Foot & Ankle Pain
Foot pain and heel pain are often plantar fasciitis, while ankle pain often follows a sprain or an old injury that never fully recovered. Physical therapy eases pain, restores strength and balance, and lowers the odds of another injury. We treat foot and ankle problems in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.
Heel, arch, ankle, Achilles and shin
Your foot and ankle hold 26 bones and 33 joints, and each area has its own usual suspects.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the band of tissue from the heel bone to the toes. It causes heel pain in the morning, with the first steps out of bed, and often eases a little as you move.
Ankle sprains and weak ankles
A sprained ankle is a stretched or torn ligament. Without rehab, the ankle can stay weak and keep rolling, which is ankle instability. Once an ankle has been sprained, it is more likely to be injured again.
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles pain sits at the back of the heel or just above it, and can start from overuse or a sudden increase in activity.
Shin splints
Shin splints ache along the front of the lower leg and come from too much running or jumping too soon.
Flat feet, gout and arthritis
Flat feet can overload the arch. Gout causes sudden pain, often in the big toe, and needs a doctor. Arthritis stiffens the foot and ankle.
Hands-on work for calf, arch and tendon
We often start with manual therapy for stiff joints and tight calf and foot muscles. Dry needling can ease tight calf muscles that pull on the Achilles and heel, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is used for plantar fasciitis and Achilles problems. Shockwave therapy is another option for stubborn heel and tendon pain.
Heat, ice and therapeutic ultrasound can reduce swelling and pain, and dynamic taping can support the arch or ankle while you heal.
Strength, balance and staying healed
Pain relief is the start. Staying out of pain takes a stronger, steadier foot and ankle.
- Foot and ankle strengthening through therapeutic exercise
- Balance work to improve how you walk and lower the chance of falls; dizziness is covered on Vestibular Rehab / Dizziness & Balance
- Flexibility so the foot and ankle move easily
- A home program, and advice on shoes and activity
After a fracture or a walking boot
A broken foot or ankle comes from a traumatic event or a stress fracture that builds over time, with throbbing, swelling, bruising and trouble bearing weight. When the bone has healed and the boot comes off, the foot is stiff and weak. Rehab restores motion, strength and walking. Surgery is covered on post-surgical rehab.
Whether you want to run again or just walk without limping, we set goals with you. Sport is on sports injury rehab, the knee above is on Knee Pain, and numbness or burning in both feet is on Peripheral Neuropathy.
See a doctor first if you have
- Foot pain after a fall, with swelling or an inability to bear weight
- A hot, red, swollen joint or big toe
- A calf that is swollen, warm and painful
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Foot and ankle care in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
Recovering from an ankle sprain, or a foot that has hurt for months? Call and tell us which.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.