Abstract
A 54-year-old man with left foot metatarsalgia was seen for 10 physical therapy treatments at an outpatient pro bono physical therapy clinic. The episode of care began on 06/05/2018 and ended on 07/28/2018. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with gait observation, goniometric measurements, manual muscle testing, single limb stance test, foot squeeze test, tuning fork test, and self-report questionnaires (Lower Extremity Functional Scale and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure). The patient presented with forefoot pain, impaired ankle and foot strength and limited range of motion, decreased ability to balance, a limp, and decreased walking speed. An appropriate plan of care was established following the evaluation. The main goals for the patient were to normalize his gait pattern and gait speed, increase his left foot strength and range of motion, and to improve his static standing balance to regain his functional mobility. The main interventions used were joint and soft tissue mobilizations, therapeutic exercises, and treadmill training. The patient normalized his gait pattern and gait speed, improved his strength, increased his range of motion, improved his balance and regained his functional mobility to be independent in all activities of daily living. The patient was able to resume participation in his favorite recreational activities and was discharged with a home exercise program.