What Is Plantar Fasciitis And How Can It Be Treated?
DR. HARSH PATEL PRIME FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALISTS 856-384-1333
Did you know that your plantar fascia ligaments are vulnerable to strain injuries in your daily life? Too much pressure, excessive running, and inadequate footwear can put too much pressure on your feet and injure the ligaments. Plantar fasciitis can be a painful orthopedic complaint and require immediate treatment. This article includes different treatment options for plantar fasciitis to prevent complications, like chronic heel pain. Read on to find more.
A Brief Overview of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative condition that causes worse stabbing pain that occurs at the bottom of the feet, around the heels, and arch. The condition occurs as a result of collagen degeneration at the origin of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain [1].
The plantar fascia is a strong, fibrous tissue that secures the heel to the ball of the foot and supports the arch of the foot. It also acts as a shock absorber for your feet when you walk. People with plantar fasciitis often experience stabbing heel pain when they walk in the morning or after sitting for a long time [2].
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose plantar fasciitis by performing:
Physical Examination includes checking for the exact location of the pain and maximum tenderness in your foot. During a physical exam, your doctor will also ask you to flex your foot while they push on the plantar fascia to assess if the pain gets worse or not [3].
Imaging Tests include an X-ray or an MRI scan to determine the cause of your heel pain, such as a bone fracture.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis:
The following are some treatment options that are recommended for easing pain associated with plantar fasciitis:
1. Home Remedies
Home remedies serve as the first-line strategies to treat plantar fasciitis and include:
Applying Ice: Inflammation of the plantar fascia can be relieved by applying ice on the heel for 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day.
Shoe Modification: Wearing adequate shoes with a slightly raised heel and good arch support reduces pressure on the plantar fascia.
Medications: Inflammation and pain can be relieved with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Limiting Activities: Limiting extended physical activities, such as repetitive activities, gives heels a rest [4].
2. Conservative Approaches
If you still experience pain after trying out home remedies, try the following treatment approaches:
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy program involves stretching exercises, medications, and massages to improve the flexibility of ankles and plantar fascia.
Steroid Injections: The pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia can be alleviated by steroid injections, like cortisone.
Orthotics: Special orthotics, such as arch supports and shoe inserts, reduce pressure on the plantar fascia and alleviate pain. Supportive footwear can also reduce abnormal foot motion and prevent further damage to plantar fascia [5].
Night Splint: If you have plantar fasciitis and sleep with your feet pointed down, wearing a night splint helps stretch the plantar fascia while sleeping. This reduces morning pain and stiffness.
Taping: Taping of the foot reduces strain on the plantar fascia and provides short-term relief.
Gait Training: This can help improve your walking ability and lessen pain symptoms.
EPAT: Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is a shockwave therapy that can help reduce heel pain and inflammation of the fascia by directing high-pressure sound waves [6].
Amniotic Fluid Injections: This is an innovative treatment for foot and ankle pains, especially planter fasciitis. Amniotic fluid injections offer a non-surgical solution and can eliminate the need for steroids. Amniotic stem cells are injected near damaged tissues to help them regenerate. This therapy offers pain relief and facilitates cellular regeneration and healing, thereby shortening overall recovery time.
3. Surgical Options
Typically, patients respond well to non-surgical treatment options, but a small percentage of patients also require surgical treatments. Surgery becomes necessary when a patient continues to have heel pain. Your podiatrist may recommend surgical options, including plantar fascia release and gastrocnemius recession.
Bottomline
No matter what treatment options you’re recommended for your plantar fasciitis, the underlying cause of this condition may still persist. It is important to follow preventive measures, such as using orthotics, stretching, and wearing supportive shoes, even after undergoing the treatment to ensure long-term results.
Here at Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists, our podiatrists can assist with providing you with quality care for your heel pain. If you’re ready to wave goodbye to the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, contact us to make an appointment today. We have four offices is conveniently located in Woodbury Heights, Florence, Voorhees & Pine Hill, NJ. We look forward to providing you with comfort from your plantar fasciitis pain.
References:
Lemont H, Ammirati KM, Usen N. Plantar Fasciitis: A Degenerative Process (Fasciosis) Without Inflammation. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2003;93:234–7. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-93-3-234.
Tahririan MA, Motififard M, Tahmasebi MN, Siavashi B. Plantar fasciitis. J Res Med Sci 2012;17:799– 804.
Goff JD, Crawford R. Diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. Am Fam Physician 2011;84:676–82. https://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2016.20.3.93.
Luffy L, Grosel J, Thomas R, So E. Plantar fasciitis: A review of treatments. J Am Acad PAs 2018;31.
Çağlar Okur S, Aydın A. Comparison of extracorporeal shock wave therapy with custom foot orthotics in plantar fasciitis treatment: A prospective randomized one-year follow-up study. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2019;19:178–86.
Grady J, Boumendjel Y, LaViolette K, Smolinski T. Extracorporeal Pulse-Activated Therapy versus Injection: Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2019;109:108–12. https://doi.org/10.7547/17-075.