Heel pain is the defining symptom of plantar fasciitis. This ailment might make it difficult to move or carry out regular tasks.
Pulling or tearing of the plantar fascia, which is caused by negligent stretching when exercising or wearing shoes that are improper for your foot, is a typical cause of this condition.
The podiatrist will examine your foot thoroughly to determine which treatment is appropriate for you, and then may propose one of the following six ways.
1. Foot orthoses
Plantar fasciitis can be relieved quickly with the use of foot orthoses. While it typically requires the use of a special shoe, you can, however, book an appointment with your podiatrist to have custom orthotics made to fit all of your shoes.
To ensure that the orthotic is a great fit for your foot, the podiatrist will take an impression of it. It is then possible to construct a personalized orthotic that matches your requirements in this manner. Your orthotic should give good arch support to help you recover from plantar fasciitis. It should also reduce the amount of tension on your heel.
2. High power laser therapy
High-power laser therapy is a treatment that promotes blood circulation. The podiatrist uses a device to deliver laser beams through the skin during treatment. The energy released by the waves relieves pain right away.
This treatment reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing in the affected area. This is a fantastic alternative to surgery because it is less invasive. The length and severity of the treatment varies from case to case.
3. ShockWave therapy
ShockWave therapy is another non-surgical option. A machine sends shock waves into the heel as part of the treatment. The inflammatory tissue around the painful location thus reacts to this non-invasive therapy.
This treatment relieves pain while also encouraging the synthesis of collagen, a protein that aids in ligament healing. Furthermore, the shock waves increase blood flow to the foot and help to break down scar tissue.
This sort of treatment can be hampered by medical disorders such as diabetes, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system. As a result, it’s essential to talk to your podiatrist about it ahead of time.
4. Manual foot therapy
Manual foot therapy blends massage techniques with your podiatrist’s knowledge. Podiatrists are educated to mobilize the joints of the foot so that they can use massage to ease discomfort from plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist can pinpoint the source of your pain and cure it with mild, precise movements.
They will devise a personalized approach to obtain good results after reviewing your file and inspecting your foot.
5. Cortisone injection
Cortisone injection into the foot may be another one of the treatments suggested by your podiatrist. When other, more temporary treatments fail, these injections should be considered.
Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone that decreases inflammation, relieves pain, and aids in the healing process. The podiatrist will use an ultrasound of your foot to guide the injections, ensuring the procedure’s success.
However, this treatment may cause irritation or discolouration of the skin as a side effect. Consult your podiatrist to see if cortisone is the best treatment option for you.
6. Podiatric surgery
If alternative therapies have failed, podiatric surgery is an option to explore. In certain circumstances, surgery can eliminate the pain caused by plantar fasciitis for good. It’s vital to remember that this is only a last resort treatment. It’s also a good idea to try a few different remedies first.
Plantar fasciitis can be treated with two types of surgery:
- The dry needle procedure
- The plantar fascia release surgery
Your podiatrist can help relieve your plantar fasciitis
Each person’s case of plantar fasciitis is different. Plantar fasciitis can develop and worsen if left untreated. As a result, it’s critical to get treatment as soon as possible by making an appointment with a podiatrist to find a long-term solution.
Treatments for plantar fasciitis in a nutshell:
- Foot orthoses prescribed by a podiatrist
- Many therapies offered by our podiatry professionals
- Podiatric surgeries