Category: Ankle Pain

Why do I have ankle pain from running?
Running is a great way to exercise while getting some fresh air. Even though running is supposed to make you feel good, especially due to the endorphins it can release, that’s not always the case. For some people, running can cause ankle pain that reduces the joint’s mobility and function.

If you’re experiencing ankle pain from running, it’s easy to brush it off as just a side effect of strenuous physical activity. But there are some causes of ankle pain from running that need further health care assistance and treatment. The good news is that physical therapy can help alleviate your ankle pain from running that stems from common medical conditions and injuries.

We’ll talk about what the ankle pain may feel like and potential causes for the ache. You’ll also learn about physical therapy treatments and specialties that can help alleviate the pain.

What does ankle pain from running feel like?

Not all ankle pain is the same. If you have pain in your ankle joint that starts or worsens from running, it can interfere with both your ability and motivation to keep exercising. It also means that the heavy impact of your footsteps while running may be aggravating a medical condition or injury.

Depending on the cause, ankle pain can often be associated with other symptoms, such as:
- Reduced range of motion.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Inability to bear weight.
- Bruising.
- Cramping.
5 possible reasons why you feel ankle pain from running

There are a variety of potential causes of ankle pain from running. Even though many medical conditions can result in ankle pain, injuries are common among runners. In fact, approximately half of the running population gets injured in any given year. While some injuries that cause ankle pain from running can stem from trauma or falls, others are caused by overuse.

Here are five possible reasons that you feel ankle pain from running:
- Sprain — If your ankle is moved into an odd position, such as “rolling” after landing awkwardly from a jump, you could stretch or tear a ligament in your ankle. Along with pain, a sprained ankle can also cause swelling and reduced mobility.
- Strain — Just like a sprain, an ankle can strain due to twisting your ankle. But an ankle strain refers to a muscle injury as opposed to a ligament injury. It can cause pain as well as muscle spasms and cramping.
- Stress fracture — When you overuse your ankle joint, or do repetitive movements that put stress on the joint, you can cause a stress fracture. This refers to small cracks in the bone that can cause pain during movement.
- Instability — Sometimes ankle pain comes from ligaments that aren’t strong enough to stabilize the joint as you run. When your foot rolls inward too much as you walk, called overpronation, you can weaken the ligaments and cause ankle instability.
- Tendinitis — Overusing your ankle joint or wearing improper footwear while running can cause tendon inflammation, also known as tendinitis. Ankle tendinitis can cause pain during movement as well as tenderness and swelling.
Physical therapy treatments and sport specialties for ankle pain from running

If you’re ready to alleviate ankle pain and restore your mobility, then physical therapy is the answer. In addition to helping with pain management, it can also increase the overall quality of your ankle joint. A physical therapist will assess your symptoms to determine the cause behind your ankle pain. They will choose treatment options that will work best for the severity of your symptoms as well as your physical ability.

Here are some physical therapy treatments that can help ankle pain from running:
- Sports therapy — If you’re a competitive runner, then sports therapy can benefit you in a variety of ways. Not only will it help reduce your symptoms and restore your mobility, it can also increase the strength, flexibility and range of motion to improve your overall athletic performance. You’ll even gain knowledge about how to prevent future injuries.
- Joint mobilization — Manual therapy is one of the best ways to alleviate pain in your ankle joint. If you have tendinitis, your physical therapist may recommend joint mobilization, which involves them using their hands to move around the joint to find restrictive tissue. Then they use massage-like movements to loosen the tissue to release the painful tension.
- Therapeutic exercises — With targeted exercises, your physical therapist can help you regain strength and flexibility in your ankle to help you get back to your daily physical activities. They will walk you through exercises that will strengthen the muscles surrounding your joint to increase stability. They’ll also show you stretches that will improve your range of motion.
Continuum Wellness can help treat ankle pain from running with physical therapy

Ankle pain from running can cause stiffness and reduced mobility that interferes with your day-to-day activities. Continuum Wellness offers treatment options like targeted exercises, joint mobilization and sports therapy to get you back on your feet and ready to run.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
September 11, 2023
Why do I have sudden ankle pain without an injury?
When you feel sudden pain in your ankle, you might automatically assume that you sustained an injury. But there are actually plenty of reasons why you could be feeling sudden pain, especially in your ankle, which has to carry your entire body weight.

Even without injury, ankle pain can interfere with your quality of life because it can make it difficult to stand or walk without wincing. If you feel like the pain has come out of nowhere, it’s important to determine the cause so that you can seek proper treatment, such as physical therapy.

Read on to learn about the basics of sudden ankle pain, possible causes for ankle pain without injury and how physical therapy can help. You’ll also learn about what to expect during your first physical therapy appointment.

What does it mean to have sudden ankle pain without injury?

Ankle pain can happen to anyone. Some people experience gradual ankle pain that progresses over time, like people who spend extensive amounts of time on their feet. Other people have sudden ankle pain, even if they haven’t sustained an injury.

Sudden ankle pain can feel different for everyone, depending on the cause. Perhaps you woke up with a dull ache in your joint that wasn’t there when you went to bed, but now seems to be lingering for a while. Or maybe there’s a quick, shooting pain in your ankle that feels like it came out of nowhere. This is normally acute pain that lasts just a few minutes.

