Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment San Francisco

By Serena Price


Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of and pain of thick bands of tissue that are referred to as plantar fascia. The tissues run across the bottom of feet, connecting the heel bones to toes. It is this condition that is mostly attributed to heel pain. People suffering from the condition will experience sharp pangs of pain when they make the first steps in the morning. When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should know all that is involved.

Roughly 90 percent or more of people with the condition can have it cured after several months of undergoing conservative treatment. One of the most common forms of conservative treatment is the use of medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain but never really treat causes of the condition. There also are corticosteroids which are delivered to the body through iontophoresis. This is whereby the solution is applied to the skin over the painful area. The medication is absorbed through non-painful electric current.

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.

The use of night splints is also an effective technique. The doctor or physical therapist may advice patients to wear splints that stretch the calf and arch of the foot while they are sleeping. The plantar fascia and Achilles will be held in a lengthened position overnight in a way that stretching is facilitated. There can also be prescription of off-the-shelf supports known as orthotics. These will help in even distribution of pressure to feet.

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.

Going for surgical operation is always the last option when all other techniques and medications have failed. The surgery is performed to detach the plantar fascia from heel bone. It has the side effect of weakening the arch.

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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