Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Most of the people that we help recover used conservative treatment that include gel orthotics, icing, healting, massaging, exercises and other effective remedies they have built into their recovery program that may last several months. You will definitely know when you have plantar fasciitis issues because you will feel a sharp stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot around the heel area. Don’t stress though, we can help you heal up right away.
Symptoms & Causes – Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most frequent reasons for heal pain is plantar fasciitis. This foot issue includes a band of foot tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Depending on the severity this foot issue, it usually causes a sharp stabbing pain with you first morning steps. People who are over weight, jog, speed walk, or run will be more prone to this injury. You can decrease your risk of developing this issue by wearing shoe that provide better support.
Symptoms: Extreme pain near the heel that feels like needles, the pain is almost unbearable after a few morning footsteps. It’s also known that long time frames of standing can trigger flare-ups. Be careful if you plan on hitting the gym the pain is more intense after the exercise!
Causes: Be extremely careful with the arch and repetitive movements that could overextend it and force it to create miro-tears. Recurring movements that overextend the fasciitis may cause it to become inflamed or irritated.
Risk: Common factors that may bring on plantar fasciitis may include these:
- Certain Exercises: Movements that force a lot of pressure on your heel and the attached tissues, which may include jumping, ballet, running, and dancing.
- Age: Usually most of the people that have Plantar Fasciitis are between the ages of 38-62
- Standing Occupations: People who spend countless hours walking or standing on hard surfaces.
- Over Weight: Excessive stress and weight on you Plantar Fasciitis
- Foot Movements: Having an elevated arch, unique walking patter, or being flat footed can affect the way your body weight is distributed when standing and increase pressure on the plantar fascia.
Complications: Failing to seek help for plantar fasciitis could result in recurring heel pain that affects your regular activities. Adjusting the way you walk to decrease pain may lead to chronic back, knee or foot issues that may become more severe.
Diagnosis & Treatment – Plantar Fasciitis
When the exam is taking place the foot doctor will look over the area of the foot that are tender. Depending on the area the foot the pain is located in, it can usually help determine the issue. The overall diagnosis will be based on the physical examination of the foot and the patient’s medical history.
Imaging: Most likely your doctor will recommend an (MRI) or (X-ray) to verify your pain isn’t caused by a pinched nerve or fracture.
Treatment: Usually people who have plantar fasciitis will heal quicker with a regular treatment routine. Which includes stretching, icing, heating, masssage, and rolling your foot on a tennis/golf ball for multiple months.
Therapy: Specific foot devices or targeted stretching and strength training exercises may provide relief. This may include:
- Foot Orthotics: Your podiatrist may suggest over the counter orthotics or tailor fitted orthotics to more evenly place your feet on surfaces to relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
- Physical Foot Therapy: Specialized foot therapist will be able to advise you how to perform exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and general region to increase lower leg muscles. Most therapist will also recommend wrapping your heels, arches, and ankles.
- Night Splints: Your acting Physical Therapist may also advise you to wear a night splint that stretches your calf u0026amp; arch while sleeping.
Surgical Help: At some point, issues might just get so severe you need to seek surgical assistance, your doctor may suggest:
Surgical Procedure: Usually only a few people need to have the plantar fascia removed from the heel bone. It’s only available when all else fails and pain is too severe.
Electro-Wave Therapy: This non-invasive method uses sound waves and is commonly used for recurring plantar fasciitis that didn’t respond to basic treatments.
Tenex Procedure: This minor surgical procedure removes the older tissue of plantar fasciitis.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Apply Ice: Place a cold ice pack over the painful area for 13 to 20 min three or six times a day.
- Change Sports: Play sports that don’t require a lot of foot movement.
- Comfy Shoes: Wear shoes with no heel or low heels that provide enough room for your toes to easily wiggle.
- Maintain Weight: Stay within a reasonable weight to decrease the stress on your plantar fasciitis.
- Stretch & Massage Arch: Make sure you stretch and massage your plantar fasciitis to strengthen your foot muscles.