Many patients who experience heel pain think that it is something minor and will go away with rest and becoming less active. However, in some cases the heel pain is an indication of something more serious. Abnormal foot issues such as overpronation or flat feet can lead to more acute conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often disabling pain in the heels can be treated in a operating room as an outpatient.
Effective Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis Is Readily Available
As found by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), plantar fasciitis can be caused by abnormal gait or foot anatomy. These issues can include excess pronation and flat feet, just to name a few. When the feet and leg biomechanics are out of step with the other parts of the body, too much stress and pressure are put on structures of the foot that are not meant to take those stresses. For example, running on a hard surface or even being over your ideal weight can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Sometimes Requires Surgery
A surgical procedure called Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis treatment that is done under ankle block anesthesia (patient is awake but the foot is numbed). The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue at the root of pain caused by this condition. The doctor makes an incision in the heel across the length of the heel. The swollen region and damaged tissue is taken out from the affected foot. Once the opening is sutured, a walking cast is recommended to be used for about 4-6 weeks, depending upon how fast the person heals.
Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery
Low level sound frequencies are also being used today to treat certain foot problems. Denominated extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this solution aims to use small amounts of sound waves to destruct the affected tissues in the heel. It sounds counterproductive, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in small amounts actually evokes the body’s healing response and heals the foot condition. In a study done in the early part of this decade, it took 800 study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about eighty-five percent success.
Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis with Faster Recovery Times
Lastly, shorter down time can be achieved with treatment of plantar fasciitis if an endoscopic procedure is performed. In this medical treatment, the foot is given a nerve block in the ankle while the patient is awake. Since some surgeons may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a sensible way to conduct the operation with reduced stress to the person. Small slits are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected tissues. A tiny camera is used to aid the surgeon to locate the plantar fascia ligament. After it has been found, the surgeon fixes the problems inside and closes the wound.
Foot Overpronation and Flat Feet Don’t Have to Hurt as Much
Statistics show that surgery is needed in about five percent of the cases of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it’s advisable to be up to date on the procedures that surgeons are using today. Continuing with PT (physical therapy) is one of the best things people can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Massages, exercises, and whirlpool therapy are just some of the many methods that can make a difference. For persons with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanical issues such as excess pronation or low arches, orthtotic insoles are recommended to avoid reappearance of plantar fasciitis.