Happy Foot Health Awareness Month! Foot pain is a common symptom of patients that come through our clinics here at Forever Fit Physical Therapy and Wellness. Common types of foot pain we treat here at our facility are:

• Plantar fasciitis - an inflammation of the connective tissue layers that runs across the bottom of the foot
• Arch dysfunctions - a condition in which the foot has a very high arch which creates an excessive amount of force/weight on the ball and heel of the foot when walking or standing leading to pain and instability
• Metatarsalgia - impingement of the nerves in the feet causing dull aches or sharp pains through the bottom of the foot and numbness in the toes
• Morton’s neuroma - a nerve which is pinched/injured in the forefoot (balls of feet)

After consulting with your primary care physician or podiatrist regarding your symptoms and diagnosis, they may refer you to physical therapy treatments. Physical therapy will often involve manual therapy from a licensed physical therapist as well as recommended exercises to alleviate the pain you are experiencing. Here are three examples of exercises completed in the clinic:

Standing calf stretch - Stand against a wall or closed door with straight arms and bend one knee in front of you with a straight leg behind you stretching your calf for 3 sets of 30 seconds each.

Single leg balance - Making sure you have a ledge or solid surface in front of you to balance with, you will balance on one leg for 10 repetitions (reps) of 10 seconds each with the therapist providing cues and feedback about form, alignment and modifications if it is painful.

Standing heel raises -  Making sure you have a ledge or solid surface in front of you, stand on the tip of your toes and depress your heels to the ground for 2 sets of 10 reps.  The therapist will help you focus on pushing through the right part of your foot utilizing the correct muscles.

For more exercises and further information regarding your foot pain, feel free to contact your nearest Forever Fit clinic to schedule an initial evaluation or a free 15-minute consultation! The physical therapists will work hard to educate and restore the strength and flexibility of your foot.