As Heard on the Voices in Health and Wellness Podcast Redefining what physical therapy can feel like.
Davis Bradley, founder of Uncommon Physical Therapy, was recently featured on the Voices in Health and Wellness podcast — a show highlighting trailblazers who are transforming how care is delivered. In this episode, Davis shares how Uncommon PT was built with one goal in mind: to raise the standard for what patients can expect from physical therapy.
“Success for me isn’t being the best therapist in the room. It’s building a team where I’m eventually the least best — because we’ve all grown that much together.” – Davis Bradley, Founder
In the episode, Davis discusses:
Why patient phone calls are returned within 30 minutes of referral
How hour-long, one-on-one sessions create better outcomes and relationships
The philosophy behind greeting every patient in the waiting room
A balanced model that honors both insurance guidelines and patient needs
The importance of building a sustainable, people-first workplace for therapists
How redefining “success” can transform patient experience and team culture
🎧 Listen to the episode now and see why patients — and practitioners — are calling Uncommon PT the most refreshing care experience they’ve ever had.
Davis Bradley
Schedule your appointment today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram. We look forward to supporting you on your health journey!
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to symptoms like pain, clicking, and limited movement. Physical therapy offers a treatment approach for managing TMJ disorders. Through exercises, manual therapy, and education, we can reduce pain and improve jaw function for individuals experiencing these issues.
We treat all general aches and pains! If you went to your doctor and they recommended PT, we most likely treat your diagnosis or will help you find a PT who does if we do not. We are a knowledgeable, caring team that will take care of you from start to finish. Come on in and get your questions answered — we can’t wait to meet you.
If you’ve ever had pain or discomfort in your jaw, neck, or around your ears, you might have experienced TMJ dysfunction, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This condition can cause pain and problems with how your jaw moves. While it can feel uncomfortable, physical therapy can help reduce the pain and improve jaw movement.
What is TMJ dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull and is located in front of your ears on each side of your face. The joint allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, talk, and even yawn. When this joint doesn’t work correctly, or if the muscles around it become tight or irritated, it leads to TMJ dysfunction.
What are some TMJ dysfunction symptoms?
Some common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:
jaw pain or tenderness
clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth
difficulty chewing or opening your mouth wide
pain around your ears or neck
headaches or dizziness
What causes TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction can happen for many reasons. Common causes of TMJ dysfunction include:
Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, typically associated with stress or anxiety
Injury or trauma, such as a car accident, sports injury, or recent dental work
Arthritis, although this is a much less common cause of TMJ dysfunction
How can physical therapy help TMJ dysfunction?
Studies have shown that physical therapy can significantly reduce the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ dysfunction. Physical therapists are trained to help you with exercises, stretches, and techniques to reduce pain from TMJ dysfunction and improve the jaw’s movement.
Improving jaw movement
Through physical therapy, you can learn specific exercises to move your jaw better. These exercises may focus on stretching the muscles to reduce tightness, strengthening the muscles to make them function better, and improving coordination so your jaw moves smoothly without pain or clicking.
Reducing pain and tension
TMJ dysfunction often causes pain and tension in the jaw muscles. A physical therapist can use manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue work or joint mobilization, to relieve this tension, decreasing the pain you might feel when you open your mouth or chew.
Exercise
Exercises for jaw pain are tailored to each patient, and may involve jaw specific exercises, or exercises to strengthen or loosen the neck, shoulder, and spine. Additionally, general exercises that move the whole body, such as aerobic exercises, can help to reduce stress and some pain, either of which could be contributing to TMJ dysfunction.
Relaxation techniques
Since stress is a common cause of jaw clenching and teeth grinding, physical therapists can teach you ways to relax your jaw as well as managing stress levels overall. Learning how to manage stress and tension through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness strategies can make a big difference.
Education on habits and lifestyle changes
Sometimes, habits such as chewing gum too much or biting your nails can make TMJ dysfunction worse. A physical therapist can help you identify these habits and suggest alternatives. They can also provide advice on how to sleep better or which foods may aggravate your jaw.
