A large number of patients who experience heel pain ignore them and think the pains will go away with rest and less activity. Nevertheless, in some cases the heel pain is an indication of something more serious. Malformed foot conditions such as overpronation or flat feet can lead to more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often crippling pain in the heel area of the foot can be treated in a operating room as an outpatient.
Overpronation and Fallen Arches Can Lead to Serious Anatomical Issues
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, plantar fasciitis can be caused by faulty biomechanics and walking motion. These issues can include overpronation and flat foot, just to name a few. In cases when the lower leg biomechanics are out of step with the other parts of the body, excessive stress and pressure are put on structures of the foot that are not meant to take those stresses. For instance, excessive jarring or even being over your ideal weight can all be contributing causes for heel pain.
Solutions and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
A procedure known as Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one therapy for plantar fasciitis that is done under ankle block anesthesia (patient is awake but the foot is numbed). The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The surgeon opens the heel through a small incision made above the affected area of the heel. The fluid-filled area and damaged tissue is taken out from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the opening is stitched up, a walking boot is required for about four to six weeks, depending upon the patient's recovery.
Overpronation and Fallen Arches Also Result in a Non-Surgical Fallen Arches
Low level sound frequencies are also being used today to treat certain foot problems. Denominated extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this technology aims to use small levels of sound waves to destroy the affected tissues. It Is apparently counterproductive, but it isn't. The damaging of these tissues in tiny amounts actually instigates 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 eight-hundred study participants about 2 months to heal completely with about 85% success.
Cut Healing Time Dramatically with this Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Finally, endoscopic plantar fascia removals are becoming more commonly used because of their short healing duration. In this medical treatment, the foot is anesthetized while the patient is alert. Given that some doctors may prefer to have the patient unconscious, that is also a valid way to perform the operation with reduced stress to the patient. Small slits are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected areas. A tiny camera is used to help the physician to identify the plantar fascia ligament. Once it has been identified, it is surgically fixed so that it can heal properly.
Overpronation and Fallen Arches Can be Treated Before it Turns Into Plantar Fasciitis
Though surgery is only required in about 5% of plantar fasciitis cases, it's recommended 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 methods that can assist. For patients with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanics problems such as overpronation or flat foot, supportive orthotics insoles are advised to avoid the return of this painful condition.
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