Plantar Fasciitis Treatments
Mar 15th, 2010 by admin
Plantar faciitis is a painful condition that can make walking difficult. It is caused by irritation and swelling of the thick band of tissue which holds up the bones on the bottom of the foot. Pain is most often felt in the heel of the foot. It usually feels worse at the beginning of the day, with some improvement as the day goes on. Pain usually turns to a dull ache by the end of the day.
With rest, the symptoms can improve. On the other hand, with prolonged walking or standing on feet the heel pain increases.
Some of the risk factors that can cause plantar fasciitis include: running or walking on hard surfaces, obesity, sudden weight gain, shoes that don’t provide good arch support, and those who have either flat feet or high arches.
There are several types of treatment that can be used in treating plantar fasciitis. They include exercises that stretch the heel, taking anti-inflammatory medicine, wearing night splints, and/or wearing shoe inserts.
The length of time it takes to treat plantar fasciitis ranges anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. In some cases, if it cannot be treated, then a patient may need to have the affected foot placed in a cast that goes up to the knee but not over it. This is worn from three to six weeks and can be very helpful in reducing the inflammation and pain. Another option is to wear a cast boot that can be worn at all times but removed for showering or bathing.
There are steroid injections available that provide long-lasting relief; however, it’s not for everyone because the injection itself is quite painful. Less typical is for patients to undergo surgery if all other non-surgical treatments have not worked.
The best way to prevent plantar fasciitis from developing is to provide adequate arch support. Shoes can make a big difference when it comes to that type of support.
New Balance Shoes can help anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis. They provide a line of shoes that offer soft heels and a significant arch. You can also request pressure relief inserts that provide even greater comfort. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, you can look good and feel good. If you are in need of dress shoes, New Balance offers a line of dress shoes that will prove to be more comfortable and supportive than the average dress shoe.
