Plantar fasciitis affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an inflammation in the plantar facia, the tissue band that connects your heel to toes. In severe cases, the condition can lead to excruciating pain in the heel. Daily activities may become difficult. The comprehensive guide explores various treatment options for both plantar fasciitis, medical as well as conservative.
Plantar Fasciitis and its Treatment
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the fascia plantar, the part of the fascia responsible for supporting your foot’s arches, is injured or irritated. The onset is influenced by factors such as overuse of the foot, wearing inappropriate shoes, engaging in high-impact exercises, and biomechanical concerns. Those with flat feet or high arches are more susceptible.
A stabbing sensation in the heel is a common symptom, which can occur during or after extended periods of rest. As you progress through the day, pain in the heel may diminish, only to come back after extended standing.
Treatment Options for Conservative Treatment
Take a Break and Enjoy Ice-Cream:
To combat plantar faciitis, the best way to start is by giving your feet enough time off. Avoid high-impact workouts and other activities that may aggravate your condition. Also, applying ice over the affected region for 20-30 minutes will help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Stretching Exercises
By incorporating specific stretching into daily life, you can relieve plantar fascia tension by targeting the Achilles tendons and the calf muscles. Regular stretching can reduce pain and improve flexibility, especially when done before rising in the morning.
Supportive Footwear
It is essential to pick footwear with the right arch support. Wearing supportive footwear helps distribute pressure equally across your foot and reduces strain on your plantar fascia. Customized orthotic insoles provide added comfort and additional support.
Night Splints
A night splint keeps the foot in dorsiflexion while asleep, to prevent the plantar facies from becoming tight. You can avoid morning stiffness or pain by wearing a night splint.
Medical Interventions
Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
Nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (NSAIDs), can help reduce inflammation and manage pain. But it is important that you use these medicines under the direction of your healthcare provider.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist may develop a tailored exercise program designed to improve foot flexibility, strengthen muscles that support the foot, and enhance overall health. Massage and therapeutic techniques such as ultrasonic waves can also be used.
Corticosteroid Injections:
Healthcare providers can recommend corticosteroid injectables in severe cases of pain and inflammation. These injections administer anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the affected region, providing temporary pain relief.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
This is a minimally invasive, non-invasive technique that employs shock waves in order to accelerate healing. When conservative methods fail to work properly, the ESWT option can be used.
Plantar Fasciitis may be debilitating, persistent, and difficult to treat. But a combination medical and conservative treatments can bring relief and speed up healing. A healthcare professional can help individuals with persistent symptoms get an accurate diagnose and create a personalized treatment plan. Take proactive measures to overcome the limitations and pain caused by plantar faciitis.