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A large number of patients who experience heel pain ignore them and think the pains will go away with rest and less activity. Unfortunately, in some cases the heel pain is a red flag for something that the doctor may need to treat. Foot malformations such as overpronation or flat feet can lead to more acute conditions such as plantar fascitis. This often crippling pain in the heel area of the foot can be treated in a surgical center as an outpatient.

Overpronation and Flat Feet Can Lead to Serious Anatomical Issues

According to the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), plantar fasciitis can be caused by faulty biomechanics and walking motion. These issues can include overpronation and fallen arches, just to name a few. When the lower leg biomechanics are out of step with the rest of the body, undue impact and jarring are put on bones and ligaments of the feet that are not meant to bear those pressures. For example, excessive jarring or even being overweight can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.

Solutions and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

A surgical option called Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis treatment that is completed while the patient’s foot and ankle are completely numbed. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue to blame for the excruciating discomfort caused by this condition. The doctor makes an incision in the heel across the length of the heel. The fluid-filled area and damaged tissue is extracted from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the incision is stitched up, a walking boot is recommended to be used for an estimated 4-6 weeks, depending upon the patient’s recovery.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery

Low level sound frequencies are also being used today to treat certain foot problems. Denominated ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this treatment aims to use small levels of sound waves to eliminate the affected tissuesin the heel. It Is apparently illogical, but it isn’t. The damaging of these tissues in small amounts actually evokes the body’s healing response and cures the body of the painful issue. In a study done in the early part of this decade, it took nearly 1000 study participants about 2 months to heal completely with about eighty-five percent success.

Cut Healing Time Dramatically with this Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

The final medical procedure that is becoming more popular simply because it requires less recovery time is an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. In this surgical solution, the foot is numbed with an ankle block while the patient is conscious. Since some physicians may prefer to have the patient unconscious, that is also a sensible way to perform the operation with reduced stress to the person. Small slits are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected areas. A small camera is used to assist the physician to find the plantar fascia ligament. Once it has been identified, it is surgically fixed so that it can heal properly.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment is Better Today than Ever Before

Although surgical intervention is only necessary in under 10% of plantar fasciitis cases, it’s advisable to be aware of the procedures that surgeons are using today. Following up after surgery with physical therapy is one of the best things patients can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Massages, exercises, and whirlpool therapy are just some of the many tools in the physical therapist’s toolbox that can assist. For patients with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanics problems such as overpronation or fallen arches, orthotics are one of the best ways to avoid recurrence of plantar fasciitis.