Diabetes and Plantar Fasciitis

People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by heel and foot pain. This discomfort is particularly aggravated when standing or when initially walking after prolonged periods of sitting. Plantar fasciitis is a common occurrence in individuals with diabetes, and it is important for them to be aware of this potential complication.

Individuals who have diabetes are particularly vulnerable to developing foot ulcers, a condition that can result in severe infections and even necessitate amputation if left untreated. Moreover, the inadequate blood flow associated with diabetes can impede the body’s ability to heal wounds effectively.

Physical Therapy

Having diabetes can significantly increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This is primarily because diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, both of which can contribute to the onset of this painful condition. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to consult with your doctor. They may recommend physical therapy as a potential treatment option to alleviate your symptoms and improve your foot health.

Physical therapists can guide you in safely stretching your plantar fascia and calf muscles, thus relieving pain. Furthermore, they offer education about the biomechanics of your feet for increased comfort.

Physical therapists can recommend shoe inserts that support your arch and take pressure off of the plantar fascia when walking or running. They may also suggest exercises to strengthen calf and lower leg muscles, as well as night splints to keep feet and calves stretched out at night.

Night Splints

Diabetes-associated hyperglycemia may increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. Studies have demonstrated that night splints can help alleviate morning pain and discomfort in these patients.

Dorsiflexion night splints, designed to keep the foot dorsiflexed while you sleep, have been found to be effective for treating chronic plantar fasciitis. *Powell M., Post W.R., Keener J. and Wearden S.

Certified Orthotists will determine the optimal design for you based on your condition and desired outcomes. In some cases, patients benefit from a boot night splint while others require a dorsal night splint.

Foot Injections

If conservative treatments such as orthotic inserts, stretches and icing don’t help alleviate your symptoms, you may want to consider foot injections. These shots contain cortisone – a hormone naturally produced by your body which reduces inflammation and pain.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes painful heel pain and appears to be more common among those with diabetes; however, the exact cause of this connection remains uncertain.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered that administering a fat injection into the foot may provide some relief for patients suffering from plantar fasciitis symptoms. While this technique remains promising, more research and randomized controlled trials are necessary before it can be considered an effective treatment for this condition.

Orthotics

If you are suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, one of the best ways to relieve pain is with orthotics. These shoe inserts correct for over-pronation and distribute weight evenly across your foot, decreasing pressure points and friction on your feet.

Diabetic orthotics can be either custom-made or store-bought, but it’s always best to consult a podiatrist beforehand to guarantee they are the proper fit for your feet.

Plastazote(c), the material preferred by podiatrists, should be applied over them for protection. Not only does it conform rapidly to your foot, providing a glove-like fit that reduces friction but also helps prevent blister or ulcer formation.

Are you suffering from foot pain due to Plantar Fasciitis? Global Podiatry in Chicago and Wheeling can provide custom-made diabetic orthotics. Not only will these work wonders for your feet, but they may help prevent severe damage as well.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for muscular-skeletal disorders. It has been approved in the US for treating plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow, with more and more people turning to this non-invasive therapy.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) sends acoustic waves into an inflamed area of the body to promote healing and reduce pain. Additionally, it breaks up any scarring that has penetrated tendons or ligaments.

ESWT is an alternative to surgery and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It promotes tissue healing by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and providing more nutrients in the area.