Foot & Ankle Physical Therapy in Ann Arbor
Your feet carry you through every run, hike and lift. When they hurt, everything stops. Dr. Joe treats plantar fasciitis, Achilles problems, sprains and post-surgical rehab with a plan built to get you moving again.
New Shoes and Rest Only Go So Far
Foot and ankle pain often starts with a change: more mileage, a new sport, new shoes, or more time on your feet. The tissues in your foot, heel and Achilles simply got more load than they were ready for.
Orthotics, new shoes and rest can take the edge off, but they don’t build the calf, foot and ankle strength that lets those tissues handle your activity again.
We calm the irritation, strengthen the whole lower leg, and guide a gradual return to running, jumping and hiking so the pain doesn’t come back.
Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
From the heel to the toes, and everything in between.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Sharp heel pain, worst with first steps in the morning or after sitting. Very treatable with the right loading plan.
Achilles Tendon Pain
Stiffness and pain in the Achilles, common in runners and jumpers. Progressive calf and tendon loading is key.
Ankle Sprains & Instability
Recent sprains and ankles that keep rolling. We rebuild strength, balance and confidence.
Achilles Rupture & Post-Op Rehab
Structured rehab after Achilles repair and other foot and ankle surgeries, coordinated with your surgeon.
Running-Related Foot Pain
Arch, forefoot and shin pain that builds with mileage. We look at your training load and mechanics.
Ankle Stiffness
Limited ankle mobility that affects squats, running and landing, often a hidden cause of knee and hip pain.
Getting Back to Running and Hiking
The biggest mistake after foot or ankle pain is going straight from rest back to your old mileage. The tissues need a bridge.
We build that bridge with strength benchmarks and a gradual run or hike progression, so you know exactly when you’re ready for more.
Most runners are surprised by how much calf strength they need. We test it and build it.
So the ankle can react quickly on trails, courts and uneven ground.
Walk-run progressions and mileage guidelines tailored to your goal.
What to Expect at Your First Foot & Ankle Visit
A full 60 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Joe. Treatment usually starts the same day.
Your activity and history
What changed before it started, your training, your footwear, and your goals.
A lower-leg exam
Ankle motion, calf strength, balance, and a look at how you walk, run or hop as appropriate.
Treatment and a plan
Hands-on care to ease pain, exercises to start building capacity, and activity guidelines for the weeks ahead.
How We Treat Foot & Ankle Pain
Ease the pain, then build a lower leg that can handle your miles.
Strength Training
Progressive calf, foot and tendon loading, the backbone of foot and ankle recovery.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Targets tight, tender calf and foot muscles to ease pain and improve motion.
Learn more →Mobility Programming
Ankle mobility work so squats, running and landing feel smooth again.
Learn more →Soft Tissue Mobilization & Cupping
Soft tissue work to the calf, arch and surrounding tissues.
Learn more →Almost a year ago, I fully ruptured my Achilles tendon, requiring surgical repair. Six months post-surgery and after extensive traditional PT, I was starting to think I might never get back to my pre-injury capabilities. Working with Joe has completely changed that outlook. Joe is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and thoughtful in his approach.
Do I need orthotics?
Sometimes, but not always. Orthotics can reduce symptoms for some people, but they don’t build strength. We’ll help you decide whether they make sense for you as part of a bigger plan.
Can I keep running with plantar fasciitis or Achilles pain?
Often, yes, with adjustments. We’ll help you find a mileage and intensity your foot tolerates while you build strength, rather than stopping completely.
Do I need an X-ray after an ankle sprain?
Not always. If you couldn’t take a few steps right after the injury or there’s tenderness over specific bones, you should be checked for a fracture. Dr. Joe screens for this and will refer you if needed.
Do you take insurance?
OLO is cash-based and out-of-network. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. See our FAQ.
When to see a physician first
Physical therapy is a great first stop for most foot and ankle problems. But some symptoms need a medical evaluation right away. Seek urgent care or call 911 if you have:
- Can’t take four steps after an injury
- A visible deformity of the foot or ankle
- A sudden “pop” or kicked feeling at the back of the heel and trouble pushing off
- Calf pain, swelling or redness, especially after surgery or travel
- A hot, red, swollen joint with fever
- Numbness or color changes in the foot
Not sure? Call us. If something in your evaluation doesn’t add up, Dr. Joe will tell you and point you to the right provider.
Related conditions we treat
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll call or text to get you scheduled, or set up a free consultation if you’d like to talk it through first.
5.0 ★ from 184 Google reviews · No referral needed to start · HSA/FSA accepted