The pain caused by plantar fasciitis in the arch or heel can cause a lot of difficulty in your everyday life. For those seeking to alleviate this pain, it is crucial that they understand their treatment options. We will examine a number of treatment options for plantar fasciitis in this article. These include both medical and self-care strategies.
Plantar Fasciitis – What you need to know
Inflammation of the plantar facia is what causes this condition. This band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone down to the toes. This condition is often caused by overuse, incorrect footwear, and biomechanical problems. The condition occurs most commonly in athletes, those with flatfeet, and people with tight calf muscle.
A sharp pain can be felt in the heel when walking, or if you have rested for a long time. Pain may worsen as the condition continues, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Conservative Treatment Techniques
Enjoy the Ice!
A good rest is important for healing. Reduce activities that worsen the injury and apply ice on the affected area 15-20 minutes for inflammation reduction.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises can help relieve the tension in the plantar facia. To improve flexibility, stretch the Achilles’ tendon, the calf muscle, and the fascia.
Wearing Supportive Shoes:
To reduce the strain on plantar fascia, choose shoes that have proper cushioning and arch support. Orthotic inserts can provide extra support and comfort.
Evening Splints
While sleeping, night splints hold the foot in the dorsiflexion position. This prevents tightening of the plantar facia. The morning stiffness can be relieved by wearing a night splint.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can help create an exercise regimen that is tailored to your needs. Physical therapy is a great way to strengthen and increase flexibility of the muscles around the feet, as well as address any biomechanical factors that may be contributing towards plantar fasciitis.
Medical Interventions
Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation. Use these drugs under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Corticosteroid Injections:
Corticosteroid shots may be prescribed for persistent pain to reduce inflammation.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
It is an invasive, non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves to encourage healing within the plantar facia. The procedure is used for patients who don’t respond well to conservative treatment.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP Therapy):
The PRP treatment involves the injection of a concentrated version of the blood platelets in the affected area. This promotes healing while reducing inflammation.
Tenex procedure
Tenex is an ultrasound-based procedure to reduce and remove the damaged plantar fascia tissue. It offers a minimally intrusive approach for symptom relief.
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic and difficult condition. Self-care techniques and medical treatment can lead to recovery. Consult a medical professional if you are suffering from severe or prolonged symptoms to decide the right treatment.
Individuals can manage plantar fasciitis by implementing a number of strategies. It is possible to restore the comfort of walking and moving with ease.