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Ankle and foot disorders and pain

Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues, especially for athletes and physically active individuals. These injuries can significantly impact daily activities, as we rely on our feet and ankles for walking, running, and maintaining mobility. Fortunately, specialized rehabilitation programs are highly effective in addressing and resolving these issues.

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Why Are Foot and Ankle Injuries So Common?

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Ankle sprains frequently occur during activities like running, jumping, or walking on uneven surfaces. Often, the injury happens when the foot twists inward, overstretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Alarmingly, research shows that up to 80% of individuals with a sprained ankle experience re-injury at some point.

Other prevalent conditions include Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, which can limit mobility and cause chronic pain if left untreated.

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Common Foot and Ankle Problems :

Below are some of the most frequent issues affecting the foot and ankle:

  • Turf Toe: Sprain to the ligaments of the big toe joint, common in athletes.

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Strain in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, causing heel pain.

  • Bunions: A bony bump at the base of the big toe that can cause pain and discomfort.

  • Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

  • Achilles Rupture: A tear or separation of the Achilles tendon due to sudden forceful actions.

  • Broken Ankle: A fracture in one or more of the ankle bones.

  • Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the forefoot due to overuse.

  • Stress Fractures: Tiny bone breaks caused by repetitive stress to the area.

  • Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD): Chronic conditions that affect joint health.

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How Physical Therapy Can Help

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Physical therapy is a proven and effective method to restore mobility, improve strength, and reduce pain for foot and ankle conditions. Whether the issue stems from sports injuries, overuse, or post-surgical recovery, therapy programs can be tailored to address individual needs.

Treatment goals typically include:

  • Improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

  • Restoring joint and muscle function.

  • Addressing the root cause of injuries to prevent recurrence.

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Our Approach at iMOVE : 

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At iMOVE, we combine manual therapy with therapeutic exercises to deliver effective, long-term results.

Short-Term Relief :

  • Pain and swelling reduction through soft tissue and joint mobilizations.

  • Restoring proper joint mechanics and muscle activation.

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Long-Term Solutions : 

Our therapists focus not just on the injury but on its underlying causes. For instance, ankle sprains may stem from weakness in the hip or lower back, paired with poor ankle stability. Addressing these issues helps reduce the risk of re-injury and improves overall mobility.

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Treatment Techniques : 

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Manual Therapy : 

Manual therapy techniques are used to alleviate pain and restore mobility. This includes joint and soft tissue manipulation/mobilization to improve flexibility and ensure proper mechanics for weight-bearing activities.

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Therapeutic Exercise Programs : 

Therapeutic exercises target the entire lower body, focusing on:

  • Strengthening the foot, ankle, and lower extremities.

  • Addressing dysfunction in the hip and lower back.

  • Balance training to enhance stability and ensure a safe return to pre-injury activities.

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Treatment Techniques at iMOVE : 

  1. Manual Therapy:

    Hands-on techniques to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and restore soft tissue function. This approach is vital for restoring proper weight-bearing movement and enabling functional activities.

  2. Therapeutic Exercises:

    Tailored exercises focusing on strengthening the foot, ankle, hips, and lower back. These exercises improve range of motion, muscle activation, and overall stability. Specific balance training exercises are incorporated to prevent re-injury and ensure a smooth transition to pre-injury activity levels.

  3. Therapeutic Activities:

    Activities that simulate real-life tasks to improve functional mobility and restore the ability to perform daily and recreational activities. Examples include walking drills, step-ups, and dynamic movements like lateral lunges and mini-hops. These activities target gait mechanics and prepare patients for more advanced movements such as running and jumping.

  4. Neuromuscular Reeducation:

    Techniques designed to retrain the nervous system and improve coordination, balance, and proprioception. This is particularly important for patients recovering from ankle and foot injuries to regain dynamic stability and prevent future injuries. Interventions may include:

    • Balance exercises on unstable surfaces (e.g., wobble boards, foam pads).

    • Agility drills that replicate sport-specific movements.

    • Gait training to improve walking and running mechanics.

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Focus on Functional Recovery : 

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At iMOVE, we aim to help patients regain their prior level of functional mobility and daily activities. By integrating manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, therapeutic activities, and neuromuscular reeducation, our comprehensive programs restore strength, balance, and confidence. Whether your goal is to return to daily tasks or resume running and high-impact sports, we’ll provide the personalized care you need to move pain-free and reduce the risk of re-injury.

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By addressing the underlying causes and focusing on full-body strength and stability, iMOVE helps patients recover faster and return to their daily routines with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or a chronic condition, physical therapy can help you get back on your feet—literally and figuratively.

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