One of the most prevalent foot conditions is plantar fasciitis, which results in discomfort beneath the heel or sole. The condition typically originates from tiny tears occurring in the ligament that links the heel bone to the toes. Explore here for more information on plantar fasciitis and its causes.
Many individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis can achieve complete recovery within a year by implementing self-help methods such as stretching, resting, and applying ice. However, for those individuals who do not experience healing, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a podiatrist who can offer non-surgical treatment options.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the complete healing process for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis. By creating a personalized program tailored to the patient’s diagnosis, a therapist combines manual therapy, guided stretching, and strengthening exercises. This comprehensive approach aids in alleviating symptoms and promoting overall recovery.
The therapist will also use taping to take pressure off the plantar fascia and heel bone, providing short-term pain relief. In addition, therapists may recommend orthotic inserts or heel cups to reduce strain on the foot and alleviate discomfort.
Tight calf muscles or a high-arch foot can place additional stress on the plantar fascia. Individuals who are overweight or obese are also predisposed to developing plantar fasciitis.
Most people with plantar fasciitis can begin to see improvements within a few weeks or months through physical therapy and other conservative treatment options. However, it can take 7-9 months to fully recover and return to normal activities and exercise.
Cortisone Injections
For some plantar fasciitis patients, a cortisone shot can help them fully heal within a few months. It can also be a quick fix for pain that is especially severe or urgent.
Most cortisone shots work by reducing inflammation in the area. This helps reduce the pain and makes it easier to do stretches and massages that ultimately help treat your plantar fasciitis.
However, some people experience a flare of pain after a cortisone injection and may need to rest the area to prevent it from worsening. This usually happens a few days after the shot.
If you are considering a cortisone shot, be sure to see a doctor who specializes in ultrasound-guided injections. This can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the shot.
Surgery
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the heel bone. The condition usually occurs when there is too much stress or tension on the plantar fascia ligament.
Most people with plantar fasciitis can relieve their symptoms with nonsurgical treatments, including activity modification, over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), injections, boots, braces, splints and orthotics. However, sometimes these methods don’t work and surgery is recommended.
A plantar fascia release, or plantar fascial tenotomy, is a surgical procedure that detaches the plantar fascia ligament from the heel bone to reduce the tension and improve the pain. This is often done through an open surgery, but it can also be done endoscopically, using instruments fed through tiny incisions on the foot.
Recovery from surgery usually takes about six to 10 weeks, although it can take longer depending on the extent of the damage. Your doctor will tell you how long you’ll need to stay off your feet and what kind of activities are safe for you to return to.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel. It usually occurs in people who are overweight, overuse their feet, have tight calf muscles, or do not have adequate arch support in their shoes.
The first step is resting the foot to allow it time to heal. Many people find that stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, wearing supportive shoes, and physical therapy help relieve their symptoms.
Another option is using a steroid injection, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in plantar fasciitis. The injections are given directly into the plantar fascia, usually with real-time ultrasound imaging to guide them.
Corticosteroid treatments are effective for some patients who have chronic pain, but they don’t always work in the long term. If you have severe pain that won’t go away, your doctor may recommend a platelet-rich plasma injection, which uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate healing.
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