Your foot and ankle are subject to constant stress, which can affect other parts of your body and impact your general health and well-being. There are many conditions, including surgery,that can cause pain or restricted movement in your foot or ankle. Our individualized rehabilitation programs are tailored to your specific foot & ankle problems.

Essential Functions of the Foot

• Feet provide your base – they play an important role in balance and support.
• Feet absorb shock – their flexibility helps to minimize impact when the foot hits the ground.
• Feet propel you forward – the foot stiffens at a certain point in the walking and running cycle to help move you forward.

Common Foot Problems

• A very flat foot typically has too much mobility and not enough support. Individuals with flat feet (low arches) are often more at risk for pain in the tendons on the inside of the ankle, pain on the inside of the knee, or pain in the arch of the foot near the heel (plantar fasciitis).
• A foot that is too stiff usually has a high arch and is likely to be poor at absorbing forces from walking and running. If the foot is poor at absorbing shock then it can predispose you to low back pain and knee or hip problems, such as IT band syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome or a ligament tear in your knee.
• Flat feet or fallen arches can cause many foot problems, such as bunions, plantar fascitis, metatarsalgia, calluses, corns, etc.

Common Diagnoses

• Sprained Ankle
• Fracture
• Post-Bunionectomy
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Neuromas
• Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture

Common Solutions
Proper shoe choice is important for the most efficient foot function:

• People who have more severe problems may be candidates for orthotics (shoe inserts designed to support weak or ineffective muscles or joints and to provide necessary stability). Orthotics can either be purchased over-the-counter or customized.
• Individuals with poor shock absorption (stiff feet with high arches) typically need more cushion in their shoes. Those who have highly flexible feet (usually low arches) often require a stiffer shoe with more support and control.
• Some people have what appears to be normal arches; however, when they stand the arch flattens. This is called a functional flat foot. If this is you, you may also benefit from an orthotic.
• People with high, rigid arches often require orthotics as well. This is because they have less shock absorption with walking and running due to limited foot contact with the floor. Orthotics can redistribute your body weight across the whole foot for better contact with the floor.

Read more about Running on Healthy Feet.

Westwood Physical Therapy’s Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation Program includes a comprehensive evaluation of your posture, range of motion, strength and mechanics during tasks such as walking and running.  Our therapists utilize evidence-based treatment strategies, including flexibility and stability exercises, coordination and balance retraining, soft tissue and joint mobilization, ultrasound, laser/light therapy and electrical stimulation. Our physical therapists also have advanced skills in prescribing proper footwear and orthotics.  A comprehensive home program will be provided so that once your physical therapy goals are met, you will have the tools and knowledge you need to prevent future injuries.

At Westwood Physical Therapy, during our comprehensive initial exam we will evaluate your feet both in standing and walking to determine if orthotics are right for you.

Did you know?
Westwood Physical Therapy offers over-the-counter orthotics called “Superfeet”.