If you have heel pain that interferes with your daily movement, having a medical evaluation might help. Heel pain does not always require medical treatment, you can find relief through stretching and wearing orthotic inserts. Avoiding standing for long periods and wearing comfortable shoes also improves and prevents heel pain. The plantar fasciitis Margaretville specialist at Hudson Valley Foot Associates offers effective surgical and nonsurgical techniques for heel pain to better your daily life. This article will help you understand how to deal with plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis?
It is a condition that damages the tissues in your feet causing pain. A plantar fascia is a group of tissues that runs from the heel bone to the toes.
Plantar fasciitis causes pain in your heel, affecting your feet’ flexibility. With time the pain becomes severe, interfering with your movements, including walking.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The most evident symptom of plantar fasciitis includes persistent heel pain. Some of the most common symptoms include the following.
· Pain that becomes severe after an activity
· Heel pain that may stretch through the arch
· Limited range of motion from a tight Achilles tendon
· Heel swelling
The plantar fasciitis pain worsens when you do not get proper treatment. Early medical intervention provides the best solution, preventing recurrent pain.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
When the plantar fasciitis becomes stressed, it may lead to small tears that cause inflammation. Usually, plantar fasciitis occurs when you have repetitive stress. However, plantar fasciitis is likely to occur due to the following factors.
· Having excessive weight
· Aged 40 and above
· Having flat feet or high arches
· Sports that increase pressure on your heel
Plantar fasciitis is also likely to develop if you spend most of your time standing, especially in occupations such as teaching.
Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis?
Your provider performs an extensive foot evaluation and discusses your symptoms. The team also conducts a gait analysis and evaluates your walking patterns. Your provider may request further diagnostic tests such as MRI and X-rays for accurate diagnosis.
The imaging scans also help determine if you have heel spurs.
What are your treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
The Hudson Valley Foot Associates team offers productive plantar fasciitis treatments, including.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
This technique brings shock waves into the damaged soft tissues to repair the injured areas and enhance healing without medication or surgery.
Radial pulse therapy
Radial pulse therapy uses low-energy waves to move through the plantar fascia and activate the body’s natural healing process.
Cryotherapy
It involves an ultrasound-guided probe to harm faulty nerve fibers without causing damage to the nerve itself.
Custom-made orthotics
They are custom-made shoe inserts that repair any mechanical imbalances, like flat feet or high arches, relieving pain from plantar fasciitis.
Surgery
Where your plantar fasciitis does not improve with the above treatments, your provider may suggest surgery. It involves using surgical means to release tension within your plantar fascia.
If you have heel pain that does not improve within a few days, you may need to see your medical provider for a plantar fasciitis treatment. Contact Hudson Valley Foot Associates to book your appointment today.
Johnson