PRO Therapy

Minneapolis Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Ankle & Foot Pain

Going about daily chores, driving to the store, commuting, or simply moving around the house with foot and/or ankle pain can cause torment and frustration. It may also keep you from the sports and active leisure you love. It can be especially frustrating when you have no idea exactly what’s causing the pain.

Foot and ankle pain are typically assessed together because when you have discomfort, pain or injury in that area both the ankle and foot can be affected. Thankfully most pain in the ankle or foot I usually short term and are caused by soft tissue injuries, such as sprain and strains. We at PRO Therapy understand the mechanics of ankle and foot pain, how to identify the cause and most importantly – how to make it stop.

Ankle & Foot Pain Causes

Getting to the bottom of what’s bothering your ankle and foot pain is key to creating the best treatment plan for you. In addition to pain, other signs and symptoms can indicate if there’s an issue with the ankle or foot, like:

  • Swelling or stiffness around the ankle
  • Pain when putting weight on your foot 
  • Weakness or instability
  • Bruising around the ankle extending onto foot
  • Difficulty pushing off with toes

Ankle Sprains/Strains

Inversion ankle sprains are the most common sports injury and are caused by twisting the foot inward.

Achilles Tendon

A sprain is caused by stretching or tearing ligaments while a strain is caused by stretching or tearing a muscle or tendon.

Ankle Fracture

Often linked to repetitive stress on the tendon. Often causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of your leg near your heel.

Overuse & Footwear

Also known as a broken ankle, occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint are broken. Poor footwear can also impact the ankle and feet in many ways. It leaves you vulnerable to injury, pain, and discomfort not only in the ankles and feet but legs, knees and hips as well.

Ankle & Foot Conditions We Treat

At PRO Therapy, we specialize in treating a wide range of ankle and foot conditions, including but not limited to:

Here’s a more complete list. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your pain, give us a call!
  • Achilles Tendinitis/Tendinosis
  • Ankle & Foot Pain/Stiffness
  • Ankle Sprain/Strain
  • Bunionectomy
  • Foot Sprain/Strain
  • Fractures
  • “I don’t know”
  • Impaired Balance
  • Instability
  • Neuropathy
  • Peroneal Tendinitis/Tendinosis
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Flat Feet

A very common condition that occurs because the tissues holding the joint in the foot together are loose. Most experience pain in the heel or arch area, worsened with activity. And may notice swelling along the inside of the ankle.

High Arch Feet

High arch feet can cause ankle instability and increase your risk for ankle sprains. Because high arches can cause repeated stress, people with this condition may develop hairline fractures in the bones of the foot.

Runner’s Ankle

Because every step we take puts weight and pressure on our ankles and feet, running tends to amplify and leave our ankles and feet vulnerable. This high-impact workout tends to result in injury and pain known as runner’s ankle. An injury in your ankle that results from running,

Shin Splints

Repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.

Post-Surgery Rehab

Common foot and ankle surgeries include ankle replacement, ankle fusion, achilles tendon repair, foot fracture surgery and foot reconstruction to name a few. All of our providers at PRO Therapy are equipped to help you navigate the ins and outs of surgery before and after.

Heel Spur

Also known as a bone spur, is a bony growth that can form on the bottom of the heel bone. Commonly attributed to activities like running, jogging, or being on your feet for long periods of time.

Ankle & Foot Pain Treatment Techniques

Our physical therapists, all fully licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy, use a range of techniques to relieve your pain and restore mobility, including:

Manual Therapy

Joint mobilization

We use gentle movements to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce stiffness.

Soft tissue mobilization

We also use techniques like massage and myofascial release to release tension in muscles and fascia.

Trigger point therapy

We provide targeted pressure to alleviate muscle tension and improve function.

Ankle & Foot Treatment Techniques

Dry needling/electrical stimulation

Using needles and electrical impulses to release knotted muscles or trigger points.

Kinesiotaping

Application of specialized elastic tape to support and stabilize muscles and joints.

Graston Technique

Using stainless steel instruments to work out tight spots and scar tissue.

Therapeutic Interventions

Custom Rehab Programs

We’ll whip up a personalized rehab program to strengthen the muscles, improve your flexibility, and provide more stability.

Gait Training

We focus on improving walking mechanics, balance, and coordination.

Functional Training

We pay special attention to simulating real-life movements to improve overall function and performance.

Activity modification and return to sport

We help you carefully and gradually progress your activity level to reduce the risk of re-injury.

Custom Orthotics

Sometimes we recommend shoe inserts for support and alignment.

twin cities

Unsure if physical therapy or PRO Therapy is right for you? Book a complimentary phone call with one of our doctor’s of physical therapy.

 

Take the first step toward an active, pain-free lifestyle by scheduling an appointment today!

The PRO Therapy Difference

What sets us apart? It’s our team of dedicated physical therapists who specialize in uncovering the root causes of your pain, not just masking the symptoms. Instead of quick fixes that might be recommended by other types of providers, like pain medications, injections or unnecessary surgical interventions, we’re committed to providing you with:

Root Cause Exploration

We’re not satisfied until we’ve delved deep to uncover the underlying source of your issues.

Energizing Solutions

Chronic pain can drain your energy, but we’re here to help you regain your vitality.

Surgery Alternatives

Whenever possible, we explore non-invasive options to help you avoid surgery.

Enhanced Mobility

Say goodbye to braces—our goal is to boost your joint flexibility, range of motion, and balance for confident, brace-free movement.

Rapid Relief

Within just a few sessions, we’re able to ease your pain and stiffness.

Injury Prevention

Armed with valuable strategies, we equip you to prevent both further and future ankle and foot injuries.

Lifestyle Restoration

Whether it’s returning to your favorite activities or rejoining the sports field with family and friends, we’re dedicated to restoring your lifestyle to its fullest potential.

runner stretching hamstrings for knee pain

Hear From Our Patients

Check out these reviews from other people in pain just like you who came to see our physical therapy team at PRO Therapy – and left much healthier and happier.