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.

Another method of delivery of the solution is injection. Using multiple injections is never recommended since it could weaken the plantar fascia, causing it to rupture. In addition, this could lead to shrinking of the fat pad that covers the heel bone. For more accurate placement of the injection, there is sometimes the use of ultrasound guidance.

The use of stretching and strengthening exercises will provide relief from symptoms. Specialized devices may also be used. An example of the exercises is physical therapy. Physical therapists will instruct their patients on series of exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and strengthen lower muscles of the legs. This will in the long run stabilize the heels and ankles. Patients will also be taught how to apply athletic taping for supporting the bottom of the foot.

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.

Surgery is also an option that has been considered in some cases. There are persons that will need to surgical operation for detachment of the plantar fascia from the heel bone. This is the last option when the pain is very severe and every other technique has failed. Surgery could lead to weakening of the arch in the feet.

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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