Sudden ankle pain can also occur alongside other symptoms, including:
- Stiffness that interferes with your range of motion.
- Tenderness.
- Swelling.
- Instability.
3 potential reasons for sudden ankle pain without injury

Even without the possibility of injury, there are several potential reasons that you may be feeling sudden ankle pain. These medical conditions can all result in feeling pain without any precursor.

Here are three possible reasons for sudden ankle pain without injury:
- Arthritis — There are several different types of arthritis that could cause joint inflammation and sudden ankle pain, such as osteoarthritis and reactive arthritis. Osteoarthritis can result in the cartilage between your ankle bones to break down, causing them to rub together in a painful manner. Reactive arthritis refers to arthritis pain that’s triggered by an infection in a different part of the body.
- Achilles tendinitis — There’s a tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel, known as the Achilles tendon. Wear and tear due to repetitive movements or a high amount of walking could cause inflammation known as Achilles tendinitis. It can cause a sharp pain at the back of your heel.
- Bursitis — Your ankle joint consists of bones that are cushioned by bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs. Overuse, excessive stress on the bones or ill-fitting shoes can cause the bursae to become inflamed, resulting in pain that can build up over time or occur suddenly.
How physical therapy can help treat your sudden ankle pain without injury

If you don’t have an injury, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of your sudden ankle pain. Without knowing the cause, you may not be able to determine which treatment options will be the most effective. The good news is that a physical therapist will not only help figure out the cause of your sudden ankle pain, but they can find the treatment options that will reduce the ache and help restore the joint’s mobility.

Since most of the causes of sudden ankle pain are due to inflammation, your physical therapist will likely recommend manual therapy techniques to help alleviate the ache. Techniques like soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization involve the therapist using their hands to loosen up tight tissue and release the painful tension that’s restricting your range of motion.

A physical therapist will walk you through exercises that will help strengthen the muscles surrounding your joint to increase stability. They will also guide you through stretches that can improve your ankle’s flexibility and range of motion.

What to expect from your first physical therapy visit for sudden ankle pain without injury

If you’ve never been to physical therapy, it can be comforting to know what to expect beforehand. For sudden ankle pain, your initial visit will mostly consist of a physical therapist doing an evaluation of your ankle. They will assess your symptoms as well as your ankle’s range of motion.

After getting a better idea of the pain and potential causes, your physical therapist will work with you to determine the goals you hope to achieve throughout your sessions. They will design a personalized treatment plan that will help alleviate your pain as well as increase the strength, flexibility and function of the joint.

Armor Physical Therapy can help alleviate sudden ankle pain without injury

Many people may assume that sudden ankle pain is due to an injury, but there’s a wide variety of reasons that you could be experiencing sudden onset ankle pain. Whatever the cause is, we have the treatment that can help alleviate your symptoms so you can get back to your day-to-day physical tasks.

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
September 6, 2023
Should nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery worry you?
Feeling nerve pain following an Achilles tendon surgery is a potential side effect and it does happen. If it’s bothering you or preventing you from accomplishing your rehabilitation plan, our physical therapists can help you address and manage nerve pain so you can get back on track.

Achilles tendon surgery is a major procedure. The surgery is most often performed on athletes and other active individuals, as these groups are most likely to damage this specific tendon. The outcome of Achilles tendon surgery is usually positive, bringing significant improvements in movement and overall quality of life. However, some patients can experience post-surgical nerve pain after their Achilles tendon surgery.

The nerve pain you’re experiencing can have many causes. There are different degrees of nerve pain as well. You should consult a medical professional if you experience high levels of nerve pain over an extended period of time.

What is nerve pain?

Nerve pain, sometimes called neuropathic pain, is usually described as a burning sensation. It is a type of chronic pain caused by damage or injury to your nerves. Nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery may involve:
- Burning
- Tingling
- Electric pinching sensations
It can also occur in different areas of the body. Even though your Achilles tendon is part of your lower leg, after surgery, you may feel nerve pain running throughout your foot and up your leg.

What causes nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery?

A few factors may contribute to nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery. Though in some cases the nerve pain is caused by the surgery, it is usually a symptom from the initial injury in the Achilles tendon. Knowing the causes can help you to reduce nerve pain through targeted post-surgical rehab.
- Swelling — Swelling often occurs after surgery. When certain muscles and tissue become swollen, they can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain.
- Scar tissue — Much like swelling, new scar tissue growth can push things against each other inside your foot after Achilles tendon surgery. This can cause pain by compressing nerves.
- Nerve entrapment — Nerve entrapment is also called entrapment neuropathy. This happens when a nerve gets trapped between two other parts in the body. This might happen after Achilles tendon surgery because injuries can shift the placement of bones and ligaments. When this happens, the structures trapping the nerve will rub against it every time you move, leading to nerve pain.
Though nerve pain can come from different sources, the treatment methods are not likely to change much. The most effective treatment options can deal with nerve pain at the source, rather than just treating the symptom.

