5 ways physical therapy can help foot pain from an ankle sprain

Your ankle was sprained, not your foot, so why does this other area hurt? An ankle sprain can make the bottom of a foot hurt, especially in the heel. Heel pain may come from posterior ankle impingement, which is the compression of bones or soft tissue in the ankle. Pain in your heel or elsewhere in your foot may also come from swelling or walking with a limp after the sprain.

This may be a frustrating problem, but it’s one that a physical therapist can help you address. A professional at Performance Rehab can help you treat foot pain from a sprained ankle.

What can a physical therapist do for you and your foot pain?

You can consult a physical therapist for several types of assistance with your foot and ankle. They can:

1. Help you understand what’s happening in your foot and ankle

A physical therapist can evaluate your ankle, then talk through their observations with you. They may let you know more about your injury as well as any issues with muscle strength, gait or a joint condition that may contribute to pain. You might find out about simple things that may reduce your pain or help you move more easily.

Additionally, they can design a treatment plan for your pain, other foot or ankle issues, your recovery goals, and your lifestyle. This may draw from your health history, required movement at work, day-to-day tasks or hobbies.

2. Provide nonmedication pain relief

You can go to your physical therapist for specialty services, which include a variety of options for reducing pain. One of these services is cupping, in which a warm glass dome is placed over part of your ankle or foot. As the cup cools, the air inside of it contracts, creating a gentle suction on your skin. This may increase blood flow to the treated area and reduce pain.

Another option is dry needling. This is a technique involving thin, sterile needles used to target areas of tightness, improve blood flow and reduce pain. Combined with exercise and mobility work, dry needling can speed recovery and help improve overall comfort.

3. Give you exercises to regain strength and balance

As your ankle heals, returning it to its previous strength may be one of your first goals in mind. Your physical therapist’s treatment plan may include strengthening exercises to help you move more comfortably. The plan may also feature exercises to stabilize the joint, to make it less vulnerable to twisting or turning motions.

Your physical therapist may guide you through balance exercises that help you walk more comfortably while your ankle heals, especially if you are wearing a boot or using crutches. Better balance can help you reduce your risk of another sprain in the future.

4. Help you protect your ankle while being active

The last thing you want is another ankle sprain anytime soon. If you’re playing a sport, performing, doing physical labor or engaging in an active hobby, that might be an unfortunate possibility. Your physical therapist can help you learn to protect your ankle.

Physical therapy can be tailored to an active lifestyle. Physical therapists at our offices work with athletes on more than 20 teams and clubs, as well as performing artists. You can rely on your physical therapist for treatment informed by sports medicine. Our team can also provide industrial rehabilitation.

5. Support your continued and improving health

As your ankle begins to heal and the foot pain fades, your physical therapist’s expertise may be a resource for your health. You can consult them about other issues that may be addressed through physical therapy, like back pain, a rotator cuff injury or arthritis.

Plus, you can join in Pilates, yoga or barre classes. We offer these classes to help people improve their strength, flexibility and endurance. Classes can also complement physical therapy. Whether you’re experienced or trying a class for the first time, you’re welcome here.

Performance Rehab can treat your foot and ankle pain

Pain can make daily activities more difficult. Don’t wait to get help and let the problem continue holding you back; reach out to Performance Rehab now. From treating injuries to facilitating elite-level performance, we tailor every treatment to your unique needs. Request an appointment or contact us to join the thousands who trust Performance Rehab.