Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space located on the inside of the ankle, containing the tibial nerve which provides feeling to the heel and foot and aids in foot function. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause debilitating pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and ankle and limit ankle and foot mobility and function. Physical therapy can play a critical role in improving the function and mobility of those with tarsal tunnel syndrome through a targeted strengthening, stretching, manual therapy, and nerve gliding treatment program.

A Lisfranc injury can involve a sprain or tearing of the ligaments of the midfoot or a fracture or dislocation of the metatarsal and tarsal bones of the midfoot, leading to significant pain, dysfunction, and difficulty walking or running. The Lisfranc joint is located at the junction of the forefoot and midfoot, where the metatarsal bones connect to the rest of the foot. Physical therapy after a Lisfranc injury can help you manage pain and swelling, improve lower extremity mobility and strength, restore normal walking ability, and ensure a safe return to activity and sports competition.

A Lisfranc injury occurs from a sudden trauma such as a fall, hard contact, or twisting of the foot that damages the bones or overstresses the ligaments of the Lisfranc joint. The Lisfranc joint is a complex joint in the midfoot where the metatarsal bones connect to the rest of your foot, joined by ligaments that stabilize the arch of the foot and transfer loads from the lower leg to the foot. Physical therapy after a Lisfranc injury can help manage pain and swelling, improve lower extremity mobility and strength, restore normal walking ability, and ensure a safe return to activity and sports competition.

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of movement, causing the ankle’s ligaments to overstretch or tear. Ankle sprains account for up to 40% of lower extremity sports injuries and 15% of all sports injuries in the United States. Physical therapy is the first line of treatment for ankle sprains, effectively restoring mobility, strength, and function in the injured ankle, preventing re-injury, and ensuring a safe return to sport through a targeted exercise and manual therapy rehabilitation program.

Check out our July 2023 Newsletter, highlighting improving your golf swing with the Golf Forever tool, dynamic balance training, physical therapy for foot drop, and physical therapy management for scoliosis.

Foot drop is a symptom of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem involving an inability to lift the front of your foot due to an impairment in the muscle in the front of your shin, the anterior tibialis. Foot drop presents as an individual dragging the foot and toes on the ground when walking or bending the knees to lift the foot higher above ground to avoid dragging. Physical therapy can help address foot drop and improve functional mobility and gait pattern through a targeted therapeutic and strengthening exercise program.

Mangiarelli Rehabilitation physical therapist Sarah demonstrates three exercises to reduce plantar fasciitis pain and restore function. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot and heel pain that develops due to repeated activities that strain the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that rungs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch of the foot. Physical therapy is highly effective in treating plantar fasciitis, using manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to reduce pain, restore function and strength in the foot, and improve foot mechanics.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that develops when repeated activities strain the plantar fascia of the foot, which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch of the foot. When individuals perform repetitive weight-bearing and impact-loading activities over days, months, and years, this can lead to microtears and chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia. Physical therapy is highly effective in treating plantar fasciitis, helping reduce pain, restore function and strength in the foot, improve foot mechanics, and address the root cause of the condition.

The Lisfranc joint is a complex joint in the midfoot where the metatarsal bones connect to the rest of the foot, providing stability to the foot, supporting the arch of the foot, and allowing you to walk and run with ease. A Lisfranc injury involves a fracture or dislocation of the metatarsal and tarsal bones of the midfoot or a sprain of the ligaments of the midfoot, leading to significant pain, dysfunction, and difficulty walking or running. Physical therapy after a Lisfranc injury and surgery can help you manage pain and swelling, improve lower extremity mobility and strength, restore normal walking ability, and safely return to activity and sports competition.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTDD) is one of the most common problems of the foot and ankle that occurs when the posterior tibial tendon is inflamed or torn, leading to an acquired flat foot. PTDD most often results from overuse due to repetitive loading on the tendon that causes microtrauma, inflammation, and eventually a tear of the posterior tibial tendon. Physical therapy can restore flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle, alleviate pain, and help patients return to the highest level of function.

Hiking is a fun outdoor activity to engage in with family and friends throughout the summer and has numerous health benefits. However, hiking can be arduous, placing significant physical stress on the body as you navigate varied terrain and high temperatures. Check out our tips for preventing common hiking injuries like knee pain, ankle sprains, and heat exhaustion and what to do to ensure a safe hike this summer!

A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe, causing pain and swelling. Over time, bunions can change the anatomy and biomechanics of the foot, negatively impacting an individual’s mobility and function. Physical therapy can help to reduce bunion pain, increase the function of the big toe, improve muscle strength in the foot, ankle, and lower leg, and restore walking ability.