or visit our website at aaphysicaltherapy.com to schedule a
consultation or to learn more about physical therapy and how it can help relieve your foot or ankle pain. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/ syc-20354846 https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/5- exercises-to-prevent-an-ankle-injury https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ health-science/the-method-you-learned-for- treating-an-ankle-or-knee-sprain-is-probably- wrong/2016/05/27/f32e86ca-8c9b-11e5-ae1f- af46b7df8483_story.html WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY? • Manual therapy is a specialized treatment in which your physical therapist will manipulate joints and soft tissue with nothing more than their hands. • Manual therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t require any harmful pain- management medications. THERAPY RESULTS • Relieves pain • Reduces swelling • Decreases restriction • Improves range of motion • Mobilizes joints
MANUAL THERAPY SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
ME E T THE T EAM
STEVEN CHUNG PT Tech Steven spent most of his childhood growing up in Houston, Texas. Growing up, he was always involved in some kind of sport or activity. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2017 with a B.S. in Healthcare Studies. Steven is currently in the process of applying for physical therapy school.
Steven has wanted to help people since he was young, which inspired his desire to pursue physical therapy. Between his discovery of how much he enjoys interacting with patients one on one and finding that his own experience in sports helps him resonate with the patients at our clinic, he has cemented his drive to become a physical therapist. He understands the importance of rehabilitation and future prevention. Steven hopes to apply hisknowledge,positivedemeanor,andpersonalexperience toeverypatient that walks through our doors.
SPOTLIGHT PATIENT SUCCESS
“My brother and I have been coming to Athletic Advantage for 3 years. Dr. Johnson has helped us tremendously with the injuries we have sustained on the football field. Dr. Johnson, Dr. Trapp, and the other techs there make therapy enjoyable. We feel better on and off the field. Thank you Dr. Johnson and all of your staff for all of your help!” - Bryson and Blaine G. Photo Credit: Texas Sports Photos
Inhisoff time,Stevenenjoysworkingoutandplayingvolleyball. Inaddition to his physical activities, he is active at serving in his church.
Key Specialties & Certifications
• UT Dallas Senior pursuing a B.S. in Healthcare Studies Pre- Physical Therapy Program • Expert in Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
EXERC I SE ESSENT I ALS USE THIS TECHNIQUE TO INCREASE ANKLE MOBILITY
Enhance Your Mobility • Activity • Performance • Life Call (214) 383-0623 Today! NOW’ S YOUR MOMENT !
Ankle Self-Mobilizaition Equipment: Use a belt or dog leash that is secured in the hinge side of a door. You can also purchase our ankle mobilizing strap in the clinic. Instructions: Place the foot with limited mobility into the loop. Make sure the strap is as low as possible on the ankle. Take out the slack and bend the knee until you feel a stretch in the front of your ankle. Hold for 30 seconds x 3 sets.
Alwaysconsult yourphysical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of.
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