Plantar Fasciitis Treatment San Francisco

By Serena Price


Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of and pain of thick bands of tissue that are referred to as plantar fascia. The tissues run across the bottom of feet, connecting the heel bones to toes. It is this condition that is mostly attributed to heel pain. People suffering from the condition will experience sharp pangs of pain when they make the first steps in the morning. When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know all that is involved.

Approximately 90 percent of people that suffer from the condition will recover after just a few months of conservative treatments. There is the option of using medications, for instance non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen and naproxen that will ease pain and inflammation but never treat the causes of the condition. The other type of drugs used is corticosteroids that are normally delivered through the process of iontophoresis. This involves application of corticosteroid solution to the skin, over the area that is painful. Absorption of the medication is achieved by non-painful electric current.

The delivery of the solution can also be done through injection. Using multiple injections is never recommended because it could make the plantar fascia weak and thus rupturing it. The other effect of multiple injections is that they could make the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. Ultrasound guidance is used for accurate placement of injections.

Another option of treatment is the use of stretching and strengthening exercises. These may be used in combination with specialized devices. With physical therapy for instance, therapists instruct their patients on various exercises that will help to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles. The ankles and knees are stabilized in the process. For support of the bottom of the foot, patients are taught ways to apply athletic taping.

The use of night splints is also an effective technique. The doctor or physical therapist may advice patients to wear splints that stretch the calf and arch of the foot while they are sleeping. The plantar fascia and Achilles will be held in a lengthened position overnight in a way that stretching is facilitated. There can also be prescription of off-the-shelf supports known as orthotics. These will help in even distribution of pressure to feet.

In some cases, the conservative techniques fail to be effective and thus more advanced methods have to be used. One of these procedures is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. In this, sound waves get directed to the painful area so that healing is stimulated. This procedure could lead to tingling, swelling, pain, numbness and bruises. Its level of consistency is still in doubt.

There is surgery which is also considered but as a last resort. It is used when all else has failed to work. The surgery is used to detach plantar fascia from heel bones. The surgical procedure is used when pain experienced is very severe. It may make the arch in the feet weak.

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.




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