What Are the Different Treatment Options for Planter Fasciitis?
Do you feel a painful stab in your heel and arch first thing in the morning? You’re quite possible suffering from plantar fasciitis pain. 1 in 10 of us will get it at some point in our lives, and it’s no joke!
Aside from making you hobble to the bathroom, plantar fasciitis can take its toll on your working and personal life. Standing all day at work is rough with this painful condition. The good news is that effective treatment options are available.
Let’s take a quick look at plantar fasciitis treatment so that you can find the right route for you.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar fascia. This thick band of tissue extends from the heel to the toes, along the underside of the foot.
The name is a little misleading, as most conditions ending in -itis refer to inflammation. Plantar fasciitis is not an inflammatory condition. Instead, overuse causes tears and irritation in the plantar fascia, resulting in pain.
Pain can occur anywhere along the plantar fascia, but most sufferers develop heel pain. People who are on their feet all day, athletes, someone starting a new fitness program, and older adults are most at risk of developing this condition. It is usually most painful first thing in the morning, or after standing or walking for a long time.
How an Orthopedic Doctor Can Help
An orthopaedic surgeon or doctor will evaluate how you walk and examine your feet and ankles. X-rays and ultrasound scans can help the physician identify the specific issue. Depending on how advanced the injury is, they may recommend some of the following options.
Stretching and Exercise
Stretching and exercise can help stretch the plantar fascia and relieve irritation. Calf stretching, Towel Scrunches, Seated Plantar Fasciitis Mobilization with a Ball, and a Seated Plantar Fascia Stretch are all excercises recommended by Dr. Bednarz and his staff at Central Texas Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center. You can dowlonad the patient handout for more details on these exercises.
Cam Walker Boot
A Cam Walker boot can help for advanced inflammation and pain, a calcaneal stress fracture occurs or a platar fascial tear or rupture is present.
Custom Orthotics
It’s important to foster healing with proper foot support. Custom orthotics are made using digital scans of the foot. They are made precisely to your individual specifications and provide excellent support for the heel and arches.
Injections and Surgical Options
Most patients will see an improvement in symptoms with recommended exercises therapy and orthotics. More severe cases may require injections or surgery.
Corticosteroid injections into the affected area can help to reduce pain.
Plantar fasciitis surgery is only for patients who have exhausted other treatment options. It helps by detaching the plantar fascia from the heel. As it heals, new connective tissues grow which can help to lengthen the plantar fascia.
Start Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Without Delay
When you feel that stabbing pain in the underside of your foot, don’t delay treatment. Plantar fasciitis treatment is effective and safe and can help you start and end the day pain-free again.
At Central Texas Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center, you’ll be under the care of Dr. Paul Bednarz, our orthopedic surgeon. He will provide a prompt and accurate diagnosis of your condition. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan to help you overcome the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Call us at 254-313-9559 or request an appointment online today.
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