The majority of persons who experience heel pain assume that it’s nothing to worry about and will go away with rest and less activity. Unfortunately, in some cases the heel pain is a warning signal from the body that it is injured. Malformed foot conditions such as over-pronation or flat feet can lead to more acute conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often disabling pain in the heels can be treated in a sterile back office as an outpatient.

Effective Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis Is Readily Available

As found by the American Podiatric Medical Association, plantar fasciitis can be caused by congenital malformations and step patterns. This can include over-pronation and flat feet, just to name a few. In cases when the feet and leg biomechanics are out of step with the entire body, too much impact and jarring are put on bones and ligaments of the feet that are not intended to take those pressures. For example, jumping or even being over your ideal weight can all be contributing causes for heel pain.

Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis Sometimes Requires Surgery

A surgical option called Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis treatment that is performed while the patient’s foot and ankle are anesthetized. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The doctor makes an incision in the heel across the length of the heel. The inflamed area and injured tissue is released from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the wound is sutured, a walking cast is prescribed for use for about four to six weeks, depending upon the patient’s recovery.

Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis Can Be Treated Non-Surgically

Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this treatment aims to use small levels of sound waves to destruct the affected tissuesin the heel. It sounds counterintuitive, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in tiny amounts actually evokes the body’s healing response and helps the plantar fasciitis to resolve itself. In a study done in the early part of this decade, it took eight-hundred study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about 85% success.

Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis with Faster Recovery Times

Finally, endoscopic plantar fascia removals are becoming more commonly used because of their short healing duration. In this medical treatment, the foot is given a nerve block in the ankle while the patient is conscious. Given that some doctors may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a sensible way to conduct the procedure with reduced stress to the individual. Quarter-inch incisions are made in the left and right sides of the heel to access the affected regions. A tiny camera is used to assist the surgeon to locate the plantar fascia ligament. After it has been found, the surgeon fixes the problems inside and closes the wound.

Excess Pronation and Flat Feet Don’t Have to Hurt as Much

Though surgery is only required in about 5% of the cases of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it’s advisable to be up to date on the procedures that surgeons are using today. Following up after surgery with physical therapy is one of the best things persons can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Manual manipulation, water pool exercise, and lengthening the tissues are just some of the many procedures that can assist. For persons with walking gait deformities and biomechanics issues such as over-pronation or flat feet, arch support insoles are recommended to avoid the return of heel pain.

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