Do you feel pain in your foot or ankle when walking, standing, or climbing stairs? Are you missing out on your favorite activities because of chronic foot or ankle pain? If so, you’re not alone—foot and ankle pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages, and it can make everyday life a challenge.
At PREP Performance Center in Chicago and Niles, IL, our expert physical therapists specialize in identifying the root cause of your pain and helping you recover without the need for pain medications or surgery. Whether your discomfort stems from an injury or a chronic condition, physical therapy can help you regain strength, mobility, and balance.
The foot and ankle are made up of complex joints, bones, muscles, and ligaments. With so many moving parts, pain can arise from a variety of causes. The Mayo Clinic highlights several conditions and injuries that can lead to foot and ankle pain, including:
Whether your pain developed suddenly due to an acute injury or gradually from overuse or a chronic condition, the discomfort can significantly impact your daily activities.
At PREP Performance Center, our physical therapists create customized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition and recovery goals. Here’s what you can expect from our foot and ankle pain treatment program:
Comprehensive Evaluation
We begin with a thorough assessment of your foot and ankle to pinpoint the exact source of pain and dysfunction. This includes reviewing your medical history, movement patterns, strength, balance, and flexibility.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Depending on your diagnosis, we may incorporate a variety of treatment techniques, including:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce soft tissue restrictions.
Stretching Exercises: To restore flexibility and range of motion in the foot and ankle joints.
Strengthening Exercises: Targeting the foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles to enhance stability and support.
Balance and Proprioception Training: Using tools like balance boards to improve coordination and prevent future injuries.
Modalities: Such as ultrasound therapy, cold laser therapy, and heat treatments to reduce pain and improve circulation.
Orthotic Recommendations: Custom footwear or inserts to provide better foot alignment and support.
Activity Modifications: Guidance on safe ways to stay active while protecting your foot and ankle during recovery.
For acute injuries, we may initially recommend the R.I.C.E. protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—to reduce swelling and inflammation before beginning more active rehabilitation.
Don’t let foot and ankle pain keep you from living the active life you deserve. If you’re in the Chicago or Niles, IL area, the team at PREP Performance Center is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and start your journey toward foot and ankle pain relief!