Treatment for TMJ dysfunction
If you think you might have TMJ dysfunction, talk with your primary care provider or dentist about your symptoms. It can be helpful to take notes about your pain or jaw mobility issues so you are prepared for any questions they may have. Your primary care provider or dentist can help determine if physical therapy is right for you.
Invest in your jaw comfort today! Explore straightforward strategies to alleviate TMJ discomfort and enhance your jaw movement through physical therapy. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram.
Pushing your physical limits in sports is exhilarating, but it also places significant stress on your body, making injuries a potential setback. Physical therapy plays a crucial role not only in recovery but also in prevention. Check out how targeted physical therapy strategies can significantly reduce your risk of sports-related injuries.
Uncommon Physical Therapy exists to change the expectations of Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Your commitment of time and financial resources for in-person physical therapy is something we value and respect. Every patient has unique goals for therapy; our mission is to do everything needed to help you achieve yours — uncommonly well. As it says in our ethos, “success is uncommon and not to be enjoyed by the common man.” We hold ourselves to a higher standard — we want to be a part of your success story. Come on in! We can’t wait to meet you!
Exercise is good for the body and with the proper precautions, sports injuries can often be prevented. The quality of protective equipment – padding, helmets, shoes, mouth guards – has helped to improve safety in sports. But, you can still be susceptible to injury. Always contact your healthcare provider before starting any type of physical activity, especially vigorous types of exercises or sports.
Causes of sports injuries may include:
Improper or poor training practices
Wearing improper sporting gear
Being in poor health condition
Improper warm-up or stretching practices before a sporting event or exercise
Common sports injuries include:
Sprains and strains
Joint injuries (knee)
Muscle injuries
Dislocations
Fractures
Achilles tendon injuries
Pain along the shin bone
How can I prevent a sports injury?
The following are some basic steps to prevent a sports injury:
Develop a fitness plan that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility. This will help decrease your chance of injury.
Alternate exercising different muscle groups and exercise every other day.
Cooldown properly after exercise or sports. It should take 2 times as long as your warm-ups.
Stay hydrated. Drink water to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Stretching exercises can improve the ability of muscles to contract and perform, reducing the risk of injury. Each stretch should start slowly until you reach a point of muscle tension. Stretching should not be painful. Aim to hold each stretch for up to 20 seconds.
Use the right equipment or gear and wear shoes that provide support and that may correct certain foot problems that can lead to injury.
Learn the right techniques to play your sport.
Rest when tired, Avoid exercise when you are tired or in pain.
Always take your time during strength training and go through the full range of motion with each repetition.
If you do sustain a sports injury, make sure you participate in adequate rehabilitation before resuming strenuous activity.
Don’t let injuries sideline your passion. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038 to develop a personalized injury prevention plan. Let us help you stay strong, agile, and in the game. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram.
Stroke survivors often face challenges like muscle weakness, balance issues, and difficulty with everyday tasks, but targeted PT interventions can make a significant difference. Here, we’ll explore how physical therapy can support stroke recovery, what to expect during treatment, and the inspiring progress many patients achieve with dedication and professional guidance.
We’d love to meet you and discuss your challenges — at Uncommon PT, we care for you throughout every phase of your treatment from scheduling your first appointment, during your treatment sessions, and even after you have been discharged! You become part of our Uncommon Physical Therapy Family. Let’s talk!
A stroke happens when blood flow to your brain is decreased or stopped. Many people need physical therapy following a stroke to help improve their ability to move and become more independent.
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted. This lack of blood flow deprives your brain cells of the oxygen they need to live.
Depending on where in your brain the stroke occurs, it can affect many parts of your body. More than 40%Trusted Source of stroke survivors have trouble with movement or other neurological functions.
Physical therapy, also sometimes known as physiotherapy, is one of the main rehabilitation therapies used to decrease disability and improve movement after a stroke. During physical therapy, your therapist uses treadmill training, strengthening, and a variety of other techniques to help you improve your movement.
In this article, we examine how physical therapy can help you recover from a stroke and what you can expect during your treatment.
