A Guide To Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Low Foot Arches, And Over-Pronation

The majority of patients who experience heel pain think that they are something minor and will go away with rest and less activity. Unfortunately, in some cases the heel pain is a warning signal from the body that it is injured. Foot malformations such as overpronation or low foot arches can lead to more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often crippling pain in the heels can be treated in a surgical center as an outpatient.

Overpronation and Flat Feet Can Lead to Serious Anatomical Issues

As found by the American Podiatric Medical Association, plantar fasciitis can be caused by abnormal gait or foot anatomy. These issues can include overpronation and flat feet, for instance. When the feet and leg biomechanics are out of sync with the rest of the body, undue impact and jarring are put on structures of the foot that are not intended to take those pressures. For instance, jumping or even being overweight can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.

Solutions and Plantar Fasciitis Therapy

A surgery known as Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis treatment that is completed while the patient’s foot and ankle are completely numbed. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The doctor makes an incision in the heel across the length of the heel. The inflamed area and injured tissue is removed from the affected foot. Once the wound is sutured, a walking boot is required for approximately four to six weeks, depending upon how fast the person heals.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery

Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this solution aims to use small levels of sound waves to destroy the affected tissuesin the heel. It Is apparently counterintuitive, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in small amounts actually instigates the body’s healing response and cures the body of the painful issue. In a study done in the early part of this decade, it took eight-hundred study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about eighty-five percent success.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy with Faster Recovery Times

Lastly, shorter down time can be achieved with treatment of plantar fasciitis if an endoscopic procedure is performed. In this procedure, the foot is numbed with an ankle block while the patient is conscious. Given that some physicians may prefer to have the patient unconscious, that is also a viable way to perform the procedure with less stress to the individual. One-fourth inch cuts are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected tissues. A tiny camera is used to assist the surgeon to identify the plantar fascia ligament. The surgeon sews the incision closed once the problem tissues have been identified and fixed.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy is Better Today than Ever Before

Although surgical intervention is only necessary in under 10% of plantar fasciitis cases, it’s recommended to be aware of the procedures that doctors are using today. Following up after surgery with physical therapy is one of the best things patients can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Massages, exercises, and whirlpool therapy are just some of the many procedures that can make a difference. For patients with walking gait malformations and biomechanics problems such asoverpronation or flat feet, orthtotic insoles are one of the best ways to stop reappearance of heel pain.

Related posts:

1. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Treatment - Barrett Foot and Ankle Centers
2. Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Guide - Easy Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
3. Guide to Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
4. Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut Launches NeuroTherm(R) Treatment: Radio Frequency Therapy Offers Relief for Chronic Heel Pain
5. Top Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis - Say Goodbye To Your Foot Pain