Often described as a throbbing pain that strikes the meat of the heel and radiates outward, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions in the US, affecting roughly two million Americans a year. The most obvious sign of this condition is the stabbing pain you experience when taking your first steps in the morning on the bottom of your foot. This happens because as you sleep, the fascia ligaments tighten up at night causing the pain to diminish, only for the excruciating pain to return in the morning due to the pressure placed on the ligaments the moment your foot hits the ground.
The only true way to diagnose plantar fasciitis is by seeing an experienced podiatric physician who will listen to your concerns and conduct the proper examinations; such as x-rays to check for spurs, tumors and fractures, and an ultrasound to measure the degree of inflammation present.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Although plantar fasciitis is a common ailment found in runners, there are several other risk factors such as:
High stress exercises; such as those that put stress on the heels
Obesity
Foot structure; high arches and flat feet are both contributing factors
Having an occupation that requires long periods of standing or walking
Age, those aged 40-60 are most likely to have plantar fasciitis
It is often recommended that those suffering from plantar fasciitis take great care in resting; so that the body can mend the small tears that are ultimately causing you pain. Other conservative treatments include: medications, stretching and shoe inserts. If you find yourself not responding to more conservative treatments after several months, there is now another option instead of surgery: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT).
Understanding ESWT
ESWT is the most advanced and effective noninvasive treatment option for pain relief from heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The procedure itself takes roughly 25 minutes with most patients being able to return to normal, though somewhat limited, activities the next day.
Originally developed to dissolve kidney stones, EWST involves the use of shock waves to stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate and eventually heal while offering pain relief and a 75 percent success rate.
If you feel like you have tried everything to treat your heel pain, and can’t seem to get any relief ESWT might be a good option for you.
Pain is not natural. If you are suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis, and your current treatment program is making slow progress, it is time that you seek out an experienced podiatrist such as Dr. Richard Hochman.
Please call our office at (305) 442-1780 today to discuss your specific treatment options.
