Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the front of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain. Overstretching or overusing your plantar fascia and poor foot structure can lead to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis Margaretville is characterized by heel pain that is dull or sharp, and it usually worsens when you take your first steps out of bed. It may be challenging to climb stairs due to heel stiffness. There are many treatments for plantar fasciitis, including:
1. Cold therapy
You can apply an ice pack for fifteen to twenty minutes three or four times daily. Ice therapy can be a beneficial initial home treatment. It helps reduce swelling.
2. Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen can help soothe the plantar fascia.
3. Braces and supports
Night splints are a form of braces you wear over the night to help stretch your calf and foot arch. They hold the foot flexibly and lengthen the plantar fascia. Night splints can prevent pain and stiffness when you wake up. Special orthotics or arch supports in your shoes helps distribute pressure, alleviating pain and preventing further damage to your plantar fascia.
4. Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an essential treatment for plantar fasciitis. It helps stretch your plantar fascia. Your physical therapist can teach you exercises to help strengthen your lower leg muscles. These exercises help stabilize your walk and reduce the workload on your plantar fascia.
5. Stretching exercises
Low-impact stretches can relieve and prevent plantar fasciitis. Stretching your calves and plantar fascia helps loosen your muscles and ease heel pain. Ensure you avoid high-impact exercises like running to give your plantar fascia time to heal. Always stretch before starting your workouts to prevent pain from returning.
6. Shock wave therapy
If your pain persists after other therapies, your doctor may recommend extracorporeal shock wave therapy. This treatment involves your provider directing sound waves on your heel to stimulate ligament healing.
7. Surgery
Surgery is a rare treatment method for plantar fasciitis. Most patients recover with non-surgical treatments. Your healthcare may suggest surgery if you have severe pain or if it lasts more than six to twelve months. Surgery may cause chronic pain or nerve damage, so doctors consider it the last option. Surgical treatment may be done in different ways, which include:
Gastrocnemius recession
If you have challenges flexing your feet even after stretch exercises, your provider may suggest gastrocnemius recession. This surgery involves your surgeon lengthening your calf muscle to increase the motion of your ankle and flexibility in your foot, releasing stress on your plantar fascia.
Plantar fascia release
Plantar fascia release involves your surgeon cutting a part of your plantar fascia ligament to ease tension and reduce inflammation. The surgery can entail tiny cuts into the ligament or detaching the plantar fascia from your heel bone.
Plantar fasciitis is the irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain. There are many treatments for plantar fasciitis, including cold therapy, medications, physical therapy, stretch exercises, shock wave therapy, and surgery. Schedule an appointment at Hudson Valley Foot Associates for plantar fasciitis treatment to relieve your heel pain.
