Simple Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis Alternatives Done Right in the Doctor’s Office

The majority of people who experience heel pain think that they are something minor and will go away with rest and less activity. However, in some cases the heel pain is a warning signal from the body that it is injured. Malformed foot conditions such as excess pronation or flat feet can lead to more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often crippling pain in the heel area of the foot can be treated in a surgical center as an outpatient.

Fallen Arches Can Be a Biomechanical Issue

According to the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), plantar fasciitis can be caused by faulty biomechanics and walking motion. These issues can include excess pronation and flat feet, for example. When the lower body biomechanics are out of sync with the rest of the body, excessive weight and impact are put on foot structures that are not intended to absorb those strains. For example, excessive jarring or even being overweight can all be contributing factors for heel pain.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Can Be a Welcomed Relief

A surgery known as Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis treatment that is done under ankle block anesthesia (patient is awake but the foot is numbed). The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The heel is incised by the physician just over the heel bone. The swollen region and injured tissue is released from the affected foot. Once the opening is stitched up, a walking shoe is prescribed for use for about four to six weeks, depending upon how fast the person heals.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery

Low level sound frequencies are also being used today to treat certain foot problems. Known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this technology aims to use low-dose sound waves to destroy the affected tissuesin the heel. It Is apparently counterproductive, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in low amounts actually instigates the body’s healing response and cures the body of the painful issue. In a study done in the early part of this decade, it took nearly 1000 study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about 85% success.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy with Faster Recovery Times

The final medical procedure that is becoming more popular simply because it requires less recovery time is an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. In this procedure, the foot is anesthetized while the patient is awake. Since some doctors may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a viable way to carry out the procedure with less stress to the person. Small slits are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected tissues. A tiny camera is used to aid the physician to locate the plantar fascia ligament. Once it has been identified, it is surgically fixed so that it can heal properly.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy is Better Today than Ever Before

Though surgery is only required in about 5% of plantar fasciitis cases, it’s good to be aware of the procedures that podiatrists are using today. Following up after surgery with physical therapy is one of the best things people can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Stretches, strength building, and underwater therapy are just some of the many procedures that can make a difference. For people with walking gait deformities and biomechanics problems such as overpronation or flat feet, orthtotic insoles are recommended to stop reappearance of this painful condition.