Is your ankle sprain interfering with running? Have you recently rolled your ankle or have a chronically weak ankle? At Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic, our physical therapists and chiropractors can help you resolve your injury and get you back to doing the activities you love with custom orthotics.
Foot and ankle injuries account for nearly one-third of running injuries. The severity of the injury depends on the severity of damage to the ligaments supporting the ankle. Often the ankle sprain is a minor injury, but proper rehabilitation is needed to prevent reoccurrence.
Improper or inadequate rehabilitation after an initial sprain increases reinjury chances. It is suggested that up to 70% of individuals who sustain a lateral ankle sprain may develop chronic instability, which makes them susceptible to future injuries.
While many factors can lead to an ankle sprain, specific steps are needed to resolve acute injuries and prevent reinjuries and chronic instability. Our physical therapists and chiropractors are experts at resolving the injured area while addressing the factors contributing to reinjury or new injuries.
Call Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic today to request an appointment with one of our highly skilled specialists. We are committed to helping you get the results you need to resume running without limits!
What are custom orthotics, and what type of conditions do they help?
An orthotic resembles the insoles of a sneaker/shoe but is crafted of materials that are typically more rigid and supportive. You can find prefabricated orthotics in most running stores. But, a custom orthotic requires a physical therapist to design the orthotic to help control the positioning and unique functioning of your foot.
Generally speaking, orthotics are designed to treat and/or prevent abnormal motion of the foot. They are sometimes referred to as prescription glasses for each of your feet and are generally used to help you relieve the stress on joints, muscles, and ligaments of the foot.
Runners are told that orthotics will help their feet move or bear weight to help them run with less pain. Their primary purpose is to correct and direct motion in the foot to minimize the impact on the foot and the joints.
Orthotics are part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed by our physical therapists to address various problems and conditions and have been found in multiple studies to help with conditions like:
- Plantar fasciitis: A painful condition on the sole of the foot due to degeneration and/or micro-tearing of the plantar fascia.
- Arthritis: This is a degenerative and inflammatory condition affecting the joints of the foot.
- Metatarsalgia: A painful foot disorder affecting the ball of the foot (i.e., bones and joints).
Other conditions that may benefit from orthotics, but have limited evidence, include:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Shin splints
- Patellofemoral knee pain
- Bunions
The kind of foot pain you have, the severity of the pain, and your physical activity levels all factor into whether or not orthotics can help your condition.
What to expect at our clinic
First things first, a comprehensive assessment should be the first step. This includes a thorough history and physical examination. Our physical therapists will perform a hands-on evaluation of your joint mobility, strength, and soft tissue health.
Next, a biomechanical analysis and gait assessment will assess how your system works in motion. This information is essential to get a picture of the whole person, and anything less will make choosing an orthotic challenging, if not impossible.
When designing custom foot orthotics for running, it is essential to consider the differences between standing, walking, and running mechanics. Deciding whether or not to use an orthotic must depend on your running habits, foot type, biomechanical and gait, and the desired functional performance expectations.
At Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic, our specialists will assess you as a whole and identify your unique requirements for pain-free running. Our goal is to help restore motion and strength to your feet, and consequently, throughout your entire body.
Request an appointment today!
Our team are experts at treating runners and can help you resolve your problem once and for all! Whether you sustained an acute sprain or have a chronic problem, treatment at Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic is the answer to lasting results and long-term relief.
Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists and see if orthotics are right for you!
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268003320301819
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640414.2019.1651582
https://www.painscience.com/articles/orthotics.php
Tags: natural pain relief, foot pain, ankle pain, foot pain relief, ankle pain relief, physical therapy, Orthotics, physical therapist, Custom Orthotics, Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic, natural treatment
