Plantar fasciitis is whereby thick bands of tissue known as plantar fascia get inflamed and develop some pain. The tissues run at the bottom of feet while connecting the heel bone to the toes. Mostly it is this condition that causes pain in heels. This will be mostly experienced in the morning with the first steps taken by the individual. When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should be conversant with the procedures involved.
Roughly 90 percent or more of people with the condition can have it cured after several months of undergoing conservative treatment. One of the most common forms of conservative treatment is the use of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain but never really treat causes of the condition. There also are corticosteroids which are delivered to the body through iontophoresis. This is whereby the solution is applied to the skin over the painful area. The medication is absorbed through non-painful electric current.
Injection is also a technique that can be used for applying the solution. The use of multiple injections is not advisable as it is known to weaken plantar fascia and thereby causing it to rupture. This would also have the effect of making the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. For the injection to be placed more accurately, ultrasound guidance may be used.
The use of stretching and strengthening exercises will provide relief from symptoms. Specialized devices may also be used. An example of the exercises is physical therapy. Physical therapists will instruct their patients on series of exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and strengthen lower muscles of the legs. This will in the long run stabilize the heels and ankles. Patients will also be taught how to apply athletic taping for supporting the bottom of the foot.
Also effective in curing the condition is use of night splints. Physical therapists or doctors will at certain times recommend wearing of splints which are designed to stretch the calf and arch of feet when one is seeping. Plantar fascia and Achilles tendons are held in lengthened position throughout the night such that stretching is facilitated. Doctors can also prescribe off the shelf supports called orthotics. These assist in distributing pressure to feet.
There are instances when the more conservative measures fail to work, in which case other techniques have to be used. The first option is extracorporeal shock wave therapy in which there is sound waves are directed at the area where pain is experienced. This stimulates healing. It can come with side effects such as bruises, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling. Its consistency levels are however still in doubt.
Surgery is also an option that has been considered in some cases. There are persons that will need to surgical operation for detachment of the plantar fascia from the heel bone. This is the last option when the pain is very severe and every other technique has failed. Surgery could lead to weakening of the arch in the feet.
When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should go for treatment in time, lest they expose themselves to complications. Without prompt treatment, one may experience chronic pain that disables them from going about their daily chores. Foot, knee, back and hip problems may also arise because the condition has an effect on the way one walks.
Roughly 90 percent or more of people with the condition can have it cured after several months of undergoing conservative treatment. One of the most common forms of conservative treatment is the use of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain but never really treat causes of the condition. There also are corticosteroids which are delivered to the body through iontophoresis. This is whereby the solution is applied to the skin over the painful area. The medication is absorbed through non-painful electric current.
Injection is also a technique that can be used for applying the solution. The use of multiple injections is not advisable as it is known to weaken plantar fascia and thereby causing it to rupture. This would also have the effect of making the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. For the injection to be placed more accurately, ultrasound guidance may be used.
The use of stretching and strengthening exercises will provide relief from symptoms. Specialized devices may also be used. An example of the exercises is physical therapy. Physical therapists will instruct their patients on series of exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and strengthen lower muscles of the legs. This will in the long run stabilize the heels and ankles. Patients will also be taught how to apply athletic taping for supporting the bottom of the foot.
Also effective in curing the condition is use of night splints. Physical therapists or doctors will at certain times recommend wearing of splints which are designed to stretch the calf and arch of feet when one is seeping. Plantar fascia and Achilles tendons are held in lengthened position throughout the night such that stretching is facilitated. Doctors can also prescribe off the shelf supports called orthotics. These assist in distributing pressure to feet.
There are instances when the more conservative measures fail to work, in which case other techniques have to be used. The first option is extracorporeal shock wave therapy in which there is sound waves are directed at the area where pain is experienced. This stimulates healing. It can come with side effects such as bruises, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling. Its consistency levels are however still in doubt.
Surgery is also an option that has been considered in some cases. There are persons that will need to surgical operation for detachment of the plantar fascia from the heel bone. This is the last option when the pain is very severe and every other technique has failed. Surgery could lead to weakening of the arch in the feet.
When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should go for treatment in time, lest they expose themselves to complications. Without prompt treatment, one may experience chronic pain that disables them from going about their daily chores. Foot, knee, back and hip problems may also arise because the condition has an effect on the way one walks.
