Facts About Plantar Fasciitis Treatment San Francisco

By Serena Price


Plantar fasciitis is a condition that involves inflammation and pain of thick bands of tissue, known as plantar fascia. These tissues run across the bottom of the feet and connect the heel bone to toes. Heel pain is more often than not caused by this condition. One will experience stabbing pain that occurs with the first morning steps. When considering plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents have many options that are effective.

As much as 90 percent of individuals suffering from this condition will get relief after undergoing conservative treatments for a few months. One common treatment option is use of drugs and medications. One of these is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs ibuprofen and naproxen relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They however never really treat underlying problems. There is also the drug corticosteroid that is taken through iontophoresis. This will involve applying of corticosteroid solution over the painful area. The absorption process is achieved by electric current that is not painful.

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.

Strengthening and stretching exercises will also provide quick relief from symptoms. These are at times used together with specialized devices. Physical therapy falls under this category. Physical therapists will come up with exercises that help to stretch the Achilles tendon in addition to strengthening muscles of lower legs. The ankles and knees are strengthened in the long run. Therapists also teach patients to use athletic taping to support the bottom of feet.

Night splints are an effective technique that can also be employed. Doctors will recommend that patients wear splints which help in stretching the arch and calf of feet during the night when they are sleeping. The Achilles tendon and fascia are held in a lengthened position throughout the night so that stretching is facilitated. Distribution of pressure in feet can also offer relief and is done by the use of orthotics which are off the shelf supports.

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.

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 ought to know complications involved when one decides to ignore the condition. The chronic pain that results will hinder their daily activities. They may also develop foot, knee, hip or back problems since the condition changes the way one walks.




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