Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fascia
The Plantar Fascia is a rubber band-like ligament that stretches from your heel to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. Tension and stress can cause inflammation in the bottom of the foot, especially as people age or engage in exercises like running or aerobic dance. Foot mechanics, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to foot pain, as can occupations that require standing for long periods of time on a hard surface like concrete.
Foot Injury
Plantar Fasciitis injuries generally occur when tension and stress on the ligament are too great and cause small tears along the fascia. The tissue can also become damaged by repeated over-stretching. You are more likely to have Plantar Fasciitis if you do daily activities that require a lot of running, jumping, or if you do a job that requires being on your feet for long time. Pain can also be due to excessive body weight, poorly fitting shoes, or a combination of all these factors.
Start living pain-free again
We take charge of your Foot health and Identify the root cause of every painful condition. We understand every foot profile uniquely and can treat any form of foot pain to give you a pain-free life.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options:
- Physical therapies like stretching the calf muscle.
- Wearing supportive and properly cushioned shoes. In such cases, one must completely try to avoid slippers, heels, and flip flops that do not provide the right arch to the feet. And also do not walk bare feet.
- Using night splints or orthotics
- Rubbing ice 3-4 times on the area for 15-20 mins every day and massaging that area.
- Losing weight
- Injecting corticosteroids
- Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Nasser and his team at University Foot Associates explore all non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment options before recommending surgery. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a great tool to treat plantar fasciitis by using high energy shockwaves to stimulate deep tissue. It precisely targets areas of pain with varying levels of energy waves to stimulate blood flow and healing in the region. This non-invasive surgical alternative is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for persistent plantar fasciitis. Learn More About Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
If all non-invasive options like shockwave therapy and orthotics have been exhausted, there are two surgeries that may be considered. Gastrocnemius surgery and Plantar Fasciitis release surgery. Under Gastrocnemius surgery, the length of the tendons and muscles is increased. Plantar Fasciitis surgery relieves tension by cutting a part of Plantar Fasciitis muscles is cut to release the ligament and cure inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to treat plantar fasciitis?
A: Plantar fasciitis is quickly remedied by icing the affected area, stretching, and avoiding activities that increase pain. Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Q: What is the main cause of plantar fasciitis?
A: Tension and stress can cause inflammation in the bottom of the foot, especially as people age or engage in exercises like running or aerobic dance. Foot mechanics, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to foot pain, as can occupations that require standing for long periods of time on a hard surface like concrete.
Q: What does plantar fasciitis feel like?
A: Plantar Fasciitis is the tightening of the ligament that goes from your heel to your toes. When it tightens it feels like a foot cramp or a tightened rubber band.
Q: Does plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
A: Plantar Fasciitis can go away on its own with simple treatment like ice or massage. If it is a common, repetitive injury a physical therapist or podiatrist can help identify the root cause of the pain.