How to manage nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery

If you are experiencing nerve pain, you probably want to find a solution as soon as possible. Nerve pain can come at unexpected times, distracting from daily work and activities. The feeling of nerve pain can be intense too, making it difficult to just grin and bear it. Fortunately, there are a few different steps you can take to manage your pain.
- Use pain medication — Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications may help provide relief for your nerve pain. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you determine the best option to meet your individual needs. While medication can provide temporary relief, though, it does not treat the underlying cause in the same way other solutions can.
- Try an orthotic support — A wearable brace for your foot, like an Achilles tendon strap, can help with pain relief. Because it keeps your foot stable, it can reduce the internal rubbing and pinching that leads to nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery.
- Attend physical therapy — Physical therapy can help reduce swelling and improve overall mobility in your foot and ankle after surgery. It can also minimize scar tissue, limiting future causes of nerve pain. A benefit of having a physical therapist is that they can adapt to your individual needs. Working with your input, a physical therapy specialist can design a targeted exercise program. This can include a range of activities. Treatment options may also include stretches, manual therapy and even aquatic therapy.
Though there are several different options, one of the most popular treatment methods for nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery is physical therapy. Beyond just reducing pain, physical therapy can help you regain mobility and flexibility in your Achilles tendon. This can also help prevent future injury by improving overall stability in your foot and ankle.

Crane Physical Therapy & Spine can address nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery

Are you ready to find a solution to your nerve pain? At Crane PT & Spine, our highly trained physical therapists can help you address your pain while also helping you continue your recovery. You can book a free screening as a no-cost option to start your journey, where our physical therapy specialists can listen to your symptoms and offer solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact our team today to learn more about the help we can offer for post-surgical pain or to schedule an initial appointment.
March 3, 2023
What should you do about burning pain after Achilles tendon surgery?
If you’ve severely torn your Achilles tendon, your doctor may have recommended surgery to repair it. Recovery after Achilles tendon surgery can take several months as you progress from immobilization to rehabilitation exercises. Depending on the intensity and length of your surgery, you may notice swelling around the area of your incision and experience a burning pain when trying to move your ankle.

If you’re experiencing a burning pain in your Achilles tendon after surgery, it may be due to issues like inflammation and scar tissue formation. Understanding the underlying causes of your burning pain can help you find an effective treatment plan — such as physical therapy — that ensures that your recovery is as smooth as possible.

[maxbutton name=”Start Your PT Journey Today”] [maxbutton name=”Call Us”]

Why are you feeling burning pain after Achilles tendon surgery?

After you’ve had Achilles tendon surgery, feeling burning pain in your ankle can be alarming. However, there are several possible causes for this burning pain, and many of them are considered normal for your healing process. You may be feeling burning pain because of:
- Inflammation — Inflammation like swelling and bruising is a normal part of the healing process, but it can be uncomfortable. If your surgery was recent, you are more likely to notice discoloration and swelling around the area of your incision, which can irritate surrounding tissue and create a burning sensation. In addition, if your surgeon used hardware during the surgery and it rubs against your soft tissue, you may feel a burning sensation.
- Nerve injury — Nerve injury can be a common risk of Achilles tendon surgery, and it can cause you to feel a burning sensation along your surgical area. Nerve damage can occur due to inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue, which can compress major nerves in your ankle.
- Scar tissue — Scar tissue can cause a burning sensation in the foot after surgery because it can put pressure on the nerves in the area. As the surgical site heals, scar tissue can form, and it can be more sensitive and painful than surrounding tissue. Scar tissue can also restrict the movement of your surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain and discomfort. In some cases, scar tissue can form adhesions, which are abnormal connections between tissue and organs, that can cause a burning sensation and pain.
- Overuse — If you resume activity too soon after surgery, you could instantly irritate your tissue and feel a sharp pain and a lasting burning sensation. It’s important that you follow postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon to reduce your chance of injuring your healing Achilles tendon.
- Infection — An infection can cause redness, warmth, and pain, along with other symptoms such as fever, chills, and increased pain when the area is touched. An infection can occur at the surgical site or in the surrounding tissue, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. You may feel burning pain in your Achilles tendon as a result of a post-surgery infection; it’s important to report any concerns of an infection to your doctor right away.
What can you do about your burning pain after Achilles tendon surgery?

To alleviate burning pain after Achilles tendon surgery, you can try several noninvasive remedies, including the following:
- Cold and hot therapy — Applying cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and swelling at your surgical site, which can help reduce pain and your burning sensation. Cold therapy works to numb the area and slow blood flow to your surgical site. According to your doctor’s instructions and as your Achilles tendon heals, you can switch cold therapy with hot therapy to increase blood flow to the tissue and boost healing.
- Compression — If you believe your swelling is contributing to the burning sensation in your Achilles tendon, you can try using compression socks. Wearing a compression bandage or stocking can help reduce your swelling and pain.
- Elevation — By keeping your ankle elevated above your heart, you can prevent fluid from accumulating in your ankle and reduce the burning pain in your Achilles tendon. In addition, resting your ankle as much as possible can allow for proper healing.
- Physical therapy — Post-surgical rehabilitation can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion of the tissue surrounding your Achilles tendon, which can help reduce your burning pain. Physical therapy exercises and stretches have many benefits, including improving blood flow, reducing the formation of scar tissue, increasing mobility, and improving nerve function.
Excel PT can help you address the burning in your foot after Achilles tendon surgery

If you’re dealing with burning pain after Achilles tendon surgery, physical therapy can help you pinpoint its root cause and treat it accordingly. Our team of experts at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can introduce you to a treatment and exercise plan that boosts your post-surgery healing.

Request an appointment or call us today at Affton, North O’Fallon, St. Louis, Creve Coeur, Ellisville, Saint Peters, O’Fallon, Saint Charles, Warrenton & Wentzville, MO centers.

