Foot pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages and has various causes, such as injury, overuse, or conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Foot pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and limit their ability to perform daily activities. Fortunately, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for improving foot function and reducing foot pain. At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, our experienced physical therapists specialize in treating foot pain and helping patients achieve improved foot function.
Manual Therapy Techniques for Foot Pain
Manual therapy techniques involve hands-on pressure and movement to stretch and loosen tight muscles and connective tissue in the foot and lower leg, which can help improve range of motion and reduce pain. Some manual therapy techniques physical therapists use for foot pain include:
- Soft tissue mobilization – Involves applying pressure to the soft tissue in the foot and lower leg, such as the calf muscles, to help relax and loosen tight muscles and reduce pain.
- Joint mobilization – Involves using hands-on techniques to move the joints in the foot and ankle through their range of motion to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Myofascial release – Involves applying gentle sustained pressure to the fascia, the connective tissue that covers muscles, to help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Strengthening Exercises for Foot Pain
Strengthening exercises can help improve stability, reduce strain on the muscles and ligaments, improve overall foot function, and
reduce re-injury risk. Some examples of strengthening exercises for foot pain are:
- Toe curls – Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Place a small towel or cloth on the ground in front of you. Using your toes, pick up the towel and hold it for a few seconds before releasing it back onto the ground. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times daily.
- Calf raises – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slowly rise up onto your tiptoes, lifting your heels off the ground. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower your heels back down to the ground. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times daily.
- Resistance band exercises – Wrap a resistance band around the ball of your foot and hold the other end of the band with your hand. Slowly rotate your foot in a circular motion, performing ankle circles. You can also use the resistance band to perform lateral leg lifts by wrapping the band around the ball of your foot and holding onto a stable object for balance. Lift your leg out to the side, then slowly lower it back down. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times daily.
Lifestyle Changes for Foot Pain
In addition to exercises and techniques, your physical therapist may also recommend modifications to your daily routine and footwear to reduce the strain on your feet. Such changes may include:
- Wearing shoes with proper arch support.
- Using cushioned insoles or orthotics.
- Avoiding high-impact activities such as running or jumping.
Connect With Us Today
If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists at Twin Boro Physical Therapy. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and help you achieve improved foot function and reduced pain. Get started today by calling 732.554.0775 or visiting our appointment scheduling page at https://twinboro.com/schedule-appointment.html.
