Mar 22 2010
Guide to Treating Fallen Arches and Over-pronation
The majority of patients who experience heel pain ignore them and think the pains will go away with rest and less activity. Nevertheless, in some cases the heel pain is a warning signal from the body that it is injured. Abnormal foot issues such as foot overpronation or low foot arches can lead to more acute conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often disabling pain in the heel area of the foot can be treated in a operating room as an outpatient.
Flat Feet Can Be a Biomechanical Issue
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, plantar fasciitis can be caused by congenital malformations and step patterns. This can include foot overpronation and fallen arches, for instance. When the feet and leg biomechanics are out of line with the entire body, too much stress and pressure are put on foot structures that are not intended to absorb those stresses. One manifestation of this, jumping or even being heavier than recommended can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.
Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis Can Be a Welcomed Relief
A surgical option called Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one treatment for plantar fasciitis that is performed while the patient’s foot and ankle are anesthetized. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The doctor makes an incision in the heel across the length of the heel. The fluid-filled area and injured tissue is taken out from the affected foot. Once the incision is sutured, a walking cast is required for about 4-6 weeks, depending upon how fast the person heals.
Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery
A type of cutting edge technology being used today to heal foot conditions is with waves of low level sound. Known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this solution aims to use small amounts of sound waves to destruct the affected tissuesin the heel. It Is apparently illogical, but it isn’t. The damaging of these tissues in small amounts actually starts the body’s healing response and cures the body of the painful issue. In a 2004 study, it took 800 study participants about two months to heal completely with about 80% to 90% success.
Cut Healing Time Dramatically with this Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis
Lastly, shorter down time can be achieved with treatment of plantar fasciitis if an endoscopic procedure is performed. In this surgical solution, the foot is given a nerve block in the ankle while the patient is awake. Given that some surgeons may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a viable way to conduct the procedure with less stress to the patient. Small slits are made in the sides of the heel to access the affected regions. A tiny camera is used to help the surgeon to locate the plantar fascia ligament. The surgeon sews the incision closed once the problem tissues have been identified and fixed.
Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis is Better Today than Ever Before
Statistics show that surgery is needed in about five percent of plantar fasciitis cases, it’s good to be aware of the procedures that podiatrists are using today. Occupational and physical therapies are the best things patients can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Stretches, strength building, and underwater therapy are just some of the many methods that can make a difference. For patients with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanics issues such as over-pronationor fallen arches, orthotic inserts are one of the best ways to stop reappearance of plantar fasciitis.