Many people who experience heel pain think that they are something minor and will go away with rest and less activity. Nevertheless, in some cases the heel pain is a red flag for something that the doctor may need to treat. Abnormal foot issues such as excess pronation or flat feet can lead to more serious conditions such as plantar fascitis. This often disabling pain in the heels can be treated in a operating room as an outpatient.
Low Foot Arches Can Be a Biomechanical Issue
As found by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), plantar fasciitis can be caused by faulty biomechanics and walking motion. These issues can include excess pronation and flat feet, for example. When the feet and leg biomechanics are out of step with the entire body, undue stress and pressure are put on structures of the foot that are not meant to bear those pressures. For instance, running on a hard surface or even being overweight can all be contributing factors for heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Can Be a Welcomed Relief
A procedure 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 at the root of pain caused by this condition. The surgeon opens the heel through a small incision made above the affected area of the heel. The fluid-filled area and damaged tissue is taken out from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the incision is closed, a walking boot is recommended to be used for an estimated 4-6 weeks, depending upon the healing time for the patient.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Can Be Treated Non-Surgically
Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Known as ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this technology aims to use low-dose sound waves to destroy the affected tissuesin the heel. It Is apparently counterproductive, but it isn’t. The damaging of these tissues in small amounts actually starts the body’s healing response and heals the foot condition. In a 2004 study, it took nearly 1000 study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about 85% success.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment with Faster Recovery Times
Finally, endoscopic plantar fascia removals are becoming more commonly used because of their short healing duration. In this surgical solution, the foot is given a nerve block in the ankle while the patient is conscious. Given that some physicians may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a sensible way to perform the surgery with reduced stress to the individual. One-fourth inch cuts are made in the left and right sides of the heel to access the affected regions. A tiny camera is used to assist the surgeon to locate the plantar fascia ligament. After it has been found, the surgeon fixes the problems inside and closes the wound.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment is Better Today than Ever Before
Statistics show that surgery is needed in about five percent of plantar fasciitis cases, it’s advisable to be aware of the procedures that podiatrists are using today. Following up after surgery with physical therapy is one of the best things people 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 people with walking gait malformations and biomechanical problems such as overpronation or flat feet, orthtotic insoles are one of the best ways to stop the return of heel pain.
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March 16, 2010
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