How does physical therapy help people who have had a stroke?
Physical therapy is the main rehabilitation therapy for most people Trusted Source who have a stroke.
According to a 2022 research review Trusted Source, about 40% of people who have a stroke have functional impairment of their movement. The long-term goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help you become as independent as possible.
Undergoing physical therapy can potentially help Trusted Source you regain:
strength
mobility
coordination
balance
proprioception (your sense of self-movement)
Research from 2017 Trusted Source suggests that doing intensive physical therapy shortly after a stroke is associated with decreased death rates and reduced complications. People who undergo continuous professional therapy tend to recover rapidlyTrusted Source.
Physical therapy can help you regain movement patterns such as:
walking
sitting
lying down
standing
getting out of a chair
What will physical therapy include?
Physical therapists use many techniques to help you regain movement after a stroke. Your program will be customized to your individual needs depending on factors such as:
your overall health
the type of movement you’ve lost
your degree of disability
Stroke rehabilitation usually starts in the hospital shortly after your stroke. At first, the program might focus on simple tasks like trying to pick up an object. Over time, your program may progress to help you relearn more complex motor tasks like walking.
Once you’re discharged from the hospital, your healthcare team will likely continue to recommend physical therapy either at home or at a clinic. Your physical therapist will typically give you exercises and stretches to do at home to help with your recovery.
Physical therapists use different techniques to help you recover. These include:
task-oriented training, where you go through real-life motions, such as getting up from a chair
strength training using weights, your body weight, or bands
walking or balance training
treadmill training
constraint-induced movement therapy, where your strong arm is constrained so you’re forced to use your weak arm
electrical stimulation to activate the nerves of your injured muscles
virtual reality or video game tools
bio feed back, which aims to help you gain control over your mind-body connection
aquatic therapy, where you do exercises in the water
In a 2020 review of studies Trusted Source, researchers found some evidence suggesting that aquatic therapy may be able to significantly improve a wide range of stroke-induced disabilities. However, the researchers noted that although the research is promising, more evidence is needed.
In addition to helping you regain lost movement, your physical therapist can also:
fit you for braces, a wheelchair, or other mobility aids
teach you how to use these mobility devices
provide training to your family or caregiver
How long do you need physical therapy after a stroke?
If you’re in stable condition, you may be able to start physical therapy as soon as 2 days Trusted Source after your stroke.
In a 2017 study Trusted Source, researchers found that in a group of 783 people admitted to one hospital with stroke, 75.8% were referred to physical therapy. The average time from admission to the hospital to getting a referral for physical therapy was 3 days.
According to the National Institutes of Health Trusted Source, adding intensive motor rehabilitation after 60–90 days to your standard rehab therapy may help improve outcomes.
The duration that you need to do physical therapy depends on the severity of your stroke and your level of disability. You may need to do physical therapy for months to years.
The most rapid recovery usually occurs within the first 3–4 months Trusted Source.
Typically, you’ll do several sessions per week.
What other types of therapy may be needed after a stroke?
Depending on the extent and complications of your stroke, you may have to do other types of rehabilitation therapy. According to the American Stroke Association Trusted Source, more than two-thirds of stroke survivors do some type of rehabilitation therapy.
Other types of therapy you may benefit from include:
speech therapy to help you relearn how to speak or communicate
occupational therapy to help you regain skills you need to perform everyday activities
vocational therapy to help you return to the workforce
cognitive behavioral therapy to help you deal with the changes in your life
Takeaway
Physical therapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process for many people who have had a stroke. It can potentially help you improve your recovery and minimize your disability.
During physical therapy, a therapist uses a variety of techniques to help you regain your ability to move, such as strengthening exercises, treadmill training, or having you perform everyday activities.
Your healthcare team can help you decide how long and how many times per week you should attend physical therapy.
Stroke recovery is a journey, and we’re here to help. Our experienced physical therapists can offer patients personalized treatment plans. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram.
