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5 common conditions a foot and ankle doctor near you can treat

  • Writer: KC Rehab Team
    KC Rehab Team
  • Dec 1
  • 3 min read

At KC Rehab, we see many people who have, unfortunately, experienced a foot or ankle problem. Sprains alone bring many people to seek professional treatment. More than 2 million ankle sprains are treated each year in the United States. Ankle sprains are more common among athletes and people between ages 15 and 35, but they can happen to anyone.


If you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, fracture or other problem, you can turn to a local physical therapist at KC Rehab. Drawing on the advanced training required for a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree and extensive hands-on experience, they can assess your condition, create a personalized treatment plan and guide your recovery every step of the way.


Learn about common foot and ankle conditions


The licensed physical therapists at KC Rehab have treated a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions. If you meet with one of our physical therapists, you can expect them to be familiar with the following:


  1. Ankle sprains


Ankle sprains are common injuries, and you might have already learned about them through experience. These injuries might occur when your foot turns inward, stretching your ankle abruptly and pulling a group of three ligaments on the outside of your ankle. One or more may be injured in a sprain.


If this happens to you, you might feel a popping sensation. Your ankle might be painful, swollen or stiff. You might see bruises on your ankle. Putting weight on your foot to stand may be difficult, and walking may be more painful. A physical therapist may help you recover from this injury more quickly.


  1. Plantar fasciitis


Your plantar fascia connects your heel to the underside of your toes. This is a band of fibrous tissue that absorbs shock when you walk or run. It also supports the shape of your foot, including the arch. The plantar fascia can be overstretched or overused, which can cause swelling and inflammation. This is called plantar fasciitis


Swelling in the part of your foot that absorbs both your weight and the shock of striking the ground can be painful. You may feel pain in your heel or the arch of your foot. Your foot may be stiff or swollen. Also, your Achilles tendon may feel tight.


  1. Achilles tendon injuries


Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles and heel bone. It can be aggravated by prolonged standing or walking, as well as a sudden increase in physical activity. Achilles tendinitis can cause pain in your heel or the back of your ankle. It may be accompanied by swelling. You may feel pain after running.


This tendon can also tear; this injury may come with a tearing or popping sensation and a burst of pain. It can weaken your leg, but other leg muscles may help you compensate somewhat. Even if you are able to walk with this injury, seeking treatment to restore stability is very important.


  1. Arthritis


There are two common conditions known as arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, repetitive motion gradually wears through the cartilage that cushions the joints. This can come with grinding sensations, crackling or popping noises and joint pain.


Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. If you have this condition, your immune system attacks your joints. This can cause painful inflammation and swelling in your joints, especially in your hands and feet. A physical therapist can help you manage joint pain and improve mobility.


  1. Gait abnormalities


Your gait, or your way of walking, may be comfortable from moment to moment. However, an abnormal or uneven gait can affect your body, including your feet and ankles. You may notice discomfort, pain or tiredness.


Additionally, foot and ankle problems can present themselves in your gait. If you have an unusual way of walking, it may stem from differences in your feet or ankles. A physical therapist can observe how you walk and help you adjust your gait, through gait training and balance exercises. They might also recommend other things that can help, like orthotic inserts or shoes that provide better support.


Consult a KC Rehab professional about your foot or ankle problem


When you have concerns about your foot or ankle, you can rely on our physical therapists at KC Rehab. You can:



A physical therapist can talk through all of your options and help you understand what would be best for your condition. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.

 
 
 
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