Orthopedic · Central Florida
Physical therapy for foot and ankle pain in Central Florida
Heel pain in the morning, an Achilles that complains at the start of every run, and an ankle that keeps rolling are all loading problems, and loading is what physical therapy changes.
- Aetna and Medicare in-network; private pay with superbills for other plans
- No referral needed to start (30-day direct access)
- Video visits anywhere in Central Florida
About the condition
Foot and ankle pain: what is going on.
Plantar fasciitis, the sharp heel pain with the first steps of the day, and Achilles tendinopathy, the stiff and sore tendon above the heel, are the two most common foot and ankle complaints in adults and both respond to progressive loading rather than rest. Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury, and without rehab about a third turn into chronic instability, an ankle that rolls again and again. After ankle fracture or surgery, stiffness and weakness need a structured program.
Physical therapy for the foot and ankle restores calf and foot strength, ankle mobility, and balance, and builds the tissue's tolerance back up in stages.
Common experiences
What people with foot and ankle pain often describe
These are the patterns Dr. Shalem hears most often. Any of them is a reason to book a discovery call.
Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon
An ankle that gives way or has rolled repeatedly
Swelling and stiffness after a sprain or fracture
Pain with walking distance, running, or standing at work
Difficulty with stairs or uneven ground
Treatment
How physical therapy addresses it.
The program includes progressive calf and foot strengthening, ankle mobility work, balance and proprioception training, footwear and activity guidance, and a staged return to walking, running, and sport. Post-surgical rehab follows the surgeon's protocol.
What a video visit looks like
Dr. Shalem watches heel raises, balance, and gait on camera, guides self-tests for the specific tissue, and progresses loading with a step and a resistance band.
Coverage in Florida
Insurance and pricing
Bring your plan name to the discovery call and we confirm your physical therapy benefit before the first visit.
Aetna
In-network (Aetna designated provider). Most Aetna plans cover physical therapy with a copay or coinsurance; we confirm yours before the first visit.
Medicare
In-network with traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans vary; ask on the discovery call.
Private pay
Available for any other plan. We provide a superbill you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
Referrals
Florida allows you to start physical therapy without a referral. If care continues past 30 days for a condition no physician has seen you for, we help you get a quick practitioner review so treatment can continue.
Everywhere in Central Florida, from the Gulf coast to the Atlantic, is seen by video. In-home visits are available in Miami-Dade County only.
Questions
Questions people ask about foot and ankle pain
How it works
How a virtual visit works
Dr. Shalem watches heel raises, balance, and gait on camera, guides self-tests for the specific tissue, and progresses loading with a step and a resistance band.
Discovery call
15 minutes, free, by phoneA short call to hear what is going on, explain how visits work, and check insurance or pricing. No pressure to book.
Evaluation
60 minutes, by videoDr. Shalem takes a full history, watches how you move and breathe, and guides the self-assessments she needs to build a plan.
Your plan
Same visitYou leave the evaluation with a plain-language explanation and a short home program, usually a few minutes a day.
Follow-ups
45 minutes, every 1 to 2 weeksProgress checks, program updates, and techniques you can do yourself, for as long as they are useful.
For a video visit you will need
- A phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera
- A private room
- A mat or towel
- About an hour
Questions
Foot and ankle pain questions in Central Florida
Should I rest plantar fasciitis?
Complete rest usually makes it stiffer. The evidence supports progressive loading of the calf and foot, along with footwear changes and activity adjustments.
My ankle keeps rolling. Can that be fixed without surgery?
Usually. Chronic ankle instability responds well to balance and strengthening programs. Surgery is considered when a structured program has not helped.
Do I need orthotics?
Sometimes, as part of the plan rather than instead of it. The evaluation shows whether they would help.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Florida?
Florida allows you to start physical therapy without a referral. If care continues past 30 days for a condition no physician has seen you for, we help you get a quick practitioner review so treatment can continue.
What insurance do you take in Florida?
Aetna: In-network (Aetna designated provider). Most Aetna plans cover physical therapy with a copay or coinsurance; we confirm yours before the first visit. Medicare: In-network with traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans vary; ask on the discovery call. Private pay: Available for any other plan. We provide a superbill you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
Your physical therapist
Dr. Elana Shalem, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami. Licensed in Florida.
Dr. Shalem treats pelvic health for women and men, from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to bladder, bowel, and pelvic pain conditions and recovery after prostate or pelvic surgery, and general orthopedic conditions of the back, neck, hips, knees, shoulders, and feet. Visits are one-on-one and unhurried, and she explains what she is seeing in plain language.
More about Dr. ShalemPrefer to write? Send a message.
Questions about insurance, pricing, or whether physical therapy is the right next step? We reply within one business day.
Start with a free 15-minute call.
Tell us what is going on, hear how Dr. Shalem would approach it, and decide from there.