Foot & Ankle Pain in Saint Cloud

Do You Know What’s Causing Your Foot or Ankle Pain?

Occupational therapy has been proven to help with the rehabilitation of injured extremities, in addition to providing relief for both acute and chronic pain.

You spend an incredible amount of time using your feet every day, and if you are suffering from foot and ankle pain, your life can be greatly impacted. It can cause dread and agony when taking the stairs, walking a block to your office, or even driving your car. Foot and ankle pain can stem from a variety of different causes, but we can help get you back on track.

Contact us today to speak with one of our licensed occupational therapists and learn more about how our services can benefit you!

Occupational Therapy for Foot and Ankle Pain in Saint Cloud

Whether you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic condition in your foot or ankle, you can find relief with us. Our occupational therapists will conduct a thorough examination to confirm what is causing your pain, and then they will create a personalized treatment plan for you specifically.

Your treatment plan will typically include a combination of specialized hands-on manual therapy techniques, exercises, and stretching, in order to restore joint mobility, improve balance, and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles.

Your treatment plan may also include exercises on a balance board, as well as other specialized services. We will do all we can to ease your pain quickly and boost your circulation. We will also evaluate and recommend lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear to prevent more problems in the future.

Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain can occur suddenly due to an acute injury, or it can develop over time in relation to a chronic, underlying condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several common causes of foot pain and ankle pain, including:

Fallen arches
Your foot contains several tendons that work together to form your arch. When the tendons pull together properly, your foot will form a proper arch. However, when the tendons do not pull together properly, your foot will form a very small arch or no arch at all. This is referred to as a “fallen arch” or “flat foot” and can cause pain or discomfort with time.

Arthritis
Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition that affects the joints and results in pain; the most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can greatly impact the foot and ankle joints.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tarsal tunnel (the nerve that runs from the ankle to the foot) becomes pinched and inflamed.

Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation in the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot. This can occur from aggravated overuse, such as constant standing, improper posture, or footwear that lacks proper arch support.

Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the tendons rub against the “bursae” or anti-friction sacs, causing them to become irritated and uncomfortable.

Tendinitis
Tendinitis occurs from excessive overuse of the tendons, causing them to become inflamed for a long time

Fractures
A fracture occurs from excessive force or trauma to the bone, causing it to crack or break entirely. A fracture to the foot or ankle could result in weeks of downtime to ensure proper healing.

Strains and sprains
A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn, while a sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn

How Can Occupational Therapy Treat My Foot And Ankle Pain in Saint Cloud?

Whether you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic condition in your foot or ankle, you can find relief with our team. Our occupational therapists will conduct a thorough examination to confirm what is causing your pain, and then they will create a personalized treatment plan for you specifically. If you sustained an acute injury, it is likely that our occupational therapists will prescribe a RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first few days to make sure that any swelling decreases.

After the initial stages of your injury, you will move on to specialized occupational therapy treatments. Comparatively, if you are suffering from a chronic condition, you will begin with specialized occupational therapy treatments based on the needs of your condition. This is all part of your holistic healing or pain management program. The goal is to get you back to your normal level of occupational performance and prevent future problems from occurring.

Your treatment plan will typically include a combination of exercises and stretching, in order to restore joint mobility, improve balance, and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles. Your treatment plan may also include exercises on a balance board, as well as other specialized services, such as ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, ultrasound, or cold laser therapy. We will do all we can to ease your pain and boost your circulation, which may include recommending lifestyle changes or orthotic footwear to prevent more problems in the future.

Don’t let foot and ankle pain slow you down! Our occupational therapy practice will help you dictate your own mobility, comfort, and overall function, free from the limitations of pain. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our occupational therapists will help you get back on your feet in no time!