[maxbutton name=”Start Your PT Journey Today”] [maxbutton name=”Call Us”]
March 3, 2023
Why does jumping rope lead to Achilles tendon pain?
The Achilles tendon is considered the strongest tendon in the human body, but it is frequently injured. In fact, about 24% of athletes experience Achilles tendon injuries. This is because the tendon is a crucial part of movements like running and jumping. If overused, it can become inflamed and even rupture.

High-impact exercises like jumping rope can place repeated stress on your Achilles tendon, especially if you neglect to stretch beforehand. If you notice pain around your Achilles tendon while jumping rope, then you might be experiencing symptoms of tendinitis.

It’s important to address your Achilles tendon pain as soon as you can to avoid long-lasting damage and chronic pain. Treatment options like physical therapy can help you manage symptoms such as swelling and pain safely and effectively.

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Your Achilles tendon connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. You engage your Achilles tendon during daily activities like walking, running, standing on the balls of your feet and jumping.

While doing exercises that require repetitive jumping, like in the case of jumping rope, your Achilles tendon can experience additional pressure as your feet repeatedly slam the ground. Over time, frequent pressure and stress can lead to tendon damage like partial tears.

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis can include the following:
- Swelling at the back of your heel.
- Pain when you walk or run.
- Heel pain in the morning.
- Warmth and redness around your Achilles tendon.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Limited foot mobility.
- Stiffness at the back of your heel in the morning.
- Difficulty standing on the balls of your feet.
2 Achilles tendinitis types that may be causing your symptoms

If you like to jump rope for exercise but start to notice any of the above symptoms around your Achilles tendon, then you may be suffering from Achilles tendinitis. It’s important to note that there are two distinct types of Achilles tendinitis:
- Insertional Achilles tendinitis — This type of tendinitis occurs at the lower portion of your tendon, around your heel bone. Your swelling and redness may be concentrated at the end of your heel.
- Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis — This type of tendinitis occurs in the middle of your tendon. Athletes who injure their Achilles tendon often experience this type of tendinitis, as the middle of the tendon sustains the most stress from high-impact exercises like jumping rope or running.
If you feel sharp, sudden pain at the back of your leg for long periods of time or have difficulty walking, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. On the other hand, if your Achilles pain remains a dull ache and only sharpens when performing high-impact activities like jumping rope, you may be able to treat it with noninvasive, at-home remedies.

What can I do to ease pain in my Achilles tendon connected to jumping rope?

If jumping rope is one of your main exercises, feeling Achilles tendon pain during a session can be frustrating. One of the best things to do for tendinitis is rest. If you ignore the pain, the condition can get worse or may even lead to a greater tear or a rupture, which can require medical assistance. If you notice that your condition isn’t getting any better, physical therapy can help speed up your recovery. Physical therapy can help by:
- Reducing inflammation — Achilles tendinitis inflammation can be painful and make it difficult to perform daily activities like jumping and running. Physical therapists can prescribe therapy modalities designed to encourage blood flow to your inflamed tendon, decrease muscle tightness, reduce swelling and gently encourage your tendon to heal.
- Strengthening your tendon — Physical therapists can prescribe exercises that target your Achilles tendon and the surrounding muscles, all with the goal of promoting healing and preventing further damage.
- Increasing flexibility and mobility — Achilles tendinitis can lead to inflammation like swelling and redness, making movement difficult. Physical therapists can apply manual therapy techniques that stretch your Achilles tendon and encourage joint movement so that you can jump rope with greater flexibility and less pain.
In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary if noninvasive treatments don’t offer relief, or if your Achilles tendon is severely damaged or completely severed. Recovery from this surgery can take six to nine months. While physical therapy can help you avoid the need for surgery, your doctor may recommend surgery as a viable treatment plan. Your physical therapist can help prepare you for surgery and can help speed up your recovery process.

Suffering from Achilles pain? Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation can help

A physical therapist can help guide you through low-impact alternative exercises to jumping rope that can help ease the tension in your Achilles tendon while you’re still healing. Our clinicians at Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation are experts in treating Achilles tendon conditions. We are prepared to build you a personalized treatment plan that helps ease your tendon pain and expedites your tendinitis recovery.

Contact us today for more information about jumping rope and Achilles pain or to schedule an initial appointment.
February 13, 2023
What’s causing my ankle to hurt if there’s no swelling?
The likely answer is that you have a high ankle sprain, which tends to make your ankle hurt but does not cause swelling.

High ankle sprains are also called syndesmotic ankle injuries. They affect the ligaments between your tibia and fibula, and these are found just above your ankle joint. It’s estimated that nearly 6% of acute ankle sprains are high ankle sprains. A physical therapist can help you determine how you developed a high ankle sprain. They can offer effective treatment for your hurt ankle with no swelling as well.

How do I know if my hurt ankle is serious?

There are a few different ways you can tell if your ankle pain is something that you should take more seriously. Here’s how you can tell:
- It’s disrupting daily activities — If your ankle hurts but there’s no swelling, take a minute to think about how much the pain interferes with your daily life. Is it stopping you from completing your normal routine, or can you still do most of the same activities? If you can complete your normal routine with minimal pain, it may not be so serious. But, if you struggle to do things like walk, run or put weight on your ankle, it may necessitate professional care.
- If your pain level changes — If the amount of pain you experience increases or subsides and then returns, it could be indicative of a condition that needs to be professionally managed.
- If you have a preexisting condition — Hurt ankles with no swelling should cause a certain degree of concern for people with certain conditions like diabetes.
What causes high ankle sprains?

