Plantar fasciitis treatment varies from person to person depending on how mild or severe the fasciitis gets. It is nothing like a flu shot, which works for almost everyone. To learn the options available for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, you need to learn how the condition starts and how different kinds of treatments can make it better.
The heel and ball of the foot are connected by a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. It provides in-built arch support and acts as the foot's shock absorber. When the plantar fascia is subjected to repeated strain, it becomes so inflamed that it causes heel and arch pain. The condition is known as plantar fasciitis and is a common source of foot pain for many people.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by strain and overuse, which makes some people more vulnerable to it. The risk factors are:
Mild cases of fasciitis are usually treated with therapeutic methods and medication. More severe cases are treated with less conservative methods. Here are the ways that doctors treat the condition:
These drugs reduce the pain and inflammation. A doctor will often direct their patient to take the medication a couple of times a day over the course of several weeks.
If the non-steroid medication does not work, a doctor will recommend a steroid injection. One dose will deal with the pain and inflammation for at least a month. However, most doctors will advise against multiple steroid shots, since they are likely to weaken the fascia.
This is a safer alternative to steroids, as it will not weaken the plantar fascia or put it at risk of ripping. Medication and injections will only treat mild plantar fasciitis that goes away after a while. People with persistent fasciitis need a more aggressive approach.
Doctors will use sound waves on the fascia to stimulate blood flow and stun the nerves to numbness. The aim is to stimulate healing while giving pain relief.
This is a minimally invasive procedure that only takes a few minutes. During the procedure, a doctor will use an ultrasound to locate scar tissue on the fascia. They will then make a small incision where the scar tissue is located and remove it.
When all else fails, a doctor will surgically unhook the plantar fascia from the heel bone. As far as plantar fascia treatment goes, this is the nuclear option that is only used when the condition is so severe that nothing else works.
To prescribe the right treatment, a doctor will have to know if the plantar fasciitis is mild, chronic or sudden. A good diagnosis is the only way to give you the proper treatment for your particular level of pain and injury. At our San Jose office, a doctor will perform a thorough exam and go through your symptoms and medical history with you. Visit us for a diagnosis if you are experiencing foot pain.
Request an appointment here: https://footdoctorinsanjose.com or call Leonard Greenwald, D.P.M. at (408) 827-9483 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
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