Plantar Fasciitis: Understanding Your Treatment and Management Options
by Ida Carroll
The most common cause of heel pain is damage to the plantar fascia. In general, the plantar fascia can be defined as the critical tissue which supports the foot by connecting the heel bone to the other associated bones. If this component of the foot sustains damage, it will thicken and become less flexible. Consequently, you will experience extensive pain in your heel when you put your weight on it. This pain can affect the quality of your life significantly because you will not be able to perform daily activities with ease. Therefore, you should consult a podiatrist for immediate intervention if you have been experiencing heel pain. Here are the most ideal treatment and management options for plantar fasciitis.
Splinting and Strapping the Foot
You can promote quick natural recovery and even reduce the pain experienced due to plantar fasciitis by using straps and splints around your foot. These are designed to relieve the strain and pressure exerted on the foot. You can use a zinc oxide tape which is commonly used by athletes and sportspeople. The strap will provide consistent cushioning at all times. If you decide to utilise this option, you should have your podiatrist instruct you on proper application for optimal results. Splints are typically designed like boots and they are intended for night usage. The objective of the splint is to keep the toes pointing up. When toes point downwards, the fascia will be squeezed together, causing unnecessary strain.
Exercise and Orthoses
Heel pain can be eased by stretching plantar fascia and associated foot and leg muscles. In simple terms, stretching exercises will improve the flexibility of your foot, reducing stress and even the pain. The common exercises recommended for dealing with heel pain include towel, chair and dynamic stretches focused on the legs. It is advisable to always stretch both feet and legs during the regime even when only one is affected. This will help you promote long-term stability and balance. You should also consider using orthoses to support your heel during the day to complement the exercise. These are insoles which you can place in your shoes to prevent redevelopment of strain and pain.
Surgery
If you have severe pain or the fasciitis is affecting your life significantly, your doctor might recommend surgery to deal with the condition. The most common surgical technique utilised is open or minimally-invasive plantar release surgery. This involves cutting the sole tissue to reduce tension, inflammation and pain. For ideal treatment choices, discuss all possible options with your podiatrist.
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About Me
If you are like me, you have probably been in embarrassed in the past about having thick, yellow or otherwise unsightly toenails. You may have even suffered pain from your toenails. Those statements used to describe me, but with the help of my family and podiatrist, my toenails have returned to a strong, clear and beautiful state. The journey wasn't always easy, and it forced me to ask a lot of questions and do a lot of research. As a result, I learned everything you can find in these blog posts. I see other people with painful looking toenails on the street, and I want to help them with some pointers, but walking up to strangers – however well intentioned – is a bit beyond my comfort levels so I decided to create this blog. I hope it helps and entertains you!