There are many ways you can develop a high ankle sprain. Some common ways people develop this issue that causes the ankle to hurt with no swelling are:
- Over-rotating the foot — The ankle and lower leg are heavily involved in rotating your foot. Rotating the foot too far outward while walking or running is a common cause of high ankle sprains.
- Playing sports — Sports that involve sudden changes of direction are likely to trigger a high ankle sprain; these directional changes cause athletes to twist their legs and feet. In turn, this can lead to foot over-rotation.
What shouldn’t I do if I have a hurt ankle without swelling?
- Avoid taking pain medicine within the first two days, if possible — If you take pain medication too early on, you could risk making your condition worse. When you take pain medication that blocks pain signals to your brain, you’re more likely to use your ankle, which could exacerbate your injury.
- Don’t put too much pressure on it — While you’re still healing, it’s important that you not place too much strain on your ankle by standing for extended amounts of time or putting your full body weight on it.
What should I do to treat a high ankle sprain?

Treating a high ankle sprain is something a physical therapist can do. These specialists are trained to address high ankle sprains and many other musculoskeletal disorders. Often, your therapist will combine several therapy techniques to help your injured ankle. Here are some therapy methods your therapist may use:
- Balance training is designed to help you maintain better balance while walking or running.
- Gait evaluations are intended to pinpoint underlying issues that might lead to future high ankle sprains.
- Therapeutic exercises focus on strengthening your feet, ankles and legs.
- Shoe and orthotic recommendations can help you avoid future injuries.
Find help with a hurt ankle that’s not swelling at Armor PT

Does your ankle hurt? Are you experiencing little to no swelling? Our Armor Physical Therapy team can help treat the high ankle sprains that often cause such symptoms. We offer free screenings intended to determine if you have a high ankle sprain. Also, our team is adept at constructing customized therapy plans designed to reduce pain and prevent future ankle injuries.

Is your hurt ankle keeping you stuck at home? No problem! You can still get the physical therapy you need to treat your injury thanks to the virtual therapy and at-home care services we offer.

Contact us today for more information about how we can treat your painful ankle or to schedule an initial appointment.
February 12, 2023
Have ankle pain at night? Here are some possible causes
When most people feel pain in their ankle, they most likely suspect an ankle sprain. This assumption isn’t entirely without merit. After all, one medical study reports that more than 2 million acute ankle sprains occur every year. However, there are several other issues that could be the cause of your nighttime ankle pain.

What could be causing your ankle pain at night?

Physical therapists can help you learn what’s causing your ankle pain at night. This is possible because these specialists can perform a comprehensive assessment of your ankle. The results of this assessment can point to the most likely cause of your pain. Some of the issues that your therapist might uncover include:
- Plantar fasciitis — This condition occurs in a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is the name of this structure, and it’s often injured when excessive stress is placed on it by activities like running. Plantar fasciitis also causes pain in the heel that can be worse when you first get out of bed in the morning. It’s estimated that this condition leads to more than 1 million doctor’s visits per year.
- Ankle osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis can cause cartilage to wear out or become damaged, and it can affect any joint in the body, including the ankle. Researchers estimate that more than 3% of Americans have ankle osteoarthritis. This condition can cause the ankle to stiffen and become painful when you’re sleeping. These symptoms are likely caused by the ankle positions or lack of movement that occurs while you’re asleep.
- Peripheral neuropathy — Damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord is known as peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that 30 million Americans have some form of this condition. Often, this condition can cause you to wake up with pins-and-needles sensations in your ankle. It can also lead to burning pains in this joint.
- Achilles tendinitis — Tendinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation in the tendons, which are thick, cablelike fibers that adhere muscles and bones. Achilles tendinitis causes a pain in the Achilles tendon just above the heel. Often, this pain radiates to other parts of the ankle. Tendinitis is fairly common, causing more than 70,000 people to miss work each year, so there’s a chance it’s the source of your nightly ankle pain.
- Ankle bursitis — Bursitis occurs when your bursae — the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate your joints — become inflamed. This can be the result of an acute injury or repetitive stress. Ankle bursitis can happen in any of the ankle’s tiny bursae, but it most frequently occurs in the heel or where the top of the foot meets the ankle.
How do I stop my ankles from hurting at night?

While you should consult a medical professional about your ankle pain, there are some steps you can take for temporary pain relief at home:
- Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water to flush waste fluid out of your body that causes swelling and pain in your soft tissue. It also keeps your soft tissue soft and flexible so you can move more comfortably.
- Elevate your leg at night — Elevating your ankle helps drain any fluid collected in it, which can reduce swelling and relieve pain. If possible, sleep with your leg up on a pillow to keep it elevated all night.
- Stretch — One of the biggest benefits of physical therapy is that your specialist coaches you through therapeutic exercises intended to relieve tension and reduce pain. Some of these stretches, such as calf stretches and toe bends, can help to relieve ankle pain.
Peak Performance can help treat your nighttime ankle pain

You don’t have to continue dealing with ankle pain every night. Our physical therapy specialists at Peak Performance are primed to assist you with your ankle pain. Our clinics offer free screenings that can reveal the cause of your pain. With this cause in mind, we can then build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce your ankle pain.

