Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of and pain of thick bands of tissue that are referred to as plantar fascia. The tissues run across the bottom of feet, connecting the heel bones to toes. It is this condition that is mostly attributed to heel pain. People suffering from the condition will experience sharp pangs of pain when they make the first steps in the morning. When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know all that is involved.
Roughly 90 percent or more of people with the condition can have it cured after several months of undergoing conservative treatment. One of the most common forms of conservative treatment is the use of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain but never really treat causes of the condition. There also are corticosteroids which are delivered to the body through iontophoresis. This is whereby the solution is applied to the skin over the painful area. The medication is absorbed through non-painful electric current.
The delivery of the solution can also be done through injection. Using multiple injections is never recommended because it could make the plantar fascia weak and thus rupturing it. The other effect of multiple injections is that they could make the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. Ultrasound guidance is used for accurate placement of injections.
The use of stretching and strengthening exercises will provide relief from symptoms. Specialized devices may also be used. An example of the exercises is physical therapy. Physical therapists will instruct their patients on series of exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and strengthen lower muscles of the legs. This will in the long run stabilize the heels and ankles. Patients will also be taught how to apply athletic taping for supporting the bottom of the foot.
Night splints are an effective technique that can also be employed. Doctors will recommend that patients wear splints which help in stretching the arch and calf of feet during the night when they are sleeping. The Achilles tendon and fascia are held in a lengthened position throughout the night so that stretching is facilitated. Distribution of pressure in feet can also offer relief and is done by the use of orthotics which are off the shelf supports.
In case the conservative methods fail to work, there are two main procedures that can be used. The first is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It involves the direction of sound waves at the area where there is pain for stimulation of healing. It is used in the case of more chronic conditions. The procedure is known to cause swelling, bruises, numbness, pain or tingling. There is no surety whether it is consistently effective.
Surgery is also an option that has been considered in some cases. There are persons that will need to surgical operation for detachment of the plantar fascia from the heel bone. This is the last option when the pain is very severe and every other technique has failed. Surgery could lead to weakening of the arch in the feet.
When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should go for treatment in time, lest they expose themselves to complications. Without prompt treatment, one may experience chronic pain that disables them from going about their daily chores. Foot, knee, back and hip problems may also arise because the condition has an effect on the way one walks.
Roughly 90 percent or more of people with the condition can have it cured after several months of undergoing conservative treatment. One of the most common forms of conservative treatment is the use of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain but never really treat causes of the condition. There also are corticosteroids which are delivered to the body through iontophoresis. This is whereby the solution is applied to the skin over the painful area. The medication is absorbed through non-painful electric current.
The delivery of the solution can also be done through injection. Using multiple injections is never recommended because it could make the plantar fascia weak and thus rupturing it. The other effect of multiple injections is that they could make the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. Ultrasound guidance is used for accurate placement of injections.
The use of stretching and strengthening exercises will provide relief from symptoms. Specialized devices may also be used. An example of the exercises is physical therapy. Physical therapists will instruct their patients on series of exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and strengthen lower muscles of the legs. This will in the long run stabilize the heels and ankles. Patients will also be taught how to apply athletic taping for supporting the bottom of the foot.
Night splints are an effective technique that can also be employed. Doctors will recommend that patients wear splints which help in stretching the arch and calf of feet during the night when they are sleeping. The Achilles tendon and fascia are held in a lengthened position throughout the night so that stretching is facilitated. Distribution of pressure in feet can also offer relief and is done by the use of orthotics which are off the shelf supports.
In case the conservative methods fail to work, there are two main procedures that can be used. The first is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It involves the direction of sound waves at the area where there is pain for stimulation of healing. It is used in the case of more chronic conditions. The procedure is known to cause swelling, bruises, numbness, pain or tingling. There is no surety whether it is consistently effective.
Surgery is also an option that has been considered in some cases. There are persons that will need to surgical operation for detachment of the plantar fascia from the heel bone. This is the last option when the pain is very severe and every other technique has failed. Surgery could lead to weakening of the arch in the feet.
When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should go for treatment in time, lest they expose themselves to complications. Without prompt treatment, one may experience chronic pain that disables them from going about their daily chores. Foot, knee, back and hip problems may also arise because the condition has an effect on the way one walks.
