Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of and pain of thick bands of tissue that are referred to as plantar fascia. The tissues run across the bottom of feet, connecting the heel bones to toes. It is this condition that is mostly attributed to heel pain. People suffering from the condition will experience sharp pangs of pain when they make the first steps in the morning. When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know all that is involved.
As much as 90 percent of individuals suffering from this condition will get relief after undergoing conservative treatments for a few months. One common treatment option is use of drugs and medications. One of these is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs ibuprofen and naproxen relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They however never really treat underlying problems. There is also the drug corticosteroid that is taken through iontophoresis. This will involve applying of corticosteroid solution over the painful area. The absorption process is achieved by electric current that is not painful.
Injection is also a technique that can be used for applying the solution. The use of multiple injections is not advisable as it is known to weaken plantar fascia and thereby causing it to rupture. This would also have the effect of making the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. For the injection to be placed more accurately, ultrasound guidance may be used.
Another option of treatment is the use of stretching and strengthening exercises. These may be used in combination with specialized devices. With physical therapy for instance, therapists instruct their patients on various exercises that will help to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles. The ankles and knees are stabilized in the process. For support of the bottom of the foot, patients are taught ways to apply athletic taping.
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.
Going for surgical operation is always the last option when all other techniques and medications have failed. The surgery is performed to detach the plantar fascia from heel bone. It has the side effect of weakening the arch.
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.
As much as 90 percent of individuals suffering from this condition will get relief after undergoing conservative treatments for a few months. One common treatment option is use of drugs and medications. One of these is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs ibuprofen and naproxen relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They however never really treat underlying problems. There is also the drug corticosteroid that is taken through iontophoresis. This will involve applying of corticosteroid solution over the painful area. The absorption process is achieved by electric current that is not painful.
Injection is also a technique that can be used for applying the solution. The use of multiple injections is not advisable as it is known to weaken plantar fascia and thereby causing it to rupture. This would also have the effect of making the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. For the injection to be placed more accurately, ultrasound guidance may be used.
Another option of treatment is the use of stretching and strengthening exercises. These may be used in combination with specialized devices. With physical therapy for instance, therapists instruct their patients on various exercises that will help to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles. The ankles and knees are stabilized in the process. For support of the bottom of the foot, patients are taught ways to apply athletic taping.
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.
Going for surgical operation is always the last option when all other techniques and medications have failed. The surgery is performed to detach the plantar fascia from heel bone. It has the side effect of weakening the arch.
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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