Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the foot, resulting in pain and swelling in the arch area. This issue is quite prevalent, particularly among individuals who are overweight or obese. Even though there is no definitive cure for plantar fasciitis, there are various treatment options available to relieve its symptoms.
Treatments for plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, also known as heel pain, is a prevalent ailment. It arises due to the inflammation of a thick strip of tissue that links the heel bone to the toes. This inflammation results in a painful and pulsating feeling in the sole of the foot. If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis symptoms, you may find it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected foot. To alleviate the discomfort, it is important to seek appropriate treatment and take necessary measures to promote healing. Learn more about plantar fasciitis here.
There are two types of plantar fasciitis: localized and generalized. This condition is typically identified by a tingling or burning sensation along the inner side of the heel or tenderness in the medial calcaneur. Activities such as walking, running, or standing for extended periods can worsen the symptoms. If you’re experiencing these discomforts, you may need to seek medical attention. Learn more about plantar fasciitis and its symptoms here.
The main goal of treatment is to stop excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. Nonsurgical treatments are almost always effective. They include physical therapy, shoe inserts, and NSAID medications. However, if the pain continues after these therapies, your doctor might suggest surgery.
Surgery for plantar fasciitis includes a fasciotomy, which involves cutting a portion of the plantar fascia. This procedure allows the remaining part to stretch and heal.
Surgery for plantar fasciitis is an option only if other treatments have failed. Corticosteroid injections are an option. They typically involve a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid, which blocks inflammation and provides temporary relief.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, a treatment that uses extracorporeal pulse activation technology, can also be used for plantar fasciitis. The treatment stimulates healing and encourages blood flow to the affected area.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel or arch of the foot. This painful condition is most often found in middle age or older individuals, but may also occur in younger people who participate in sports or other activities that require prolonged standing.
Patients with plantar fasciitis may be able to take over-the-counter medicines to relieve the discomfort. They may also receive prescription anti-inflammatory drugs or other oral medication. However, if these treatments do not help, the doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection.
Nonsurgical treatment options include ice, rest, and stretching. Physical therapy can also be used. Some patients may benefit from orthotics.
Military personnel with plantar fasciitis should wear appropriate shoes that provide good arch support. They should also avoid wearing bare feet or sandals.
If the patient’s doctor has a medical reason for suspecting plantar fasciitis, he or she may perform X-rays or other diagnostic tests. The X-rays will show if the patient has a spur or bone growth. These growths result from chronic irritation to the bone caused by a tight band of tissue.
The doctor will ask the patient about his or her symptoms and history. He or she will then perform a physical examination of the foot. He or she will look for signs of inflammation of the plantar fascia and check the level of pain.
VA disability rating for plantar fasciitis
If you’re an active military member with plantar fasciitis, you might be eligible for VA disability compensation. However, you’ll need to prove your condition is secondary to your service to receive the benefits.
There are three main aspects to establishing service connection. First, you’ll need evidence of an incident that took place while you were in the service. Second, you’ll need evidence of medical treatment you received while you were in the service. And third, you’ll need a credible medical nexus letter.
The first part of the SSA can be satisfied by proving you had an in-service injury. The second can be satisfied by your service treatment records. And the third is the most important – if you have a credible medical nexus letter, you can essentially tie your affliction to your service.
The VA has developed a rating system for plantar fasciitis. This includes an intermittent benefit percentile and a special disability rating. You can receive these awards for plantar fasciitis while you’re in the military or after you leave.
A 10% disability rating is for plantar fasciitis that is rated as the “otherwise” type. This means you didn’t get relief from any non-surgical or surgical treatments, but you did get a positive outcome from some other form of treatment.
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