Characterized by pain radiating down the leg from the lower back, sciatica can significantly impact your daily life. While the exact cause can vary, physical therapy plays a crucial role in both preventing and managing sciatica pain. Through a combination of therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and patient education, physical therapists can help strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce nerve compression.
Sciatica causes pain that begins in the lower back and spreads through the buttock, leg, calf and, occasionally, the foot. It can be a disruptive and painful condition, but early intervention and lifestyle adjustments can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Increase exercise
Exercise is an important way to prevent sciatica. If you already have symptoms, staying physically can actually help diminish your pain. Consider these types:
aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, and other activities that increase your heart rate
strength training, such as exercises using free weights or weight machines, or isometric exercises, which involve contracting muscles without obvious movement
flexibility training, such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and similar activities that increase both flexibility and strength.
The “best” exercise is the one that you like to do and will continue to do long term. Always “start low and go slow” when beginning a new type of exercise.
Strengthen your core
It might not seem obvious that a stronger core could improve your spinal health. But your core is not just your abdominal muscles, even though they are key contributors to the stability of your spine. Muscles in the back, sides, pelvis, and buttocks also are part of your core. Strengthening all of these muscles helps to support your spine.
Many types of exercise, including yoga and Pilates, can strengthen the core muscles. For example, planks and bridges are movements that target the core. You can find more options, with instructions, in the Harvard Special Health Report Gentle Core Exercises.
Avoid sitting for long periods
Prolonged periods of sitting put pressure on the discs and ligaments in the low back. If you have a job that requires a lot of sitting, take frequent breaks, or try a standing desk. Less sitting is better.
Practice good posture
Although there’s no evidence that poor posture can cause back pain, it can make existing pain worse. But you don’t have to walk around the room with a book on your head to practice good posture. Follow these tips:
Pay attention to your body’s position when you’re standing or sitting.
To prevent slouching, pull your shoulders down and back. Imagine your shoulder blades touching.
If you work at a computer, take frequent breaks. Position your monitor so you can see it without bending your head down or tilting it back.
Avoid smoking
Besides its general harmful effects on your health, smoking reduces how much oxygen your tissues are getting. Because the discs in the spine don’t have a great oxygen supply to begin with, smoking can increase the risk of disc degeneration and damage that can lead to sciatica.
Get enough sleep
Like your brain, your spine also needs rest. While you’re awake and vertical, it supports the weight of your body and absorbs the forces of everyday life. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Tips for spine-healthy sleep include the following:
If you need or want to purchase a new mattress, get one that feels comfortable to you and that keeps your spine aligned. Firmer isn’t necessarily better. Finding a mattress with a money-back guarantee can give you time to test your purchase and ensure it’s right for you.
If you sleep on your back, a two-piece wedge cushion may relieve pain from sciatica. One-piece rests under your legs and the other under your back. An alternative to buying a special cushion: put two thick pillows behind your back to prop you into a slightly raised position. Then place one or two flatter pillows under your knees to raise your legs.
If you sleep on your side, place a contoured pillow (or any plump pillow) between your knees. Use a thick pillow under your head; this helps to align your upper spine.
Sleeping on your stomach is the least preferred position if you have sciatica. But if this is how you’re most comfortable, use no pillow or only a flat pillow under your head. Place a plump pillow under your hips to align your spine.
The vast majority of people who have sciatica get better within a few weeks. If you have sciatica, chances are also good that with careful attention, treatment, and preventive steps, you’ll be able to keep it from coming back.
Don’t let sciatica pain control your life. Our experienced physical therapists can help you prevent and manage pain through personalized treatment plans, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and patient education.
Outstanding in-person physical therapy is still unparalleled for patient success! At Uncommon PT you will receive the highest level of commitment. Every patient has unique goals for therapy; our mission is to do everything needed to help you achieve yours — uncommonly well. As it says in our ethos, “success is uncommon and not to be enjoyed by the common man.” We hold ourselves to a higher standard — we want to be a part of your success story. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram.
Surgery can be a significant event in your life, and the recovery process is crucial for a successful outcome. Physical therapy plays a vital role in post-surgical rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and function. Learn how physical therapists can guide individuals through their recovery journey.
A key component to regaining strength and mobility after surgery is physical therapy. While surgery aims to address health issues, some sort of physical therapy may be required in your journey toward optimal recovery. Strengthening your muscles and improving your range of motion not only helps in recovery but also can reduce pain and prevent future injuries to the same area. Keep reading to understand why physical therapy after surgery is crucial, according to Tim Sorrells, physical therapist and director of St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Services.
Improving and Restoring Mobility and Balance
Surgery often causes temporary mobility limitations to the impacted region. When you experience this type of trauma, your body’s natural response is to protect itself. This can cause muscle and tissue tightness, swelling, and limited range of motion. Physical therapy is important for restoring function. Physical therapists can help patients regain their mobility and balance by practicing interventions such as exercise, stretches, heat and cold therapy, light therapy and more. Exercises that strengthen core, back, and pelvic muscles increase stability and improve balance. Exercises may also target muscles in specific areas, such as those that support the knee, hip, or shoulder. These exercises can be used in recovering from surgeries like knee or hip replacement or rotator cuff repairs.
Pain Management
While tightness and swelling are a natural reaction to injury, they can lead to a great deal of pain. Post-surgical pain is caused not only by damage to nerves caused by the surgery itself but also by inflammation compressing nerves in your body. Physical therapy helps to reduce the swelling and improve post-surgical pain. A physical therapist will work closely with a patient to determine which interventions will provide the most benefit to address the underlying causes of pain.
Prevents Secondary Complications
Secondary issues to surgery can include infection, blood clots, and other complications. Physical therapy can help reduce these issues using tailored exercises to decrease the risk of infection, contractures, and blood clots. Also, inactivity after surgery can decrease cardiovascular fitness, cause respiratory issues, and a general decline in physical health. Staying active with physical therapy interventions can counteract the complications and enhance overall well-being.
Depending on your surgery, your physical therapist will provide a tailored plan to help you reach your full potential. Be sure to stick to the plan, keep your PT appointments, and do your home exercises and stretches as prescribed to ensure that you can regain your strength and return to living the life you love.
Free Consultation
Take advantage of a complimentary 15-minute phone conversation with a licensed Physical Therapist to discuss your concerns and ensure Uncommon Physical Therapy is best for you (we know it will be)!
Don’t let surgery slow you down. Partner with our physical therapy specialists for a faster, smoother recovery. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram.
As we embark on a new year, it’s time to set health and fitness goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, physical therapy can be a game-changer. By working with a qualified physical therapist, you can develop personalized treatment plans, learn effective exercise techniques, and achieve your health and fitness goals.
Physical therapy provides so many benefits that you may not realize all the reasons it’s worth a try.
Physical therapy is a proven treatment method that helps people heal from injuries, disabilities and health conditions. Some of its many benefits include pain management, improved mobility and muscle strengthening.
Each person’s needs and goals for physical therapy are unique. After a therapist does an evaluation of your condition and reviews your medical history, together you will establish short and long term goals. The therapist will then create a routine to help you meet those goals. Exercise is a main component of physical therapy, but recommended treatments may also include posture correction and alignment, balance and coordination training, and stress-relieving routines.
Here are 7 common reasons to seek physical therapy treatment:
Pain management: Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques can help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function. Physical therapy can help reduce or eliminate the use of opioids for pain relief.
Mobility improvement: Stretching and strengthening exercises help restore your ability to move better at any age. Whether you have a chronic condition like arthritis, are recovering from an injury or are managing age-related mobility issues, physical therapy may help.
Surgery avoidance: If physical therapy helps you manage pain or heal from an injury, surgery may not be needed. If you do need surgery, pre-surgery therapy can help you go into surgery in better shape, which can help speed recovery.
Sports injury recovery:Physical therapists can design recovery or prevention exercise programs to ensure a safe return to a sport. Some injuries that can be treated during physical therapy include tennis elbow, groin pulls, shin splints, hamstring strains, shoulder injuries, sprained ankles, knee injuries and Achilles tendinitis.
