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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