Ankle & Foot Pain Relief
Recover from ankle sprains, foot pain, and chronic conditions with specialized care. Our expert treatments, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and custom orthotics, help restore mobility and prevent future injuries.
Ankle & Foot Pain
An ankle sprain or strain is a common injury affecting the ligaments, tendons, or muscles around the ankle joint.
Ankle Sprain & Strain
An ankle sprain or strain is a common injury affecting the ligaments, tendons, or muscles around the ankle joint. While they share similarities, they are different types of injuries:
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched or torn due to excessive twisting or rolling of the ankle. This often happens during sudden direction changes, uneven surfaces, or accidental missteps. Ankle sprains are categorized into three grades based on the severity of the ligament injury:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Minimal stretching or tearing of the ligament with mild swelling and discomfort.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing of the ligament, resulting in swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear of the ligament, leading to significant instability, swelling, and pain.
Ankle Strain
An ankle strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons around the ankle. It results from overstretching or tearing the muscles or tendons due to excessive force or repetitive use. Ankle strains are commonly associated with repetitive movements, such as running or jumping.
Symptoms & Treatment
Symptoms of both ankle sprains and strains include pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy for rehabilitation and strengthening exercises.
- Medical evaluation to determine the appropriate management and prevent recurrent injuries.
Foot Pain
Foot pain refers to discomfort experienced in any part of the foot, including the toes, arch, heel, sole, or ankle. It is a common issue resulting from various factors, including injuries, overuse, medical conditions, or structural problems.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that supports the foot arch, leading to heel pain.
- Bunions: A bony bump at the base of the big toe, causing pain and deformity.
- Morton’s Neuroma: Thickening of the tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, leading to sharp, burning pain.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, causing pain in the back of the heel and lower calf.
- Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often due to excessive pressure or overuse.
- Foot Arthritis: Chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility due to arthritis in the foot joints.
- Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the foot bones from overuse or repetitive impact.
- Foot Sprains or Strains: Ligament or muscle injuries due to sudden movements or overstretching.
- Flat Feet or High Arches: Abnormal foot arches leading to pain and instability.
Treatment for Foot Pain
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for acute injuries.
- Supportive footwear and orthotic devices to improve stability and reduce strain.
- Physical therapy for strengthening and mobility exercises.
- Medication or surgery for severe cases requiring advanced intervention.
A medical evaluation is essential if foot pain persists to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Fallen Arches (Flat Feet)
Fallen arches, also known as flat feet or pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not develop properly. The arch supports body weight and aids in movement, but in individuals with fallen arches, the entire sole of the foot makes contact with the ground.
Types of Flat Feet
- Flexible Flat Feet: The arch disappears when weight is placed on the foot but reappears when the foot is lifted. This condition is often painless but may cause discomfort over time.
- Rigid Flat Feet: The arch remains absent both when bearing weight and when the foot is off the ground. This condition may cause significant pain and stiffness.
Causes of Fallen Arches
- Weak or overstretched foot ligaments.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Foot or ankle injuries.
- Arthritis or neuropathy affecting foot structure.
- Obesity, increasing foot stress.
- Aging, as arches weaken over time.
Treatment Options
At The Center for Spine Care and Mobility, we fit patients with custom orthotics. A mold is taken while weight-bearing to ensure a perfect fit and proper arch support. Individuals experiencing foot pain should seek professional evaluation for appropriate treatment recommendations.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This tissue connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the toes and helps support the foot’s arch.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
This condition typically develops due to repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, leading to small tears and inflammation. Common risk factors include:
- Flat feet or high arches that alter foot mechanics.
- Repetitive impact from running, prolonged standing, or inadequate footwear.
- Obesity, increasing stress on the plantar fascia.
Symptoms
- Heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.
- Sharp or stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel.
- Pain that worsens after activity or prolonged standing.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
- Conservative Approaches: Rest, ice application, and stretching exercises.