Stroke recovery: Physical therapy helps strengthen weakened parts of the body and improve posture and balance after having a stroke. Therapists can also improve stroke patients’ ability to be more independent by helping them return to performing everyday tasks.
Fall prevention: Physical therapy can improve coordination and balance, which reduces the likelihood of falls. Therapists can also recommend assistive devices and provide training on the proper way to use these devices to improve safety and reduce fall risk.
Health condition management: In addition to treating ailments such as arthritis and sports injuries, some physical therapists offer specialized management of health conditions, such as bowel or urinary incontinence, breast cancer, fibromyalgia and lymphedema, among others.
Regardless of your reason for starting physical therapy, being patient and persistent is the best way to see lasting results and continued improvement.
DavisCassie
Start 2025 feeling your best. Our personalized treatment plans can help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram.
The holiday season, while filled with joy and celebration, can also be a source of stress and discomfort for those living with chronic pain. The combination of busy schedules, social gatherings, and emotional stress can exacerbate pain symptoms. We bring you some strategies to help you manage pain during the holiday season, ensuring a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
The holidays often worsen pain symptoms with all their chaos. From travel to endless social gatherings and temptation-filled foods, our bodies tend to suffer. Even the stress of expectations from others can amplify symptoms. While you can’t prevent all increased pain at this hectic time of year, you can minimize the damage with these practical flare-up management tips:Pace YourselfDon’t say yes to every holiday invite or activity even if you feel obligated. Build frequent breaks into each day, and listen when your body says “enough!” Excuse yourself from conversations to sit and rest for a few songs between mingling at a concert or party. Plan relaxing activities like watching a movie between more exerting shopping trips.Set BoundariesBe honest yet tactful about medical limitations that require you to avoid or limit certain holiday obligations. For example, explain that travel is very difficult with your condition, so you can only handle celebrations close to home. Or due to dietary restrictions, ask hosts to set aside simpler fare you can safely eat.Prioritize RestTurn down late-night events or unnecessary tasks cutting into sleep. Maintain your normal sleep schedule, even during vacation or visiting relatives. Take short 10-15 minute daytime naps to recharge if needed. Listen when your body says to leave a gathering early, even if others want you to stay.Travel SmartChoose routes with fewer connections and stops that require less walking. Use airport carts/shuttles if available for long terminal distances. Pack medications, braces, heating pads, and other medical necessities to use en route or at your destination to mitigate pain.Stay HydratedSip water continually amidst holiday drinking and salty party foods. Dehydration worsens widespread muscle aches, cramping, headaches, and fatigue. Bring a refillable water bottle for use in vehicles, long shopping excursions, or while shoveling snow.Listen to Your Body With FoodNotice how various holiday treats affect your unique pain triggers and sensitivities. Avoid overindulging in ingredients like sugar, dairy, or gluten that intensify your symptoms. Politely pass on second helpings, however tempting that special dish may be this one time of year.Have an Emergency PlanDiscuss parameters and options for leaving early or skipping upcoming events if pain escalates suddenly. Save stronger medications only for unbearable flare-ups. Having contingency exit strategies takes pressure off trying to push through severe symptoms. While few holiday seasons with pain symptoms run perfectly smoothly, self-care, boundaries, and contingency plans can lessen flare-ups. Prioritize what your body needs over the holiday hubbub. By implementing these coping tips, you can minimize pain spikes and maximize your holiday spirit.
Don’t let pain ruin your holiday cheer. Our expert physical therapists can help you manage your pain and enjoy the festive season. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us onInstagram.
Ankle pain while walking can be a frustrating and limiting experience. It can be caused by various factors, including injuries, overuse, and underlying medical conditions. Understanding the potential causes of ankle pain is essential for identifying the underlying issue and seeking appropriate treatment. Learn here how to alleviate discomfort and prevent future problems. If you have questions, come in and see us. You do not have to live with pain and decreased mobility. We will speak with you and construct a personalized program of recovery, complete with our full support!
Ankle Pain When Walking: Why They Hurt and What You Can Do
Most ankle pain can be managed with rest, modifying activities, supportive footwear, over-the-counter pain medication, and other conservative measures. However, some causes may require further treatment.
