Foot & Ankle Pain
Foot pain and ankle pain make walking, standing and climbing stairs a chore. Physical therapy treats the cause, whether that is plantar fasciitis, a sprained ankle, an irritated Achilles tendon or a foot that does not absorb load well. We see foot and ankle problems at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.
Heel, arch, ankle and shin
Where the pain sits points toward the problem.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain in the morning
Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the tissue under the foot, and its calling card is heel pain in the morning with the first steps out of bed. We use stretching, manual therapy and exercises to ease it and improve flexibility. Heel pain also has other causes, which an exam sorts out.
Ankle sprain and ankle instability
A sprained ankle stretches or tears ligaments. Without rehab, weak ankles and ankle instability can follow, with an ankle that keeps rolling. We use exercises and balance training to heal and help prevent repeat sprains.
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles pain at the back of the heel comes from overuse or tight calf muscles. We build calf and ankle strength and flexibility, and dry needling can help with tendon irritation.
Shin splints
Pain along the shin from overuse. Stretching, strengthening and a sensible return to running help prevent recurrence. See Sports Injury Rehab.
Balance work for ankles that give way
Ankles rely on balance sensors as much as muscles. Standing and stepping drills on an unstable surface retrain those reflexes after a sprain. Dizziness or unsteadiness that is not from the ankle belongs on our vestibular and balance page.
Flat feet, high arches, arthritis and walking
Flat feet and high arches
Flat feet or high arches can change how load travels up the leg. We look at foot mechanics and recommend supportive exercises, and we talk through footwear for what you do all day.
Foot and ankle arthritis
Gentle movement, strengthening and hands-on therapy keep stiff joints active. See Arthritis & Joint Pain.
Knee and hip above the foot
Problems higher up can show up in the foot. We check the chain, and Knee Pain covers the knee.
What treatment may include
After an exam of how your foot and ankle move, how you walk and how you balance, your plan may include:
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve movement
- Foot and ankle strengthening, stretching and mobility work
- Balance and gait training to improve how you walk and lower fall risk
- Dry needling for tight calf and foot muscles
- Neuromuscular re-education, including neuromuscular stimulation
- Recovery after a fracture, a walking boot or foot and ankle surgery, covered on Post-Surgical Rehab
Foot and ankle questions
Do I need a referral?
In many cases no. Texas allows direct access to physical therapy, and we can help verify your insurance requirements before you come in.
Are my foot problems from my nerves?
Numbness or burning in both feet can come from nerve problems rather than the foot itself. See Peripheral Neuropathy, and ask us about EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies nerve testing.
Foot and ankle care in El Paso, Texas
Call or request an appointment at our Edgemere or Physicians clinic and tell us when your foot or ankle hurts most.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.