- Supportive Footwear & Orthotic Inserts: Providing arch support to reduce strain.
- NSAIDs: To reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: For mobility improvement and targeted strengthening.
- Additional Treatments: Night splints, corticosteroid injections, or surgical interventions for severe cases.
Individuals with persistent heel pain should seek medical evaluation to facilitate early diagnosis and effective management.
Conclusion
Ankle and foot pain can stem from various causes, including injuries, structural abnormalities, and chronic conditions. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and prevent long-term complications. Whether addressing an ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, or general foot pain, consulting a healthcare professional ensures a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
MK Marsden and Peter Crosby I found my way to the Center for Spine Care + Mobility because I was looking for an integrated approach to treat injury-induced headaches. I used to go to an integrated physical therapy/chiropractic care center before I moved to New York from California, so I expected CSC+M to be a similar experience. Working with Dr. Schuman, Jinita, Denise, and Sandra and experiencing their targeted, attentive care is the reason why CSC+M surpassed all my expectations. My experience with CSC+M has not only helped eradicate my headaches but is helping me learn how to control and strengthen my body to correct bad habits and prevent further injuries. Not to mention the facilities are clean and comfortable and the entire staff is friendly and welcoming every time I come in. I would 100% recommend CSC+M to anyone looking for physical therapy or chiropractic work in general – why have just one form of treatment when you can have it all?!
Hi Dr. Anselmi, its been one week since my shoulder surgery and today I talked with my orthopedic surgeon. Everything went great, and a huge reason was all the work you guys did with me in preparation for the surgery. The improvements I saw after working with you, Dr Schumann and Dr Sunny were awesome and exceeded my expectations. Thank you very much.
My therapist in Hawaii referred me to Dr. Anselmi when I tore my quadricep muscle retrieving luggage from the overhead bin on an arriving flight (all my serious injuries happen in the least heroic circumstances).
Over the years, his team has put me back together after so many injuries. Last year I fell in the subway and within a few hours I saw Dr. Anselmi. He arranged for an MRI and created a treatment, with his team. It has been 8 or 9 months since my last visit and the only recurrence was when I stopped my exercises that my therapist (thanks Jinita) prescribed. I have been to every specialist imaginable but the number who DO NOT recommend surgeries comes down to just one: Dr. Anselmi. To date, I cannot imagine what might have become of me without him and his team.
Was referred to this place by a friend for my sciatica issues. Started in late June with an assessment by Dr.Chris Anselmi and have been working with him and Dr.Miller for PT. It’s been a little over 2 months and already feeling better. As with most of sports injuries, we need to do our part with exercises and stretches. I’m doing the same and hope to be fully up and running (literally). Their treatment is very organized with a chiropractic session, followed by PT and a massage. You don’t have to repeat your story with every treatment as the therapist is briefed in advance and they start working without bothering you. My experience has been good so far and I’d recommend this place to runners and people with sports injuries.
I cannot speak highly enough about CSC+M. Dr. Amsale & his staff of medical professionals has been amazing in helping me after a terrible foot injury. If you’re considering therapy or chiropractics in Manhattan look no further. Love it here!
This is a fantastic group of caring healthcare professionals. While I worked in NYC, I was a patient of Dr. Chris Anselmi for over 10 years! That says something. How many organizations are so good these days that their patrons would stick with them for so long. Dr. Anselmi is friendly, personable, knowledgeable and truly empathetic. Exactly the attributes one looks for in a doctor. I remember going there with back and neck pain in the range of 5 to 10 (on a 10 point scale) and leaving with a rating of around 1 or 2! That’s remarkable. If I still worked in the City I’d be going there even now. I highly recommend CSC+M without reservation.
Comprehensive Ankle & Foot Pain Care
At The Center for Spine Care & Mobility, we are dedicated to helping you regain comfort, mobility, and strength. Our expert team specializes in treating ankle pain and offers chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture tailored to your needs.