Are you ready to start getting our help for your ankle pain? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
- Ankle osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis can cause cartilage to wear out or become damaged, and it can affect any joint in the body, including the ankle. Researchers estimate that more than 3% of Americans have ankle osteoarthritis. This condition can cause the ankle to stiffen and become painful when you’re sleeping. These symptoms are likely caused by the ankle positions or lack of movement that occurs while you’re asleep.
- Peripheral neuropathy — Damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord is known as peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that 30 million Americans have some form of this condition. Often, this condition can cause you to wake up with pins-and-needles sensations in your ankle. It can also lead to burning pains in this joint.
Peak Performance can help treat your nighttime ankle pain

You don’t have to continue dealing with ankle pain every night. Our physical therapy specialists at Peak Performance are primed to assist you with your ankle pain. Our clinics offer free screenings that can reveal the cause of your pain. With this cause in mind, we can then build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce your ankle pain.

Are you ready to start getting our help for your ankle pain? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
February 9, 2023
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
If you’ve just sprained your ankle, you might be wondering if it’s OK to walk on it. The answer that most medical professionals may give you is no. In fact, most experts suggest that immobilizing the foot and limiting weight-bearing activities for up to two weeks is the best course of action for a newly sprained ankle.

A sprained ankle occurs when one or more of the ligaments in your ankle are overstretched or torn. A medical study reports that more than 23,000 U.S. adults per day require treatment for an ankle sprain.

With so many ankle sprains happening on a daily basis, it can be important to learn the dos and don’ts behind them. Physical therapists can be a major resource for those with ankle sprains. These specialists can help you build you an effective recovery plan for your sprained ankle.

Why is it not OK to walk on a sprained ankle at first?

Physical therapists are educated in the complexities of the human musculoskeletal system, which includes your ankle. Their in-depth knowledge gives them a deep understanding of issues like ankle sprains that can help you understand why it’s not OK to walk on a sprained ankle. Here are a few reasons why your specialist might tell you this:
- Your ankle needs time to rest.
  
  Movement is widely acknowledged as a potent recovery tool. Still, a sprained ankle requires a few days of rest to jump-start its natural recovery. The ligament needs time to heal its fibers, and your ankle needs time to find its initial alignment. The amount of time you need to rest your sprained ankle, without walking on it, can vary. Your physical therapist can determine the extent of your injury and let you know how long you should stay off your feet.
- Your symptoms can make it hard to walk.
  
  Many of the symptoms of an ankle sprain naturally make it harder to walk. Pain is often your body’s way of communicating its limitations to you. Putting weight on your injured ankle can further inflame your already-irritated tissue. Your ankle may also be swollen and stiff, which can make it more difficult to walk on a practical level. People with severe ankle sprains might not even be able to bear their own weight without crutches.
- Your ankle is weak.
When your ankle is injured, it is in a weakened state. This weakness can interrupt your sense of balance while walking and make daily tasks even more difficult. Unfortunately, ankle weakness and instability can continue for weeks after your pain subsides. While most ankle sprains heal without further complications, about 10% of them heal extremely slowly and over time. Performing certain physical therapy exercises can help improve your ankle strength faster. As a result, you can quickly regain your stability and balance and get back to the daily routine you’re used to.
- You can cause further damage to your ankle.
  
  Since sprained ankle ligaments can lead to chronic ankle instability, walking can become a risky activity, especially immediately after you’ve been injured. Ankle instability can cause your ankle to roll or twist while you’re walking. As a result, you can increase the damage done to your ankle ligament. In turn, this damage can increase your recovery time and the amount of time you need to be off your feet. Supervised range-of-motion exercises supervised by a physical therapist can be a safe way to increase your mobility without increasing your risk of further injury.
How do I know when I can start to walk after a sprained ankle?

The severity of your sprained ankle can play a large part in deciding when you can start walking after your injury. You will also need to take your recovery time into consideration. A medical professional can evaluate the level of intensity of your sprain and at which point you will be able to walk. Depending on where your sprain falls on the following sprain scale, you may need to wait longer before you can walk on your injured foot.
- Grade 1 — A Grade 1 sprain describes a stretch or small tear in your ligament fibers. There may be minor swelling and pain. Recovery time can take up to five weeks.
- Grade 2 — A Grade 2 sprain involves a torn ligament, but the tear is not complete. With this level of sprain, you could experience noticeable swelling and pain during movement. The recovery time for a Grade 2 sprain can take up to six weeks.
- Grade 3 — A Grade 3 sprain is the most severe, and it involves a ligament that is completely torn. This kind of sprain will involve significant swelling and pain. It will also make any movement extremely difficult. Achieving full recovery from a Grade 3 sprain could take up to six months. Your ankle has significant swelling, the injury is painful and walking is difficult.
How can physical therapists help treat your ankle sprain?

Physical therapists can let you know when it is and isn’t OK to walk on your sprained ankle. However, they can also help you recover from your injury in safe and customizable one-on-one sessions. These specialists are adept at using many therapy techniques to treat musculoskeletal injuries like ankle sprains.

