Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent foot condition experienced by many individuals. This condition leads to intense heel pain that can significantly impact daily routines and activities. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for plantar fasciitis in order to effectively manage and alleviate its symptoms.
Non-surgical approaches are typically effective in improving the condition of most individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis. These methods include stretching exercises, shoe orthotics, and cortisone injections. However, it is important to note that in rare instances where the condition is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary.
1. Scarring
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain in the foot due to the stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the base of the toes. When it becomes inflamed and scarred, it loses its flexibility, leading to discomfort while standing or walking. If you are experiencing this condition, it is important to seek treatment to alleviate the pain and restore mobility.
In most cases, conservative treatments such as ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications relieve the pain. However, if these methods don’t work for you, your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon may recommend surgery.
Surgeons usually perform arthroscopic or open surgery to release the plantar fascia. Research has shown that arthroscopic surgery gets good results, with fewer complications than open surgery.
2. Complications
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes heel pain and stiffness. It can happen through overuse, weight gain, or wearing poor shoes.
When non-surgical treatments don’t work, plantar fasciitis surgery is a last resort option for long-term relief. This procedure involves releasing the thick ligament in your foot to relieve tension and reduce the risk of re-injury.
During the procedure, your doctor will open up your foot to remove the plantar fascia and any bone spurs or trapped nerves that may be causing pain.
Most patients who undergo this surgery will experience decreased heel pain and improved mobility within six weeks. However, the recovery period can be long.
3. Re-injury
If you have a chronic problem with your plantar fascia, surgery may be the only option to relieve your pain. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel.
Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond to simple and conservative treatments, including rest, icing, braces and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, for a small percentage of patients, non-invasive treatment methods fail to relieve their symptoms and surgery is recommended by their doctor.
During surgery, the surgeon cuts part of the plantar fascia ligament to release tension and inflammation. This should relieve pain, but the release of tension can weaken the arch and lead to long-term foot problems.
4. Infections
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain and stiffness in the bottom of the foot. It can happen due to several factors, including obesity, sudden weight gain, and tight calf muscles (gastrocnemius).
The good news is that 95% of people who have plantar fasciitis can resolve their symptoms with non-surgical treatments, such as icing, stretches, arch supports, orthotic inserts, and rest.
However, surgery may be necessary if these treatment options are not effective. Your doctor will recommend the type of surgery based on your unique situation and symptoms.
5. Loss of mobility
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury that results from repetitive stress causing tiny tears and irritation in the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of your foot. Symptoms include pain that begins in the heel and radiates down the foot.
Treatment for this condition is usually simple, including rest, reducing activities that aggravate the pain, and wearing supportive shoes. But if conservative treatments don’t work or your symptoms worsen, your podiatrist may recommend surgery.
During open or endoscopic surgery, a surgeon makes small incisions by the ankle bone. Then they place a camera or an endoscope in one opening and a small knife in another to release the plantar fascia ligament.
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