Plantar fasciitis is a condition that involves inflammation and pain of thick bands of tissue, known as plantar fascia. These tissues run across the bottom of the feet and connect the heel bone to toes. Heel pain is more often than not caused by this condition. One will experience stabbing pain that occurs with the first morning steps. When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents have many options that are effective.
Approximately 90 percent of people that suffer from the condition will recover after just a few months of conservative treatments. There is the option of using medications, for instance non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen and naproxen that will ease pain and inflammation but never treat the causes of the condition. The other type of drugs used is corticosteroids that are normally delivered through the process of iontophoresis. This involves application of corticosteroid solution to the skin, over the area that is painful. Absorption of the medication is achieved by non-painful electric current.
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.
Also effective in curing the condition is use of night splints. Physical therapists or doctors will at certain times recommend wearing of splints which are designed to stretch the calf and arch of feet when one is seeping. Plantar fascia and Achilles tendons are held in lengthened position throughout the night such that stretching is facilitated. Doctors can also prescribe off the shelf supports called orthotics. These assist in distributing pressure to feet.
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.
There is surgery which is also considered but as a last resort. It is used when all else has failed to work. The surgery is used to detach plantar fascia from heel bones. The surgical procedure is used when pain experienced is very severe. It may make the arch in the feet weak.
When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should go for treatment in time, lest they expose themselves to complications. Without prompt treatment, one may experience chronic pain that disables them from going about their daily chores. Foot, knee, back and hip problems may also arise because the condition has an effect on the way one walks.
Approximately 90 percent of people that suffer from the condition will recover after just a few months of conservative treatments. There is the option of using medications, for instance non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen and naproxen that will ease pain and inflammation but never treat the causes of the condition. The other type of drugs used is corticosteroids that are normally delivered through the process of iontophoresis. This involves application of corticosteroid solution to the skin, over the area that is painful. Absorption of the medication is achieved by non-painful electric current.
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.
Also effective in curing the condition is use of night splints. Physical therapists or doctors will at certain times recommend wearing of splints which are designed to stretch the calf and arch of feet when one is seeping. Plantar fascia and Achilles tendons are held in lengthened position throughout the night such that stretching is facilitated. Doctors can also prescribe off the shelf supports called orthotics. These assist in distributing pressure to feet.
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.
There is surgery which is also considered but as a last resort. It is used when all else has failed to work. The surgery is used to detach plantar fascia from heel bones. The surgical procedure is used when pain experienced is very severe. It may make the arch in the feet weak.
When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should go for treatment in time, lest they expose themselves to complications. Without prompt treatment, one may experience chronic pain that disables them from going about their daily chores. Foot, knee, back and hip problems may also arise because the condition has an effect on the way one walks.
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