Patients with plantar fasciitis typically report pain from the bottom of their heel. This pain is usually most intense after stepping out of bed in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
Traditional physical therapy treatment includes manual therapy, stretching, icing and activity modification. Cortisone injections are also commonly used but have been shown to weaken the plantar fascia tissue and increase risk of rupture.
Stretching
One of the first treatment approaches for plantar fasciitis is a simple stretching exercise. Patients that do this exercise regularly have a much lower incidence of heel pain. The stretch involves sitting down and crossing your affected leg over the knee of your non-affected leg. Grabbing your toes with your free hand, gently pull them toward your shin until you feel a stretch in your arch and foot. Then hold this position for a few seconds, and repeat several times.
In addition to this exercise, patients will be instructed to avoid putting too much pressure on their feet, especially while standing for long periods of time. They will be encouraged to wear shoes that have good support and are made of a flexible material. The doctors may also recommend that patients try switching to low impact exercise such as swimming or cycling, which puts less stress on the feet and joints.
Other treatments that are used to help ease the pain of plantar fasciitis include icing, night splints, and shock wave therapy. These interventions are typically utilized in conjunction with a physical therapy program to alleviate inflammation and expedite the healing process. In the most severe cases, injections or endoscopic fasciotomy surgery may be recommended, but the vast majority of patients find relief from their symptoms through our clinic’s comprehensive, nonsurgical approach
Ice
Using ice on the affected area is one of the most common home treatments for plantar fasciitis. The ice is used for its anti-inflammatory and numbing properties. However, it is important not to apply the ice directly to the skin. Doing so could cause frostbite. Instead, ice should be applied to the bottom of the foot, near the heel. The icing should be done at least twice a day.
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the heel and arch of your foot. It is caused by overuse and tightness of the plantar fascia, which leads to micro-tears. It is common for athletes or people who have to stand all day at work for prolonged periods of time to develop plantar fasciitis. People who wear shoes that do not provide enough support for their feet, like flip flops or flats, are also more susceptible to developing the condition.
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated with appropriate foot pain treatment in Dural and preventative measures. It’s crucial to stretch your feet before standing up from a seated or sleeping position, and to refrain from wearing shoes lacking adequate support and cushioning, particularly if you have flat or high arches. Additionally, regular physical therapy is highly effective for treating plantar fasciitis. If your foot pain persists despite several months of stretching and icing, consider reaching out to a local podiatry clinic in Baulkham Hills for further treatment options.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that significantly decreases pain and increases the healing process for plantar fasciitis. It involves the application of a gel and then pressing a hand-held applicator against the foot. The shock waves cause the tissue to vibrate, which increases blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Shock wave therapy is an effective alternative to other treatments that can be costly, invasive and have significant risks. For example, steroid injections can deliver medication directly to the heel for fast relief of pain and swelling but they may need to be repeated over time. Surgery is a surgical option that removes the damaged tissue, but it also poses the risk of further injury and long recovery periods.
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home after the session. It is generally recommended to have three sessions spaced a week apart, each lasting for about 10 minutes. Several scientific randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis.
During the treatment, patients typically feel transient discomfort as the shockwaves stimulate small blood vessels and trigger new tissue growth. This increase in blood flow causes superficial bruising of the skin. The pain usually lasts for a few days but then gradually fades due to the increase in blood flow.
Night Splints
Night splints are designed to hold your foot in a specific position while you sleep. They are intended to stretch your calf muscles that are tight and often contribute to plantar fasciitis pain. They are also used to prevent the recurrence of the condition after a flare up. They are a great addition to your treatment and should be worn regularly until you notice improvement.
This is a condition that typically feels like a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel that comes from the area closest to your toes. The pain is usually worse when you first stand up after sitting or sleeping, or when you walk, exercise, or use your feet for work. It can also become a problem with sports that require repetitive motions, such as running or basketball.
Many of our patients in Frisco have found that wearing night splints while they are at home has been a very effective way to reduce the pain from plantar fasciitis. However, many patients find the splints to be uncomfortable and may stop using them after a short period of time. Fortunately, newer splints are available with variable stretching settings and a wedge that is inserted underneath the big toe to help stretch the plantar fascia.
Studies have shown that if you continue to suffer from plantar fasciitis after trying these conservative treatments, it is likely time to seek a more aggressive approach. This could include injections or extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
