Physical therapy and podiatric care overlap in many ways, but it's helpful to understand the differences as well. Choosing between physical therapy and podiatric care for foot and ankle pain management depends on the cause and medical history. For example, an athlete with a foot injury will follow a much different treatment plan than an elderly person with chronic plantar fasciitis.
This blog will cover similarities and differences between physical therapy and podiatry. While there are striking differences between the two treatment methods, when used together, both options can prove to be a powerful combination for foot and ankle pain management.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy uses strengthening and balancing exercises to restore function, mobility, and range of motion to the foot, ankle, and surrounding muscles. Unlike podiatric care, physical therapy doesn't solely focus on foot and ankle problems but instead corrects injuries concerning the entire body. For example, physical therapy treatment may include hip mobility exercises, spinal flexibility, and knee adjustments to help correct and mitigate foot pain.
While physical therapy is an excellent choice for those looking for a less invasive treatment option, there are a few drawbacks. Since physical therapy relies on retraining the foot and ankle to move in a certain way rather than fixing structural problems, it may take years to come close to a correction that custom orthotics would otherwise provide.
What Are the Benefits of Podiatric Care?
Unlike physical therapy, podiatry focuses on the foot and ankle mechanics. Treatment may include surgery or custom orthopedic footwear to correct the structure of the foot and ankle over time. While podiatrists can work with those who have foot and ankle injuries, they also specialize in managing patients with certain health conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes. Podiatrists can diagnose a variety of chronic foot and ankle conditions, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and more.
In addition to performing surgery, custom orthopedic footwear, and prescribing pain medications, a podiatrist may also suggest rehabilitation. This is where physical therapy and podiatric care go hand in hand. The goal of podiatry is to correct the structure of the foot and ankle to lessen pain and prevent chronic conditions from worsening.
Podiatric Care or Physical Therapy: Which is the Better Option?
Generally speaking, choosing between podiatric care and physical therapy depends on the situation. If you have a chronic health condition or severe injury that causes foot or ankle pain, seeing a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation may be best. Podiatrists have the necessary tools and tests to diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic conditions and injuries. In many cases, doctors at Synergy Health Foot and Ankle suggest a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of podiatry and physical therapy.
Physical therapy is a less invasive and holistic treatment method, which may be best suited for those who are managing or recovering from ankle and foot pain. The feet are the foundation of the body. Oftentimes, foot pain can lead to other problem areas, such as back pain or hip pain. Physical therapists can help get the body back in alignment and manage widespread pain through different tactics. If you are looking to implement lifestyle changes for pain management, physical therapy is a helpful option.
How Podiatry and Physical Therapy Work Synergistically for Foot Pain
Whether you have chronic or acute foot and ankle pain, a comprehensive treatment regimen includes both podiatric care and physical therapy. After implementing the necessary procedures to correct structural issues of the foot or ankle, podiatrists often suggest physical therapy as a form of rehabilitation while healing from surgery. There are a variety of benefits when podiatric care is coupled with physical therapy treatment, such as:
Proper Recovery
Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of post-surgical injuries or complications by slowly introducing proper movement before weight-bearing exercises are implemented.
Accelerate Healing Process
Strengthening the surrounding muscles, as well as increasing flexibility, can help with blood flow and the healing process by breaking up scar tissue.
Prevent Relapse
Introducing new movement patterns allows the body to adapt to proper gait and prevent a relapse after surgery or injury.
Improve Mobility and Range of Motion
Physical therapy can help foster the range of mobility while healing, allowing you to stay active with minimal pain.
Get Rid of Foot Pain with Comprehensive Care
Here at Synergy Health Foot and Ankle, we believe in a comprehensive "kitchen sink" approach to treating foot and ankle pain. We consider every angle of care, including both podiatric treatment and physical therapy, while also considering a patient's unique needs.
With nearly a decade of experience, we're committed to collaborating with our patients and providing a compassionate, thriving environment for healing. Get back on your feet today and contact us to book an appointment. We'll be happy to provide a comprehensive treatment program that has the potential to give you back the quality of life you deserve.
