Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis is exhibited as an inflammation of a band of tissues, running from the heel along the arch of the foot. Patients may also suffer from a heel spur, which is a hook of bone formed on the heel bone (calcaneus). It is commonly diagnosed in middle-aged men and women, but all age groups can be afflicted. Athletes are more likely to have plantar fasciitis because of rapid weight gain and strenuous activity like running. Pregnant women, overweight individuals and people in occupations requiring long hours of leg-work are also susceptible.

People usually complain of a well-localized pain in their heel, most severe in the morning. It subsides in a short time but returns after prolonged periods of walking or standing. Surgery is not the sole option for plantar fasciitis. There are many non-surgical alternatives that have helped to relieve heel pain in patients. Surgery is only viable when non-surgical treatments have not helped after a stipulated trial period and heel pain hinders normal functioning.

Shock Wave Stimulation is one non-invasive treatment. It entails directing sound waves to the painful area to encourage healing. The unwanted potential side effects are bruising, swelling, pain and numbness. Moreover, this treatment is not beneficial to everyone.

Other options include steroid injections, ultrasound, oral anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAID( Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories) prescriptions, topical medications, massage and other methods that aim to reduce inflammation. However, the post dystatic pain (morning pain) will be not be alleviated.

• Schon/Baxter Procedure: The tight fascia is cut to ease tension in the painful region of the heel.
• DuVries Technique: An incision is made in the heel spur and the plantar fascia is removed. For some, the procedure is followed by numbness along the incision that may continue for several months. The weakening of the arch of the foot is another problem.
• Planter Fasioctomy: Two small incisions are made on either side of the heel. An endoscope (a long, thin instrument specialized for minor surgery) is inserted on one side to assist the doctor. A tiny knife is inserted in the other slit to remove a portion of the fascia. Faciotomy is performed on people lacking an alternative solution.

• There is a danger of more than the specified plantar fascia being released leading to a flat foot deformity, caused by the loss of the arc of the foot. Worse chronic problems precede flat foot.
• Surgery carries the risk of damaging the small nerves adjacent to the plantar fascia. It is apparent when the patient experiences pain or numbness in the post-surgery areas.
• Infection is often a complication with surgery. Patients will need antibiotics and more surgery to remove any infections.

The results vary from person to person but most say they feel relief after surgery. You should consult with an orthopedic surgeon to decide if surgery is the best choice for you and the risks are manageable. Recovery time is long and differs based on the severity of the case.