The plantar fascia is an important ligament in the foot that supports the arch of the foot. However, when this ligament becomes damaged, it can cause pain in the foot and lead to plantar fasciitis. As a result, you may be interested in finding out more about the treatment options that are available to you.
Incidence of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes heel pain. It is characterized by the thickening of the plantar fascia, which is a fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the front of the foot. Its function is to absorb the stresses placed on the foot.
Plantar fasciitis can be triggered by repetitive strains or overpronation. The best way to reduce your risk of developing this condition is to avoid activities that put your foot in a position that places excessive pressure on it. Changing the way you walk and wearing cushioned athletic shoes may also help.
People with diabetes or obesity are at higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This condition is also more prevalent amongst women. Some studies suggest that the risk of developing this condition increases with age.
In addition, certain systemic inflammatory conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can also cause heel pain. If you have these conditions, it is important to treat them.
People who have a history of depression or obesity are also at increased risk for developing plantar fasciitis. This is because these conditions can exacerbate the condition. Aside from physical activity, other things that can aggravate this condition include high heels, flat feet, and tight Achilles muscles.
Treatment options for plantar fasciitis
Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include medication, non-surgical treatments and surgery. Choosing the best option for your foot is important to get rid of the pain and prevent it from getting worse.
Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to help reduce pain and swelling. They can be found in over-the-counter products such as ibuprofen. If your symptoms do not respond to these measures, a corticosteroid injection may be the solution.
Another popular form of non-surgical treatment is shock wave therapy. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is effective in reducing pain. Shock wave therapy uses high-energy waves to promote healing in the affected area. It has been found to be effective in lessening the effects of plantar fasciitis, though results can vary.
In the case of chronic inflammation, steroid injections are often used to reduce the pain. They may also be used as an adjunct to physical therapy. The drug is administered directly into the heel.
Some people are unable to tolerate the side effects of these injections. Iontophoresis is an alternative that administers anti-inflammatory medicine through the skin. This method is usually recommended for patients who are not comfortable with an injection.
Platelet-rich plasma injections are another non-surgical treatment. In this procedure, blood is removed and then injected into the affected area. This stimulates the body to heal faster.
Complications of plantar fascia release
Plantar fascia release, or fasciotomy, is a surgery that treats heel pain due to chronic plantar fasciitis. It is a more invasive procedure than nonsurgical treatments, but can be effective at relieving pain. It can also lead to long-term effects.
The main benefits of this surgery include the reduction of inflammation and pain. While some patients will experience significant relief, others may not. Depending on the cause of their condition, recurrence of symptoms can occur.
Before undergoing this procedure, it is important to understand the risks and complications. Typically, surgery for plantar fasciitis should be done as a last resort. It can also increase the risk of nerve damage, resulting in recurring heel pain.
Surgical complications can include biomechanical instability, a decrease in foot function, and the possibility of permanent changes to the shape of the foot. Some patients will need to undergo additional surgeries to treat problems after the initial procedure.
When performed properly, the results of plantar fascia release surgery can be very good. In fact, the majority of patients will see improvement within six months, and about one-third will see improvement after two to three years.
The recovery period after this surgery is usually 6 to 10 weeks. After the initial surgery, most patients are instructed to avoid activities that place pressure on their foot, such as walking. They should then start a structured strengthening program to strengthen their hip and leg muscles.
You might also like to read:
