Seeking The Best Plantar Fasciitis Treatment San Francisco Practitioners Provide Is Important

By Catalina Nielsen


Plantar fasciitis is a disorder of the foot during which the sole swells and becomes tender. This area is called the plantar, and the fascia is a tissue band that runs from the toes to the heel on the bottom of each foot. It is not yet known why this region becomes tender and inflamed in certain individuals, but genetic factors, ill fitting footwear, obesity, and injury are some of the many aspects that may contribute to the development of the disorder. The plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco patients seek should be thorough and affordable.

The disorder can generally be diagnosed without the need for sophisticated testing. Symptoms are typically the same among most patients, and include heel pain upon getting up in the morning or following long periods of immobility. In most instances, when the sufferer gets up and moves around, his or her pain decreases. However, the discomfort generally returns when one gets up after sleeping or sitting for a long time.

In certain cases, the disorder is exacerbated by bone spurs. These are bony protrusions typically found in the heel area. They occur when bone cells grow out at an odd angle, resulting in the formation referred to as a spur. The latter can irritate the surrounding tissue, and eventually inflame the fascia if pressure is not relieved.

Applying ice or soaking one's feet may help alleviate symptoms on a temporary basis. Elevating the feet and wearing appropriate footwear are also steps one can take to lessen the duration and severity of symptoms. Numerous individuals find over-the-counter painkillers helpful, such as topical creams or ibuprofen.

Devices such as orthopedic shoes are often recommended by a patient's family physician. Products of this type can be bought online, in drugstores, or they can be custom-made by specialists in the orthopedic field. The appliances or shoes one chooses will depend on what his or her doctor recommends, as well as his or her budget.

In many cases, simple devices such as heel cups or arch supports can significantly alleviate a person's symptoms. Night splints may also be recommended by medical professionals in certain cases. In rare instances, surgical procedures are suggested for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. The goal of such procedures is typically to unbind the ligaments in the foot and promote greater flexibility.

Those suffering from the aforementioned disorder are sometimes encouraged to participate in physical therapy. Although such therapy cannot cure the condition, it can often promote greater flexibility, and subsequently lessen the severity of one's symptoms. In certain instances, extended periods of remission follow a series of physical therapy sessions.

The disorder affects less men than women, although researchers do not yet know why this is the case. Individuals who have suffered from injuries to the Achilles tendon are at a greater risk for the condition, as are those with flat feet or fallen arches. When searching for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco clients should choose a professional who has a considerable amount of experience with this condition. Those who suspect they may have this disorder should seek the advice of a health care practitioner.




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