
6:00 pm

August 28, 2011

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common explanations of heel pain. It is caused by
inflammation to the thick band that connects the toes to the heel bone, called
the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot.
Physical Therapy – Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia are recommended
to relieve pain and aid in the healing process. Sometimes application of
athletic tape is recommended. In moderate or severe cases of plantar fasciitis,
your doctor may recommend you wearing a night splint, which will stretch the
arch of your foot and calf while you sleep. This helps to lengthen the Achilles
tendon and plantar fascia for symptom relief. Depending on the severity of your
plantar fasciitis, your physician may prescribe a store-bought orthotic (arch
support) or custom-fitted orthotic to help distribute your foot pressure more
evenly.
Surgery and Other Procedures
When more conservative methods have failed to reduce plantar fasciitis pain, your
doctor may suggest extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which is used to treat
chronic plantar fasciitis. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy uses sound waves
to stimulate healing, but may cause bruises, numbness, tingling, swelling, and
pain. When all else fails, surgery may be recommended to detach the plantar
fascia from the heel bone. Few people need surgery to treat the condition.
Home Remedies
Stretching your plantar fasciitis is something you can do at home to relieve pain and
speed healing. Ice massage performed three to four times per day in 15 to 20
minute intervals is also something you can do to reduce inflammation and pain.
Placing arch supports in your shoes absorbs shock and takes pressure off the
plantar fascia.
Yours in good health,
Dr. Ben Dammel
28
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