Facts About Plantar Fasciitis Treatment San Francisco

By Serena Price


Plantar fasciitis is whereby thick bands of tissue known as plantar fascia get inflamed and develop some pain. The tissues run at the bottom of feet while connecting the heel bone to the toes. Mostly it is this condition that causes pain in heels. This will be mostly experienced in the morning with the first steps taken by the individual. When going for plantar fasciitis treatment San Francisco residents should be conversant with the procedures involved.

Approximately 90 percent of people that suffer from the condition will recover after just a few months of conservative treatments. There is the option of using medications, for instance non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen and naproxen that will ease pain and inflammation but never treat the causes of the condition. The other type of drugs used is corticosteroids that are normally delivered through the process of iontophoresis. This involves application of corticosteroid solution to the skin, over the area that is painful. Absorption of the medication is achieved by non-painful electric current.

Injection is also a technique that can be used for applying the solution. The use of multiple injections is not advisable as it is known to weaken plantar fascia and thereby causing it to rupture. This would also have the effect of making the fat pad that covers the heel bone to shrink. For the injection to be placed more accurately, ultrasound guidance may be used.

Strengthening and stretching exercises will also provide quick relief from symptoms. These are at times used together with specialized devices. Physical therapy falls under this category. Physical therapists will come up with exercises that help to stretch the Achilles tendon in addition to strengthening muscles of lower legs. The ankles and knees are strengthened in the long run. Therapists also teach patients to use athletic taping to support the bottom of feet.

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.

There are instances when the more conservative measures fail to work, in which case other techniques have to be used. The first option is extracorporeal shock wave therapy in which there is sound waves are directed at the area where pain is experienced. This stimulates healing. It can come with side effects such as bruises, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling. Its consistency levels are however still in doubt.

Going for surgical operation is always the last option when all other techniques and medications have failed. The surgery is performed to detach the plantar fascia from heel bone. It has the side effect of weakening the arch.

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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