What Can Cause General Ankle Pain When Walking?
Injuries
Injuries that can cause ankle pain include:
Fractures
Tendon sprains/tears
Ligament sprains/tears
Dislocations
Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch too far and can tear.
A sprained ankle can cause symptoms such as pain (particularly with walking), swelling, and bruising.
There are three grades of ankle sprains:
Grade 1: Mild injury with stretched ligaments and possible slight or microscopic ligament tissue tearing
Grade 2: Partially torn ligaments
Grade 3: Severe injury with fully torn ligaments that may require more extensive treatment (possibly surgery)
Broken Ankle
A broken ankle is a fracture of one or more bones that make up the ankle joint.
The injury can cause symptoms such as:
Sudden, sharp pain
Swelling
Popping or snapping sound at the time of injury
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Odd angle or deformity of the ankle
Bruising
Tenderness
Numbness and coolness in the foot (in some cases)
Ankle fractures can be classified as:
Nondisplaced: Bones are not out of place
Displaced: Broken bone fragments are separated, with possible breaks in multiple areas and possible ankle joint dislocation
Open/compound: Emergency situation in which broken bones break through the skin
The group of ligaments that stabilizes the joint between the lower end of the tibia and the lower end of the fibula is called the syndesmosis.
A high ankle sprain is a syndesmosis injury that involves just the ligaments.
A syndesmosis injury may also involve a ligament sprain and one or more fractures. This usually requires surgery.
Overuse
Overuse injuries typically cause an aching pain that comes on gradually, and is often first noticed as discomfort during certain activities, such as walking or running.
If not addressed, the pain becomes more persistent and can lead to conditions such as:
Conditions
Ankle pain can occur with certain conditions.
Arthritis
The major types of arthritis that can affect the ankle include:
Osteoarthritis:Degenerative wear and tear. Cartilage wears away and becomes frayed and rough, resulting in bone rubbing on bone, leading to pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoidarthritis: Chronic, autoimmune disease. Immune cells attack the synovium (connective soft tissue membrane) covering the joint, causing it to swell and eventually invade and damage bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Can cause serious joint deformity.
Posttraumatic arthritis: Develops after an injury, sometimes years later. Causes cartilage between the joints to wear away.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
Unlike osteoarthritis in other joints, osteoarthritis of the ankle usually (in about 90% of cases) develops after an injury, typically a severe strain or fracture that happened years or decades ago.
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are:
Pain with movement
Stiffness, especially when moving after rest
Swollen joints
Less movement in the joint
Loose or unstable feeling in the joint
Joint warmth and redness
Difficulty walking
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
PTTD, also called progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) or adult acquired flatfoot (AAF), is an inflammation of the tendon that runs from the tibialis posterior (a muscle in the lower leg) behind the inside bone on the ankle and attaches to the sole of the foot. This tendon helps hold the arch of the foot up and can become inflamed with overuse or injury.
This can result in flattening of the arch of the foot and other deformities.
Symptoms of PTTD may include:
Pain/swelling in the arch, along the inside of the foot and ankle, or on the outside of the ankle
Pain and weakness with activities such as standing (especially on toes), walking (especially on uneven surfaces), and going up and down stairs
An ankle that rolls inward
Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid (a waste product of breaking down purines in the body’s tissues and many foods) in the body. Gout usually occurs as flares causing pain, swelling, and redness in the joint. These typically last a week or two and then improve.
It usually affects the big toe but can occur in any joint, including the ankle. After years of having gout, tophi (lumps of uric acid) can form beneath the skin around the ankles.
Other Conditions
Other conditions that can cause ankle pain include:
Peroneal tendinosis: Posterolateral ankle pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Tenderness of peroneal tendons and palpable mass that moves with the tendon. Thickening, swelling, and focal tendon degeneration.
Lupus: Chronic autoimmune disease. Ankle swelling, and/or ankles that turn blue from sensitivity to cold can be signs of lupus.
