Your 3 Most Important Questions About Plantar Fasciitis, Answered
There are many times in your life when you should visit an ankle and foot doctor, formally called a podiatrist. Podiatrists offer treatments for many common foot problems, including ingrown toenail remedies, plantar warts removal and bunion relief. One slightly more serious condition, however, that might prompt a podiatrist visit is plantar fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is irritation to the plantar fascia — the tough, fibrous tissue that attaches to the heel and plays a critical role in supporting foot architecture. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is likely to present itself as stiffness or stabbing pain in the heel. Patients often complain of pain when they first step out of bed in the morning. While it’s possible to develop the condition in both feet simultaneously, it’s more common to experience symptoms only in one foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse or stress. It is most common in athletes, people who are overweight or people who stand on hard surfaces for long periods during the day. But other factors, such as poorly fitting shoes or a change in exercise program, can also be a factor. People who pronate their feet (rolling in toward their arches) are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
What Are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?
Most cases of mild plantar fasciitis can be treated with ice, stretching and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), and it’s always wise to try these methods first if you’re experiencing heel pain. But one option is to use shockwave treatment for plantar fasciitis if less stringent measures have been unsuccessful in reducing chronic pain. In shockwave treatment for heel pains commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, focused waves are used to create micro trauma in the tissue. This triggers the body’s healing response and stimulates repair. Surgery can also be used for plantar fasciitis, but is generally thought to be less effective.
Do you have any more information to add about suing shockwave treatment for plantar fasciitis? Join the discussion in the comments.
