Plantar fasciitis is a condition that involves inflammation and pain of thick bands of tissue, known as plantar fascia. These tissues run across the bottom of the feet and connect the heel bone to toes. Heel pain is more often than not caused by this condition. One will experience stabbing pain that occurs with the first morning steps. When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents have many options that are effective.
Approximately 90 percent of people that suffer from the condition will recover after just a few months of conservative treatments. There is the option of using medications, for instance non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen and naproxen that will ease pain and inflammation but never treat the causes of the condition. The other type of drugs used is corticosteroids that are normally delivered through the process of iontophoresis. This involves application of corticosteroid solution to the skin, over the area that is painful. Absorption of the medication is achieved by 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 some cases, the conservative techniques fail to be effective and thus more advanced methods have to be used. One of these procedures is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. In this, sound waves get directed to the painful area so that healing is stimulated. This procedure could lead to tingling, swelling, pain, numbness and bruises. Its level of consistency is still in doubt.
There is surgery which is also considered but as a last resort. It is used when all else has failed to work. The surgery is used to detach plantar fascia from heel bones. The surgical procedure is used when pain experienced is very severe. It may make the arch in the feet weak.
When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know there are complications for those that ignore the condition. Such people will develop chronic pain that hinders their regular activities. There is also the possibility of developing knee, foot, back or hip problems because the condition adversely affects the way people walk.
Approximately 90 percent of people that suffer from the condition will recover after just a few months of conservative treatments. There is the option of using medications, for instance non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen and naproxen that will ease pain and inflammation but never treat the causes of the condition. The other type of drugs used is corticosteroids that are normally delivered through the process of iontophoresis. This involves application of corticosteroid solution to the skin, over the area that is painful. Absorption of the medication is achieved by 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 some cases, the conservative techniques fail to be effective and thus more advanced methods have to be used. One of these procedures is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. In this, sound waves get directed to the painful area so that healing is stimulated. This procedure could lead to tingling, swelling, pain, numbness and bruises. Its level of consistency is still in doubt.
There is surgery which is also considered but as a last resort. It is used when all else has failed to work. The surgery is used to detach plantar fascia from heel bones. The surgical procedure is used when pain experienced is very severe. It may make the arch in the feet weak.
When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know there are complications for those that ignore the condition. Such people will develop chronic pain that hinders their regular activities. There is also the possibility of developing knee, foot, back or hip problems because the condition adversely affects the way people walk.
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