Benign tumors and tumor-like lesions: Most tumors of the foot are benign. Malignant tumors of the foot are rare.
Blood clot: Ankle pain can be caused by a blood clot anywhere in the leg. Usually occurs with swelling and pain in other areas of the leg, such as behind the knee.
Pinched nerve: Tarsal tunnel syndrome (pinched nerve in the ankle) or sciatica (pinched nerve in the back) can cause foot or ankle pain with numbness and weakness in the foot.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon is the band of tissue that attaches the calf muscles to the heel.
A ruptured (full or partial tear) of the Achilles tendon can cause symptoms such as:
Popping or snapping sound during the injury
Sharp, sudden pain in the heel
Swelling
Difficulty walking
Heel Bursitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis occurs when the bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac) between the back of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed.
This can cause pain, swelling, redness, dull aching, and tenderness in the heel or the back of the foot.
This condition develops gradually, typically from pressure from the back of the shoe, or activities that repetitively overflex the foot upward, like running uphill.
Tired of ankle pain limiting your mobility? Our experienced physical therapists can diagnose the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. Schedule your appointment in Charlotte today at (704) 803-8038. For more inspiration and tips, you can follow us on Instagram.
To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (704) 803-8038, or fill out the form below with your preferred appointment time, and our staff will get back to you to schedule your appointment!
Uncommon Physical Therapy has changed my life. I was suffering from horrible sciatica, hip and pelvic pain for 2 years. Now a couple of weeks later,
I have been pain-free. I can sleep!
Thank you so much!
Doug S.
Uncommon PT -- They truly listened to what was happening with my pain. They gave me exercise and attention no other PT has. I was giving up on PT.
This was my last try. It was 100% worth it.
Beth M.
Great guy, Davis. Professional, intuitive, on the money. Time well spent. My shoulder is almost as good as new. Didn't think this progress was possible.
James G.
JUSTIN HARVEY
PT, DPT
With extensive experience in the field, Justin has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of one-on-one therapy, reshaping their perspective on rehabilitation. Observing the profound impact of personalized treatment and dedicated attention and a new standard of care—one that inspired his commitment to holistic, patient-centered therapy. This passion led Justin to Uncommon Physical Therapy, where they found an organization that upholds these high standards in every aspect of care. Holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of St. Augustine, Justin brings a strong academic foundation and clinical expertise. Committed to evidence-based practices, they are eager to contribute to the team and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
My story in Physical Therapy started over 25 years ago now. I have spent time as a patient in my teens, a student Physical Therapist where I studied at MUSC in charleston in my 20s, and a Therapist and Owner in an office in Charleston SC from 2013-2023. I managed and owned the practice in North Charleston for 8 years and we were blessed with winning the award for Best Physical Therapy Practice in North Charleston in 2021, 2022, and 2023. I loved that office and thought we would never leave, but my wife had an opportunity in Charlotte that my family couldn’t turn down. So we moved in March of 2023.
It was abundantly clear when my family decided to move that the next adventure was going to be Uncommon Physical Therapy. UPT couldn’t be more excited to be a positive influence on the Charlotte area for a long time, giving patients the same Uncommon experience I have had with Physical Therapy throughout my life. As we have grown our successes only reinforce that Uncommon Physical Therapy stands by our motto “to be successful we must do common things with Uncommon standards”. We have become more passionate than ever about surrounding patients with Great people who are great Therapists. Our staff truly is UNCOMMON and represents the values and mission of impacting People in the Charlotte area who need physical therapy in a positive way. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to our team.
My passion for physical therapy stemmed in childhood, and has only continued to grow over the course of my life. I initially gained insight into the physical therapy world through an internship while living in Massachusetts. This experience confirmed my desire to pursue this career. I went on to earn both my bachelor and doctoral degrees from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). My training includes working with various patient populations, however I fell in love with the specialization of outpatient orthopedics. Being able to create individualized treatment plans and see positive outcomes in patients gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I strive to build connections and a strong sense of rapport with each and every patient. It is a great honor to be able to treat patients and be part of the Uncommon standard.
