Macon Physical Therapy - The Wellness Center - Foot & Ankle

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain is an injury to the foot's ligaments in the ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of elastic tissue that connect bones to each other. Causes of an ankle sprain may include weak muscles, loose ligaments, or shoes with spiked heels. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and bruising. Treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain, but may include:

• a. wrapping the ankle with elastic bandage/ice pack to reduce swelling
• b. elevating the ankle/gradual return to walking/a walking cast
• c. physical therapy exercises
• d. surgery (for severe sprains)

What is a foot fracture?

With 38 bones in a single foot, almost any of them can be broken. Many fractures do not require surgery, or even a cast, as they will heal on their own with some support. When a foot is fractured, the site of the fracture usually is painful and swollen. The site of the fracture will determie the course of treatment, if necessary, including the following:

What is foot pain?

Foot pain can be debilitating to an active lifestyle. Foot pain can have many sources, from fractures and sprains to nerve damage. Listed below are three common areas of pain in the foot and their causes:

Pain in the ball of the foot:

Pain in the ball of the foot, located on the bottom of the foot behind the toes, may be caused by nerve or joint damage in that area. In addition, a benign (non-cancerous) growth, such as Morton's neuroma, may cause the pain. Corticosteroid injections and wearing supportive shoe inserts may help relieve the pain. Sometimes, surgery is necessary.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by severe pain in the heel of the foot, especially when standing up after resting. The condition is due to an overuse injury of the sole surface (plantar) of the foot and results in inflammation of the fascia, a tough, fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis is more common in women, people who are overweight, people with occupations that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces, people with flat feet, and people with high arches. Walking or running, especially with tight calf muscles, may also cause the condition. Treatment may include:

• a. rest
• b. ice pack applications
• c. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• d. physical therapy to include stretching exercises of the Achilles tendons and plantar fascia

Achilles tendon injury

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body. However, this tendon is also the most common site of rupture or tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon due to overuse.

Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse of the tendon and calf muscles. Symptoms may include mild pain after exercise that worsens gradually, stiffness that disappears after the tendon warms up, and swelling. Treatment may include:

• a. rest
• b. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• c. upportive devices and/or bandages for the muscle and tendon
• d. pphysical therapy to include stretching, massage, ultrasound and exercises

Some of the most common injuries are:

• Sprains and strains - muscles and ligaments can be overstretched or twisted. The knee and ankle are especially vulnerable.
• Stress fractures - exercise moves that require force and repetition, such as jogging or even dancing on concrete or any very hard surface, may cause small breaks in the bones of the foot and ankle.
• Tendonitis - painful inflammation of a tendon (connective tissue that anchors muscle to bone).
• Blisters – poorly fitting shoes that rub can cause blisters on the feet and toes.
• Toenail injuries – poorly fitting shoes that crowd the toes may lead to bruising of the toenails or ingrown toenails.
• Impact injuries - such as bruises, caused by falling over, bumping into another person or tripping over objects or props nearby.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the physical act of systematic manual stimulation through variable pressure of the reflexes located in the hands and feet.

Concrete evidence of the practice of reflexology in ancient times is shown in a wall painting depicting the practice of hand and foot reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, dating from about 2330 B.C.E. (before common era)

Before this discovery, it was thought that reflexology had ancient origins and might have developed alongside the ancient Chinese practices of acupuncture. Likewise, North American Indian medicine men are believed to manipulate and stimulate the feet as a part of their healing practice.

Modern Reflexology was popularized by Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, who brought Reflexology to the American public through classes, workshops and publications until her death in 1974.

What can you expect from a Reflexology treatment?

Reflexology is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy. Your practitioner will take a medical history before he/she will send you to a physical therapist for treatment. You will never be asked to disrobe but will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. While seated in a comfortable chair you will receive a therapeutic foot soak with an aromatherapy component if you like. The therapist will begin with relaxation techniques followed by applying firm but gentle pressure to each of the reflex points in the hands and feet with the option of Hot Stone Reflexology or other treatment that will aid your recovery. Many clients find this to be deeply relaxing and take a short nap during treatment which will last between 20-45 minutes. After treatment it is advised that you drink plenty of fresh water to help flush toxins from your body and that you eat lightly for the rest of the day. Also, pay close attention to the instruction of your therapist.

Through our therapist’s treatment and instruction we can care for our feet and entire body, bringing it into balance and promoting good health. Providing more than pain relief, treatment has been shown to enhance your body's ability to heal more quickly, and help increase stamina, providing more energy and less injury.