If you’re dealing with heel pain, it’s crucial to seek medical help for a proper diagnosis. A doctor will carefully assess your foot and discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing. This thorough examination will enable them to create an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. In some cases, additional tests like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging may be necessary to rule out any underlying issues. While waiting for a diagnosis, there are basic treatments that can be done at home. The intensity of these treatments may vary depending on the cause of your pain. If you engage in frequent physical activity, your doctor may recommend reducing your activity level to alleviate your discomfort.
Sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
If you suspect you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis, it is likely that your doctor will suggest getting an MRI of your foot as part of the diagnostic process. In order to accurately identify any tendon abnormalities, sagittal images are considered the most effective. When it comes to assessing the midfoot and hindfoot, axial images are the preferred choice, while coronal images are ideal for evaluating the calcaneum and ankle mortise. These scans also provide your doctor with visibility of the surrounding tendons, bones, and muscles, aiding in a comprehensive diagnosis.
When it comes to diagnosing acute or chronic osteomyelitis, sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a useful tool. This imaging method allows doctors to visualize specific markers such as areas of red bone marrow or even a subcortical cyst. Additionally, this technique is helpful in identifying calcaneal stress fractures. Compared to the T1-weighted image, sagittal T2-weighted MRI is more sensitive and capable of identifying a wide range of pathologies. For more information about how sagittal T2-weighted MRI can aid in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and other related conditions, please follow this link.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic pain from the plantar fascia and other tendons of the foot. This therapy helps to reduce pain and trigger the body’s natural healing processes. This treatment is ideal for people suffering from plantar fasciitis and other heel problems. It is not a surgical or invasive procedure, and results in no downtime.
ESWT is not a surgical procedure, and placebo controlled studies are not possible in the operating room. That being said, ESWT is an evidence-based alternative treatment. It has a high success rate and is not as invasive as a surgical procedure. Therefore, it’s a great option for athletes with non-responding plantar fasciitis and non-responding to other treatments.
Cortisone injections
There are several types of injections for plantar fasciitis, including steroid injections. Steroid injections are the most common treatment, but other injections have gained popularity. Injections are elective and are not covered by insurance. Listed below are some of the side effects and possible side effects of cortisone injections for plantar fasciitis. If you suffer from this condition, you may be wondering if cortisone injections are right for you.
Cortisone injections for plantar flora can provide short-term pain relief and may reduce inflammation and swelling. However, they can cause side effects, including thinning of the skin on the foot, increased blood sugar levels, and possible plantar fasciitis rupture. Additionally, corticosteroid injections for plantar fasciitis are costly and can take as long as a day to completely alleviate pain.
Repetitive impact to the heel
People who have excessive amounts of stress and strain on the heel are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. This condition is often triggered by activities that require repetitive impact to the heel. These activities may include running and marching. Other causes include obesity, prolonged standing, and limited ankle flexibility. Your health care provider will want to know your lifestyle and medical history, and examine the affected areas for pain and tenderness.
The plantar fascia is a thin band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. This ligament supports the arch and absorbs pressure when you walk and run. Overuse and repetitive stress can cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed, which can lead to chronic pain. Treatment must be started immediately to avoid further damage. For more information on plantar fasciitis, watch the video below.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
The NIH and FDA regulate many different medications. Doctors determine the right dose for a patient based on their medical condition, response to treatment, age and weight. Side effects and drug interactions vary depending on the drug, but you should always discuss potential issues with your healthcare provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for plantar fasciitis is a common treatment for this painful condition.
A doctor can prescribe NSAIDs for plantar fasciitis to reduce inflammation. However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken during exercise or while exercising. These medications can damage your kidneys, so it is important to check with your doctor before starting any medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication is an effective treatment for mild to moderate plantar fasciitis, but doctors may transition you off of them as soon as it is safe.
Surgery
If your doctor recommends a plantar fascia release surgery, you should consider a few factors. Your healthcare provider will perform several tests to assess your foot movement and sensation. He or she may also use an imaging test to find bone spurs, if you have them. Once the treatment is complete, you can return to normal activities. If you are still in pain, you should avoid weight bearing activities until your foot heals.
Endoscopic procedures are an option for you if you can’t tolerate the pain associated with a traditional surgery. They involve inserting instruments into the heel through small incisions. The endoscopic technique is often the preferred choice among patients. It’s a quick procedure, usually lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. While this procedure can be invasive, it’s usually successful and can ease your pain. In many cases, the recovery period will be short, ranging from two to six weeks.
