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| Steps Involved In Treating Plantar Fasciitis (2014-08-14) Plantar fasciitis is one of the commonest problems in which a person suffers from unbearable heel pain. There is a thick band called as plantar fascia that connects your toes, heel bone and foot. The inflammation of this flat ligament is called as plantar fasciitis. The classical symptom of this condition is stabbing pain in sole(s) when you touch your feet to the ground after rising from bed. To get rid of this ailment, you can follow few important steps. This medical condition is usually seen in athletes (runners); people who are obese, and those who use footwear with improper support. In advances cases of this inflammation, one may suffer from stiffness and restricted movements of foot with inability to walk. The pain normally decreases once you limber up your foot, but the pain returns again on standing. Once you notice this kind of symptom, you should immediately consult your doctor for appropriate management. One should not worry about this problem, as this type of foot problem can be resolved in initial stages. One can overcome this condition by implementing a physical therapy or by using simple natural remedies. According to survey, approximately 5 out of 100 people need surgery, in case of severe condition. Therefore, it is important to treat plantar fasciitis once you experience jabbing pain in heel or at the bottom of your foot. Steps Involved In Treating Plantar Fasciitis Non-Medical Ways • Give Rest To Your Feet – Giving rest to your feet is the best way to treat plantar fasciitis. Just limit the use of feet; the more you use your feet and heel, greater is the pain. If you are doing exercise, avoid doing so on a concrete surface, instead run on grass or a rubber track. • Perform Gentle Stretches – To avoid stiffness caused due to pain, one should gently stretch their toes and calves regularly. This will help your ligaments to loosen and strengthens the muscles that are located in your arch. • Apply Ice On Heel – Rubbing ice on the affected area will reduce your inflammation and pain. Massage the ice-cube wrapped under a wash cloth to the bottom of your foot, and make sure that you thoroughly rub the ice on your arch. This will ease your pain and pressure. • Avoid Using Warm Application If Pain Aggravates – Some people may get relief from warm applications, but heat can aggravate the inflammation and pain. If you are planning to apply heating pads, then also apply ice pack alternatively, and end the procedure by applying ice. • Use Walking Cast – Using a walking cast on your calf will help you in reliving your pain. However, this method requires considerable time of inactivity. In addition to that, one may have to undergo mild physical therapy after removing the cast to restore flexibility. • Use Night Splints – Wearing a night splint while you are sleeping allows you to maintain a mild stretch. It helps in positioning your foot at 90-degree angle and keeps your toes in upward direction. This method prevents you from cramps and stiffness. Medical Treatments • Medications – One can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or painkillers to get relief from heel pain. It is advised to ask your doctor for appropriate medication. If you are taking tablet, make sure you eat something before the medication. If you are applying ointment/cream, try to cover the entire affected part. • Consult A Physical Therapist – If you suffer from pain, even after undergoing non-medical ways, it is recommended to consult a physical therapist. Your therapist may assess your condition and treat you accordingly. Depending on the severity of the case, your physician may ask you to continue with stretching exercises or perform an invasive surgery. • Corticosteroids – You medical advisor may inject corticosteroid near the affected part to relieve your pain temporarily. Corticosteroid shots will not cure your problem; it is just a short term solution for your pain. Overuse of corticosteroids may damage your heel; hence you should get a proper guidance from your doctor before undergoing this treatment. • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy – In this procedure, sound waves are sent to the affected area with the help of a device to relieve pain. • Surgery – In advances cases, your doctor may perform a plantar fascia release surgery in which a part of your ligament is snipped off. Prevention • Wear shoes that support your arch and offer better shock resistance. Use a well-cushioned sole while wearing shoes. • Use orthotics in your shoes for extra cushioning • Lose weight – If you are obese, try to shed some pounds to avoid pressure on your foot and heel. These are the steps involved in treating plantar fasciitis. If you experience mild pain; start with the above mentioned non-medical ways to relieve your pain and if you get no relief from doing so, consult a well-qualified physical therapist. | Become a fan |