Ankle Sprain

• Straining, stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the ankle are the most typical causes of ankle sprains.
• The ligaments affected by angle sprains are: Antierior Talo-Fibular Ligament, Calcaneal-Fibular Ligament, and Antierior Talo-Crural.
• The severity ankle sprains is graded by a 1, 2 or 3.
  • Grade 1 – stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. The ankle feels stable and it is possible to walk, though with mild pain.
  • Grade 2 – larger, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising. The ankle can feel stable or unstable and walking is painful.
  • Grade 3 – complete tear at the affected ligaments with severe swelling and bruising. The ankle is unstable and walking is not possible due to intense pain and instability.
• Ankle sprains can be experienced as pain and swelling in the ankle, pain or instability with walking limiting walking and athletic activity
• Ankle sprains an be caused by rolling the ankle outward and the foot inward, and/or traumatic impact to ankle

Bunions

• Bunions are an unnatural bony hump at the base of the big toe where it attaches to the foot – this joint is commonly referred to as the first MTP or Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint
• Bunions can be experienced as pain or stiffness in the toe joint, the inability to find shoes that fit due to the bony hump, and/or the inability to walk normally with your foot straight – the typical compensation is to turn your foot outbunionsward to avoid putting weight on your bent big toe
• They can be genetic, or can be caused by: flat feet or excessive pronation, wearing high heels, or osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• It is common for the bunion itself not to hurt – but often causes pain “up your chain” in your ankle, knee, hip or back

Foot + Ankle Tendonitis

• Pain and inflammation in the tendons (where the muscle attaches to the bone) of the foot and ankle – including: Achilles Tendon, Peroneal Tendon, or the Posterior Tibialis
• Can be experienced as a dull, constant ache at rest or immediate, shooting pain with movement in the outside, inside or back of the ankle and arch of the foot
• Can be caused by several issues: sudden change in running, walking or standing activities, poor shoe choice, faulty foot mechanics, and/or muscle imbalance

Metatarsalgia

• Metatarsalgia is pain in any one of the 5 joints where your toes meet your feet, commonly referred to as MTP or Metatarsal Phalangeal Joints
• Can be experienced as a dull ache, an intense pain, and/or the inability to walk normally with your foot straight – the typical compensation is to turn your foot outward to avoid putting weight on your bent toes
• Can be caused by several issues: flat feet or excessive pronation, tight calves, wearing high heels or flat non-supportive shoes, and/or osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• This is very common in pregnancy due to your new belly changing the mechanics from your hips down to your feet! Metatarsaliga is also very common for endurance athletes who push the amount of time the spend on their feet and who participate in agility related sports (i.e basketball, tennis, volleyball, football, etc.).

Neuroma (Pinched Nerve)

• A neuroma is an irritation of the nerve between two toes – most commonly between the third and forth toes Neuroma of the foot - pinched nerve
• It can be experienced as pain between the toes or in the ball of the foot, swelling, numbness or tingling
• It can be caused by several issues including: flat feet or excessive pronation, high arches, tight calves, or wearing shoes that do not give proper support (high heels, flat shoes, worn out athletic shoes, etc.)
• Neuromas very commonly occur for patients with long-term low back pain and/or sciatic pain

Numbness + Tingling

• The feeling of numbness or tingling, or pain that you can’t put your finger on, is a sign that a nerve in your body is irritated. Read below for specific areas of the body to help you understand your specific condition. Please note, the symptoms of nerve irritation can show up as pain, numbness and tingling together, or just one or the other.

Orthotics

Orthotics are custom molded arch lifts that support your foot and place your ankle joint in neutral with every step so your ankles, knees , hips and low back can be stress and strain free when you are on your feet during walking , running and hiking activities. Our physical therapists will mold the Orthotic insert right to your foot in the clinic, and you can take them home the same day.
Who would benefit from Orthotics?
People experiencing…
Foot, Knee, Back or Hip Pain, when on their feet
Flat Feet (pronation)
High Arch (supanation)

Plantar Fasciitis

• Plantar Fasciitis is pain in the heel and arch of the foot that is usually worse in the morning and better with activity
• It can be experience as pain, tightness, inability to walk or put weight on foot/ankle
• Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by several issues: tight calves, poor foot mechanics (excessive pronation and/or supanation) and/or poor shoe choice, sudden increase in activity

Shin Splints

• Shin splints are currently medically recognized as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome.
• They are caused by excessive stress and inflammation to the connective tissue between the muscle and the lower leg bone (Tibia)
• They can be experienced as pain and tenderness on the front of the lower leg limiting walking and athletic activity
• Several issues can lead to this issue: excessive pronation (flat feet) or supination (high arch), repetitive high impact athletic activity, poor shoe wear, increasing mileage too quickly, running/working on hard surfaces and/or muscle imbalance