Plantar fasciitis is a problem that is associated with the inflammation of the strong band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone at the bottom of the foot. The problem usually causes a stabbing pain when you make your first step in the morning or after standing or sitting for a long time. It is quite a common issue among athletes. People who wear shoes without adequate support, and those who are overweight are also at high risk of suffering from the problem. Luckily, this is a problem that New York plantar fasciitis experts can treat in a number of ways. Below are some of the ways in which patients with this common cause of foot pain can find relief.
Non Surgical Treatments
Over 90 percent of people with plantar fasciitis see improvement within ten months of trying these simple treatment techniques.
Rest
Stopping or avoiding the activities that worsen the foot pain is the first step you should take when it comes to dealing with plantar fasciitis. Therefore, it is advisable for you to avoid athletic activities that involve pounding your feet on hard surfaces, such as step aerobics or running.
Ice
Rolling your feet over ice or a bottle of cold water for about 20 minutes, four times a day can also offer relief.
Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory Medication
Drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain. However, if you have to use such medication for more than a month, you should do so under the supervision of your primary care provider.
Exercise
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can be made worse by tight muscles in your calves and feet. Therefore exercises such as calf stretch and plantar fascia stretch can go a long way in providing relief from plantar fasciitis.
Other non-surgical solutions for plantar fasciitis include cortisone injections, orthotics, night splints, physical therapy, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Surgical Treatments
When it comes to treating plantar fasciitis, surgery can only be considered if a patient has not found relief after one year of aggressive non-surgical treatments. Some surgical treatments that can be used to treat the problem include:
Gastrocnemius Recession
This procedure involves the lengthening of the calf muscles. It can help patients whose pain and inflammation gets aggravated by tight calf muscles. The procedure can take away pressure from the plantar fascia and improve the ankle’s range of motion.
Plantar Fascia Release
This surgical procedure involves making a partial cut on the plantar fascia to relieve its tension. If a patient has a large spur bone, it may also be removed during the procedure.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that plantar fasciitis is quite a common cause of foot pain. However, it is an issue that can be treated with simple home treatments. In some rare cases, patients may have to go for surgery to get relief from this common cause of foot pain. If you are looking for a dependable podiatrist to help you in treating plantar fasciitis, City Podiatry is the best medical facility to visit.