Most patients who experience heel pain ignore them and think the pains will go away with rest and less activity. Nevertheless, in some cases the heel pain is a warning signal from the body that it is injured. Malformed foot conditions such as foot overpronation or flat feet can lead to more severe conditions such as plantar fascitis. This often crippling pain in the heel area of the foot can be treated in a surgical center as an outpatient.
Effective Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Is Readily Available
As reported by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), plantar fasciitis can be caused by faulty biomechanics and walking motion. These issues can include foot overpronation and flat feet, for example. When the lower leg biomechanics are out of step with the other parts of the body, excessive stress and pressure are put on structures of the foot that are not intended to bear those stresses. For example, jumping or even being overweight can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Sometimes Requires Surgery
A procedure known as Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis therapy that is completed while the patient’s foot and ankle are completely numbed. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The heel is incised by the physician just over the heel bone. The inflamed area and damaged tissue is extracted from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the wound is stitched up, a walking boot is recommended to be used for an estimated 4-6 weeks, depending upon the patient’s recovery.
Overpronation and Flat Feet Also Result in a Non-Surgical Flat Feet
Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Known as ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this solution aims to use small levels of sound waves to destruct the affected tissuesin the heel. It Is apparently illogical, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in tiny amounts actually evokes the body’s healing response and cures the body of the painful issue. In a 2004 study, it took 800 study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about eighty-five percent success.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment with Less Down Time
Lastly, shorter down time can be achieved with treatment of plantar fasciitis if an endoscopic procedure is performed. In this medical treatment, the foot is numbed with an ankle block while the patient is alert. Since some surgeons may prefer to have the patient unconscious, that is also a viable way to carry out the surgery with reduced stress to the patient. One-fourth inch cuts are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected tissues. A small camera is used to assist the doctor to locate the plantar fascia ligament. Once it has been identified, it is surgically fixed so that it can heal properly.
Overpronation and Flat Feet Can be Treated Before it Turns Into Plantar Fasciitis
Although surgical intervention is only necessary in under 10% of the cases of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it’s recommended to be up to date on the procedures that doctors are using today. Continuing with PT (physical therapy) is one of the best things patients can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Manual manipulation, water pool exercise, and lengthening the tissues are just some of the many methods that can help. For patients with walking gait deformities and biomechanics issues such as foot overpronation or flat feet, arch support insoles are one of the best ways to stop the return of this painful condition.
