Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: Overpronation and Flat Foot: Effective Procedures
Most patients who experience foot pain in the heel area ignore it and think the pain will diminish by simply lying down and engaging in less physical activity. Nevertheless, somewhat often the heel pain is a red flag for something that the doctor may need to treat. Foot malformations such as excess pronation or flat feet can lead to more severe conditions such as plantar fascitis. This often crippling heel pain can be treated in a surgical center as an outpatient.
Flat Feet Can Be a Biomechanical Issue
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, plantar fasciitis can be caused by abnormal gait or foot anatomy. These issues can include overpronation and flat feet, for instance. In cases when the feet and leg biomechanics are out of step with the entire body, undue weight and impact are put on bones and ligaments of the feet that are not intended to absorb those pressures. For example, running on a hard surface or even being heavier than recommended can all be contributing causes for heel pain.
Solutions and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
A surgical option called Instep Plantar Fasciotomy (IPF) is one treatment for plantar fasciitis that is performed while the patient’s foot and ankle are anesthetized. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The heel is incised by the physician just over the heel bone. The fluid-filled area and injured tissue is extracted from the affected foot. Once the incision is stitched up, a walking boot is recommended to be used for about four to six weeks, depending upon how fast the person heals.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery
Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Known as ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this technology aims to use small amounts of sound waves to destruct the affected tissues. It Is apparently counterproductive, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in small amounts actually evokes the body’s healing response and helps the plantar fasciitis to resolve itself. In a study done in 2004, it took eight-hundred study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about 85% success.
Cut Healing Time Dramatically with this Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis
Finally, endoscopic plantar fascia removals are becoming more commonly used because of their short healing duration. In this procedure, the foot is anesthetized while the patient is alert. Given that some doctors may prefer to put the patient under, that is also a sensible way to carry out the operation with less stress to the individual. One-fourth inch cuts are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected regions. A tiny camera is used to help the physician to locate the plantar fascia ligament. The surgeon sews the incision closed once the problem tissues have been identified and fixed.
Overpronation and Flat Feet Can be Treated Before it Turns Into Plantar Fasciitis
Though surgery is only required in about 5% of plantar fasciitis cases, it’s good to be aware of the procedures that surgeons are using today. Occupational and physical therapies are 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 help. For people with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanics problems such as overpronation or flat feet, orthotics are advised to stop the return of this painful condition.
Tags: foot pain, foot surgery, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, plantar fascitis, surgery, treatment