Foot Pain

Praxis Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapists & Sports Medicine located in Vernon Hills, IL

Foot pain can leave you without the freedom to carry out your daily activities. At Praxis Physical Therapy in Vernon Hills, Illinois, the team of orthopedic physical therapists uses the latest equipment to treat persistent foot pain. To learn more about foot pain, call the expert physical therapist at Praxis Physical Therapy.

Foot Pain Q & A

Why does foot pain occur?

With the amount of time you spend on your feet each day, it’s no surprise that foot pain is highly common. Athletes and weekend warriors alike often experience foot pain from overuse. Likewise, individuals who stand frequently at work, those with structural abnormalities, and people with certain conditions, may also experience chronic foot pain.

What causes foot pain?

Many conditions and injuries can cause foot pain, including:

Plantar fasciitis

The most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, develops when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes strained. Foot pain from plantar fasciitis may feel dull, sharp, intermittent, or worsen after certain activities.

Flat feet

If you have flat feet, your arches don’t lift off the ground far enough. The entire sole of your foot may touch the ground when you stand. The anatomical condition affects the way your feet distribute weight, which can cause pain.

Sprains

Stretching the ligaments in your foot too far can result in a sprain. Most sprains occur due to sudden movements, such as twisting too quickly or losing your balance when walking. Sprains can cause minor or extreme pain depending on the severity.

Fractures

A fracture, or crack in the bone, can lead to severe pain that limits your mobility. Many fractures occur suddenly, during an accident or sports injury, but others develop gradually due to overuse.

How is foot pain diagnosed?

Foot pain requires a thorough exam of your foot. The location of your foot pain, its triggers, and the length of time you’ve had it are all factors in your diagnosis. You may also need an imaging scan, such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or bone scan can help determine your diagnosis.

What are the treatments for foot pain?

Treating foot pain may involve lifestyle modifications to relieve pressure from your feet. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help reduce swelling while you complete physical therapy. Your physical therapist at Praxis Physical Therapy creates a custom plan of strength training and flexibility exercises to reduce your foot pain.

Some of the most common types of equipment the team has at their facility include:

  • Treadmills 
  • Resistance equipment
  • Schwinn® AirDyne bikes
  • Free weights
  • Stairclimber
  • Blood flow restrictors
  • Biodex® machine

In addition, the practice boasts special equipment for individuals who play football, baseball, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, gymnastics, cheerleading, or dance.

To learn more about foot pain, call Praxis Physical Therapy or schedule an appointment online today.