Your physical therapist may try the following techniques to treat your ankle sprain and ease your pain:
- Strengthening exercises.
- Joint mobilization.
- Aquatic therapy.
- Soft tissue mobilization.
- Dry needling.
Rehab Access can help you learn when it’s OK to walk on your sprained ankle

Are you looking for a physical therapy team that can tell you when it’s OK to walk on your sprained ankle? Look no further than our team at Rehab Access Physical Therapy. We offer free screenings that can reveal the severity of your ankle sprain. In addition, our physical therapists excel at constructing customized recovery plans designed to:
- Reduce pain.
- Improve ankle flexibility.
- Speed up healing.
- Decrease the risk of future ankle injuries.
Contact our team today for more information about how we can help treat your ankle sprain or to schedule your initial appointment.
February 1, 2023
What to do when an old ankle injury flares up
Nearly 2 million people in the U.S. experience ankle injuries each year. They can occur for a variety of reasons including intense physical activity like sports games or even just walking. Ankle injuries could include a rolled ankle, a broken ankle, ligament tears and more. If you’ve injured your ankle in the past but you occasionally still feel pain or discomfort in that area of injury, there might be a couple of reasons for this.

Why might ankle injuries flare up?
- Your injury never completely healed — If you never took the time to properly rest or to get the treatment your injury needs, it may not be fully healed. To walk around with an old unhealed ankle injury is to significantly increase your odds of experiencing a flare-up.
- Your muscles have weakened — Sometimes when we stay off a foot or ankle to give it time to heal, we may avoid aggravating the injury but it may also cause our muscles to weaken without use. It takes about two weeks for strength to decline without regular use. Your old ankle injury flare-up could be caused by muscles that have grown weaker with minimal use.
What are the symptoms of an old ankle injury that needs attention?
- Pain — If you feel pain, no matter how small, in the area where your old ankle injury originally occurred, this may indicate a flare-up that may require some attention from a medical care provider.
- Stiffness — Stiffness is another indicator that an ankle injury that occurred years ago may need to be revisited in a health care setting. Even when there is stiffness without pain, your injury, left unchecked, could lead to bigger problems in the future.
- Reduced range of motion — Reduced range of motion is often caused by stiffness. This lack of mobility is typically a sign that your old injury may need some extra care from a medical provider, like a physical therapist.
- Pain or discomfort in areas close to the site of the injury — Pain or discomfort in adjacent regions to the old injury can indicate that the injury should be revisited by a medical professional. This may in part be due to unhealed injuries that cause you to compensate in other regions of the body, which can result in pain or discomfort to regions close to your old ankle injury, like the feet or legs.
What can you do about old ankle injuries that flare up?

One of the best things you can do for an old ankle injury that flares up is to schedule a visit with a physical therapist near you. Physical therapists can identify the kind of injury you may have obtained all those years ago and then address where your problem areas lie. If you didn’t get the proper treatment for your old ankle injury and still experience instances of pain and discomfort long after you think your injury has healed, trained medical professionals like physical therapists can build personalized treatment plans to strengthen and support your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can give you the tools you need to finally heal your injury and increase your mobility with minimal recurrences of pain or discomfort.

Whether you’re an older adult who is still feeling the effects of an old ankle injury flaring up years down the line, or you’re a younger person who thought your injury healed but you’re still experiencing flare-ups, physical therapy is for you. Therapy can be useful for people of all ages. If you think you may be experiencing pain or discomfort from an older ankle injury, you should reach out to a physical therapist for an appointment today.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for your old ankle injury flare-ups

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address your old ankle injury flare-up.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.

Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
December 5, 2022
Why do I have nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery?
Achilles tendon surgery may be necessitated for those who have ruptured or torn the tendon in their heel. The Achilles tendon is a cord in the back of the ankle and heel where the heel bone connects to the muscles in the calf. When the tendon becomes overstretched, it can become ruptured or torn. The tendon can also degenerate over time, and these are the kinds of situations when surgery may be necessary to correct the injury.

The nerve that runs through the area of the Achilles tendon is called the sural nerve. Some patients report experiencing pain in their sural nerve after they undergo an Achilles surgery.

Is it normal to have nerve pain after surgery on your Achilles tendon? What might cause this?
- Surgery complication — Experiencing nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery is relatively normal. It’s most often seen as a complication of this type of surgery. One study found that the sural nerve was closer to the Achilles tendon in older adults than younger people, which could increase their risk of nerve damage after surgery.
What are some symptoms of nerve pain that can be attributed to Achilles tendon surgery?
- Numbness — One of the symptoms of nerve pain resulting from Achilles tendon surgery may include numbness or decreased ability to experience sensations in the area.
- Tingling — Another symptom that may present itself in patients with this condition includes tingling or a “pins and needles” type of sensation.
- Burning — Some patients may also experience burning or sharp pain in the area of the affected nerve. It’s also common to experience throbbing or aching pains, as well.
- Muscle weakness — Muscle weakness can affect the area around the affected nerve and either be a result of the damaged nerve or muscle weakness from lack of use after surgery. Muscle atrophy can be seen in patients with this condition, as well.
- Muscle spasm — Nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery can definitely include muscle spasms and, when left untreated, can cause serious distress and discomfort for those with this particular condition.
What are some treatment methods for nerve pain after Achilles tendon surgery?

