Physical Therapy for Foot Pain in New Jersey

F

eet carry the weight of the body. When they are injured or affected by a health condition, the resulting foot pain affects everything, sometimes reducing a patient’s overall quality of life because it discourages physical activity.

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) is New Jersey’s premier rehabilitative treatment provider. The team of interventional pain management physicians, certified physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and physiatrists treat foot pain for patients throughout northern New Jersey with a conservative philosophy that prioritizes non-surgical treatment options, including physical therapy and pain management, for a successful recovery.

Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common complaint, especially in people who spend long periods standing. Foot pain may also be the result of degenerative diseases like arthritis or a variety of other health concerns. Common causes of foot pain include:

Overuse Injuries

• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Stress fractures
• Hammertoes

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and strains
• Jones fracture
• Broken bones

Nerve Conditions

• Pinched nerve
• Burning foot syndrome
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetes-related neuropathy
• Sciatica

Degenerative Conditions

• Osteoarthritis
• Pseudogout
• Gout

Other Health Conditions

• Morton’s neuroma
• Fallen arches (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction)
• Raynaud’s syndrome
• Tumors
• Cysts

Risk Factors for Foot Pain

While any person can develop a foot injury, certain health and lifestyle factors may increase that likelihood. Common risk factors for foot pain include:

• Job responsibilities: People who work jobs that require long periods of standing are at higher risk of foot pain. This includes retail service, food service, production, landscaping, construction, healthcare, and others.
• Sports participation: Certain sports, such as running and soccer, put feet under high levels of stress. This increases the likelihood of overuse injuries and may also enhance the risk of acute or traumatic injury.
• Improper footwear: Poorly fitting footwear puts feet under strain, increasing the chances of certain foot conditions. In addition, inappropriate footwear or insufficient support may also increase the risk of pain.
• Being overweight: Obesity (a body mass index of 30 or higher) greatly increases the weight that feet must carry. The additional stress creates wear and tear, potentially resulting in an overuse injury or other foot condition.
• Aging: The body accumulates wear and tear over time, especially weight-bearing joints such as those in the feet. This wear and tear sometimes leads to pain-causing degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis of Foot Pain

Because foot pain has many possible causes, an accurate diagnosis is vital to a successful treatment. After patients are referred to CNSO, their journey begins with a thorough diagnostic process to identify the source of their pain. An interventional pain management physician or certified physical therapist will perform the following steps:

• Medical history assessment: The specialist will analyze the patient’s medical history. This is to check for any risk factors such as genetics, underlying conditions, and previous injuries that may cause pain or influence treatment plans.
• Physical examination: Second, the affected foot will be examined. The pain management physician may ask the patient to move the foot in certain ways to check for pain responses, reflexes, range of movement, potential weaknesses, and loss of function.
• Diagnostic imaging tests: Some patients may also need medical imaging tests such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. Imaging may reveal a condition or abnormality that is otherwise hidden.

Through this process, the pain management physician or physical therapist develops a full understanding of the patient’s condition and its root causes. This understanding helps them produce a treatment plan designed to address pain at its source for a complete recovery.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Foot Pain

CNSO is proud to be the state of New Jersey’s premier rehabilitation service provider. CNSO’s strong reputation is due to its conservative approach to treatment that prioritizes non-invasive pain management strategies. CNSO recommends surgical intervention only when necessary.

Treatment plans at CNSO are developed by a coordinated team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists. These award-winning specialists work together to design a personalized care plan focused on the patient’s unique needs. In most cases, pain may be relieved, and function restored through conservative methods. Non-surgical treatments for foot pain include:

Lifestyle Modifications

Because feet support so much weight, lifestyle modifications are often necessary when treating foot pain. The care management team may recommend changes to the patient’s everyday habits, activity lifestyle, and footwear to enable a smooth recovery. Instructions may include:

• Taking breaks when standing or walking for long periods
• Using proper form when running or participating in sports
• Wearing well-fitting footwear that is appropriate for the activity
• Using orthotic shoe inserts for additional cushioning or support
• Wearing a medical brace to limit mobility
• Losing weight and maintaining a balanced diet

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a proven alternative to medication-based pain management plans and surgery. The certified physical therapists at CNSO develop personalized regimens for patients that may feature targeted exercises, heat and ice therapy, tissue manipulation, and other strategies. The aim is to rebuild strength and support in the foot while restoring flexibility and function. CNSO offers physical therapy at locations in Wayne, Paramus, Morristown, and Jersey City, NJ.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are medications commonly used for pain relief and inflammation reduction. Standard doses are available over the counter at many retail locations and pharmacies, while a pain management physician may prescribe higher doses. NSAIDs are most often used for patients whose pain limits their functionality and ability to participate in everyday life. The medication often provides instant relief, letting the patient get back to their routine, however they might need more throughout the day.

Oral Corticosteroids

Like NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids are a pain and inflammation relief medication. This type of medication is most often prescribed in a short course of five to seven days. This course may be followed by a longer course of NSAIDs.

Steroid and Medication Injections

Some patients may not receive the relief they are looking for from oral medications. In this case, the orthopedist or physical therapist may recommend epidural steroid injections or joint injections. This method is used to insert a small amount of steroidal or other medication directly into the inflamed tissue to provide fast-acting relief that is stronger and lasts longer than an oral medication. Injections may help patients return quickly to normal function.

Surgical Treatments for Foot Pain

Some foot pain does not improve with conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication. CNSO doctors may also identify a condition that cannot be treated non-invasively. In these cases, surgery may be necessary. The patient’s physical therapist will coordinate with the appropriate CNSO surgical specialist to ensure appropriate treatment with the best results. Afterward, physical therapy is often used to facilitate smooth and expedient recovery.

Trust CNSO for Foot Pain Care

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) understands the toll that foot pain can take on a patient’s life. When patients choose to receive treatment from CNSO, they are assured care from an award-winning and dedicated team of certified physical therapists and pain management specialists to get to the root of the problem. CNSO offers multiple convenient locations across northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, and Hudson counties. To learn more about how physical therapy and pain management can treat foot pain, contact the CNSO medical team today.