Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of and pain of thick bands of tissue that are referred to as plantar fascia. The tissues run across the bottom of feet, connecting the heel bones to toes. It is this condition that is mostly attributed to heel pain. People suffering from the condition will experience sharp pangs of pain when they make the first steps in the morning. When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know all that is involved.
Roughly 90 percent or more of people with the condition can have it cured after several months of undergoing conservative treatment. One of the most common forms of conservative treatment is the use of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain but never really treat causes of the condition. There also are corticosteroids which are delivered to the body through iontophoresis. This is whereby the solution is applied to the skin over the painful area. The medication is absorbed through non-painful electric current.
The delivery of the solution can also be done through injection. Using multiple injections is never recommended because it could make the plantar fascia weak and thus rupturing it. The other effect of multiple injections is that they could make the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. Ultrasound guidance is used for accurate placement of injections.
Another option of treatment is the use of stretching and strengthening exercises. These may be used in combination with specialized devices. With physical therapy for instance, therapists instruct their patients on various exercises that will help to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles. The ankles and knees are stabilized in the process. For support of the bottom of the foot, patients are taught ways to apply athletic taping.
The use of night splints is also an effective technique. The doctor or physical therapist may advice patients to wear splints that stretch the calf and arch of the foot while they are sleeping. The plantar fascia and Achilles will be held in a lengthened position overnight in a way that stretching is facilitated. There can also be prescription of off-the-shelf supports known as orthotics. These will help in even distribution of pressure to feet.
In case the conservative methods fail to work, there are two main procedures that can be used. The first is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It involves the direction of sound waves at the area where there is pain for stimulation of healing. It is used in the case of more chronic conditions. The procedure is known to cause swelling, bruises, numbness, pain or tingling. There is no surety whether it is consistently effective.
There is surgery which is also considered but as a last resort. It is used when all else has failed to work. The surgery is used to detach plantar fascia from heel bones. The surgical procedure is used when pain experienced is very severe. It may make the arch in the feet weak.
When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know there are complications for those that ignore the condition. Such people will develop chronic pain that hinders their regular activities. There is also the possibility of developing knee, foot, back or hip problems because the condition adversely affects the way people walk.
Roughly 90 percent or more of people with the condition can have it cured after several months of undergoing conservative treatment. One of the most common forms of conservative treatment is the use of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain but never really treat causes of the condition. There also are corticosteroids which are delivered to the body through iontophoresis. This is whereby the solution is applied to the skin over the painful area. The medication is absorbed through non-painful electric current.
The delivery of the solution can also be done through injection. Using multiple injections is never recommended because it could make the plantar fascia weak and thus rupturing it. The other effect of multiple injections is that they could make the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. Ultrasound guidance is used for accurate placement of injections.
Another option of treatment is the use of stretching and strengthening exercises. These may be used in combination with specialized devices. With physical therapy for instance, therapists instruct their patients on various exercises that will help to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles. The ankles and knees are stabilized in the process. For support of the bottom of the foot, patients are taught ways to apply athletic taping.
The use of night splints is also an effective technique. The doctor or physical therapist may advice patients to wear splints that stretch the calf and arch of the foot while they are sleeping. The plantar fascia and Achilles will be held in a lengthened position overnight in a way that stretching is facilitated. There can also be prescription of off-the-shelf supports known as orthotics. These will help in even distribution of pressure to feet.
In case the conservative methods fail to work, there are two main procedures that can be used. The first is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It involves the direction of sound waves at the area where there is pain for stimulation of healing. It is used in the case of more chronic conditions. The procedure is known to cause swelling, bruises, numbness, pain or tingling. There is no surety whether it is consistently effective.
There is surgery which is also considered but as a last resort. It is used when all else has failed to work. The surgery is used to detach plantar fascia from heel bones. The surgical procedure is used when pain experienced is very severe. It may make the arch in the feet weak.
When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know there are complications for those that ignore the condition. Such people will develop chronic pain that hinders their regular activities. There is also the possibility of developing knee, foot, back or hip problems because the condition adversely affects the way people walk.
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