If you’re experiencing nerve pain after a recent Achilles tendon surgery, this may prolong your recovery time and make it more difficult to get back on your feet. Here are some treatments that may help:
- Rest — Rest can be helpful for those with nerve pain. It can allow your body to get a break from those activities that may irritate or aggravate your nerve pain. For example, taking a period of time to rest your nerve and Achilles tendon by avoiding walking for a little while can help reduce nerve pain from overuse. Resting can give your body time to heal.
- Strength-building exercises — Performing regular exercises to build strength in your feet, ankles, legs and other surrounding areas of the body can help improve your nerve pain after surgery on your Achilles tendon. You can do weight training to improve your muscle strength and better support your muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the area to reduce your nerve pain.
- Physical therapy — You can visit your local physical therapist to restore mobility and minimize pain in your tendon. Physical therapists are experts at creating treatment plans that are personalized to your unique physical health needs. They can help you restore flexibility, improve range of motion, and build strength in areas of weakness to prevent your chances of experiencing nerve pain in the future and minimize your current symptoms. They can also assess your current physical state after your Achilles tendon surgery and potentially identify what may be contributing to your nerve pain.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for nerve pain after an Achilles tendon surgery

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address your nerve pain after an Achilles tendon surgery.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.

Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
December 5, 2022
Why do my ankles hurt so much when I wake up in the morning?
Ankle pain is extremely common. Research estimates that 1 in 5 people will experience pain in their ankles at some point in their lives.

Pain in your ankle when you wake up in the morning can seriously put a damper on your day. Whether it be due to a condition caused by a sudden injury or even something that developed over time, there can be a lot of different reasons your ankle hurts.

4 reasons that someone might feel ankle pain when they first wake up in the morning
- Ankle sprain — The most common type of ankle injury is an ankle sprain. This injury usually occurs when you twist or roll your ankle in an abnormal way. If you’re experiencing ankle popping due to a sprain, learn how PT can help.
- Osteoarthritis — If you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage between your bones wears down with age and causes the bones to grind against one another. This condition is usually accompanied by stiffness.
- Tendinitis — If you have inflammation in your Achilles tendon, it can make your affected ankle feel extremely sore. If you’re feeling pain on the side of your ankle, it could be a symptom of tendinitis.
- Fallen arches — The arches in your feet can become damaged with age, weight or for other reasons. The arches fall when your tendons are injured, and it can sometimes cause pain in the feet and ankles where the tendons run through.
If you have been waking up with persistent ankle pain in the mornings and rest, ice, and pain relievers still aren’t doing the trick, you should consider seeing a physical therapist. They can help alleviate the pain you currently have and strengthen your ankle to help prevent future pain or injury.

Make an appointment with us today to find relief for your ankle pain

It can be difficult to deal with ankles that hurt when you wake up in the morning, but luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. The physical therapists at Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy can help you on your path to recovery.

If you or your loved one is struggling with ankles that hurt when you wake up, please don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
July 6, 2022
4 reasons physical therapists are all the foot and ankle pain specialist you need
Our feet and ankles support our body weight and allow us to walk and run. We depend on them to perform many of the activities that make up our day. So, it’s no surprise that all that wear and tear might result in foot and ankle pain every now and again. However, if you are experiencing pain in your feet and ankles that doesn’t go away, it may be time to seek treatment.

Did you know that many common causes of foot and ankle pain can be treated with physical therapy? It’s true! There’s no need to look any further than your local physical therapist when seeking out a foot and ankle pain specialist. In many cases, you can even book an appointment with a physical therapist without having to be referred by your primary care physician.

Why should I go to a physical therapist for help with my foot and ankle pain?

A licensed physical therapist can not only help you manage your foot and ankle pain, but can also work with you to pinpoint the cause of your pain and work with you to treat it. There are a number of benefits that can come from choosing a physical therapist as your foot and ankle pain specialist, including:
1. Direct access — Depending on which state you live in, you may be able to access physical therapy without needing a doctor’s referral. This saves you the time and cost of having to book a doctor’s appointment, which can often take weeks. Your insurance company may limit how much physical therapy you can receive, however.
1. Reduced pain — Your foot and ankle pain may be holding you back from participating in activities that you enjoy. Your physical therapist can employ a number of methods to reduce your pain, including manual therapy and dry needling therapy.
1. Increased mobility — Foot and ankle pain may be the result of conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle strain and cramps, bone spurs, or other injuries that make it harder to move and bend your feet and ankles. Using techniques such as joint mobilization, your physical therapist can gently work to restore flexibility and mobility to your feet and ankles.
1. Preventing injury — One of the goals of any physical therapy program should be not only to reduce your pain and help you get back on your feet, but also to make sure that you don’t injure yourself further. Gait training is one of the techniques a licensed physical therapist can use to analyze and correct your posture while walking and running. This helps you strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles and prevent further injury.
Where can I turn to find qualified foot and ankle pain specialists?

For foot and ankle pain specialists outside the Kansas City area, look no further than Specialists In Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation. Our team of licensed physical therapy specialists are qualified to diagnose and treat you for a number of common causes of foot and ankle pain. This includes:
- Muscle strains.
- Pain from osteoarthritis.
- Sports injuries.
- Bone spurs.
- Achilles tendinitis.
A free screening at one of our convenient clinics will put you in touch with one of our physical therapists, who will work with you to determine the cause of your pain. They will then craft a custom plan of treatment that is specially suited to your needs. Don’t let foot and ankle pain hold you back from your daily routine any longer!

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
March 11, 2022