This aggressive treatment is not usually recommended immediately, but if you have suffered from plantar fasciitis for six to twelve months and have followed the recommended exercises, your podiatrist may recommend that you undergo cortisone injections, extracorporeal shock wave treatment or endoscopic plantar fascia release.

A cortisone injection is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine. Your body naturally produces cortisone, which is a steroid, when your body is under stress. The cortisone injection that your doctor would give you is synthetically produced and designed to work stronger and last longer than the cortisone that your body produces.

Extracorporeal shock wave treatment delivers shock waves which cause a microtrauma to the injured area. This will jump start your body’s healing process to the injured area, thereby relieving the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Endoscopic plantar fascia release is a new surgical option for people that suffer ongoing symptoms of plantar fasciitis. In this procedure, the surgeon cuts the plantar fascia, which will release tension and relieve inflammation to the injured area. This surgery can be done as an “open” surgery, where the doctor cuts open the area, or endoscopically, where the doctor inserts instruments through small incisions.

It is important to note the risks that go along with this type of treatment. If too much of the plantar fascia is released, you foot can incur a flat foot deformity. If you elect to have endosopic surgery, you are at a higher risk for nerve damage to your foot. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment you will benefit from the most, and help you weigh the risks involved with each treatment.

As stated above, these options are last resort treatments for people that have found no other relief with more traditional methods of treatments for the condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a type of foot pain that primarily affects the heel. The tissue connecting the heel of a foot to the toes is known as the plantar fascia and it supports the arch of the foot. Repeated stretching and tearing of this tissue can cause it to tear which leads to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, but it is most commonly found in runners, individuals wearing non-supportive footwear, and those who are overweight. Symptoms ordinarily develop gradually and can affect one or both feet. Furthermore, rapid weight gain can accelerate the onset of plantar fasciitis symptoms. The diagnosis is more common in older females between the ages of 40 and 60 and in those with flat-feet or abnormal walking styles.

A primary plantar fasciitis symptom is pain in the heel when first standing after sleeping or sitting for an extended period of time. The pain is usually a sharp pain in the morning, followed by a lessening of the pain as the tissues are loosened throughout the day, and then a return of a generalized dull aching at bedtime. Pain in the heel at night is most likely indicative of another problem as the foot pain lessens a little after walking. In the case of runners, the pain associated with plantar fasciitis will lessen or go away during the exercise but likely will return upon cessation of the activity. Additionally, standing for an extended period of time or climbing stairs will aggravate the pain felt in the foot which can be relieved by resting or stretching the tissues surrounding the heel. Swelling and tenderness upon physical examination of the heel indicates plantar fasciitis and x-rays can confirm this diagnosis.

Normally, symptoms can be treated with short-term therapies and it is uncommon to require surgery to treat the pain. Rest is the primary, immediate solution to severe pain as is icing and stretching the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and calf muscles in the leg. If exercises such as running, dancing or other high-impact activities are worsening the plantar fasciitis symptoms then it may be appropriate to seek out no or low-impact exercises such as swimming and walking to help heal the condition.

There are several arch support products available for people who suffer with plantar fasciitis. There are socks with arch supports built right in. There are also arch braces that can be strapped directly to the foot They support and lift the plantar fascia and distribute the pressure throughout the foot and provide relief from inflammation and pain. These braces can be worn during sporting activities or while on a night out on the town. You simply strap them onto your feet for instant arch support. Insertible arch supports is another product that can help plantar fasciitis sufferers. You simply slip them into your shoe to improve the arch support it provides. This product comes in many brand names but they all work essentially the same. They stick to the bottom of the shoe, cradle the arch muscles and move the pressure away from the metatarsal bones.

For arch support suggestions, you can try:

The AirCast is an arch support product that cradles your arches and your heel in a cushion of air and provides pulsating pressure while you walk. Made of lightweight, breathable neoprene it can be worn during most activities.

Plantar fasciitis does not have to force you to take a seat. There are numerous products on the market that will allow you to live a normal active life. Talk to your pharmacist, physician or trusted footwear professional and you can choose from the many arch support options available for people with plantar fasciitis.

1. One of the best tapes to use as the anchoring tape is the 1 1/2 inch sports injury tape.

2. You will get the best result if you will ask someone to tape the foot that is causing problems for you.

3. In order to help the tape stick you should clean your feet first, preferably with a non-moisturizing soap, and then dry them very well.

4. You should lay down on your stomach, for example, on a table or a couch, leaving your foot hanging off of the edge. By allowing your foot to hang off of the edge it will greatly help whomever is taping your foot for you.

5. Your helper should place a base layer of tape around the bottom area of your foot allowing the tape to extend around the ball of your foot.

6. Continue by wrapping the tape around the base of your foot. This piece is the anchor taping layer, so allow the piece to extend along the base of your foot, and the base of your heel then connect it to the tape you have already wrapped around the ball of your foot.

After placing the 1 1/2 inch tape around your foot for the anchor, you should now switch to a smaller sized tape, such as the 1 inch sports injury tape. This tape is small enough that it helps make it easier to wrap around your foot.

7. Start by placing the tape across the bottom of your foot by the joint that is underneath your smallest toe. To hold it into place, tape a loop around the back of your heel. You should end the tape at where you began and cut it off.

8. You should then continue to take the tape and loop it around the back of your heel. Although you will start at the ball of your foot by the joint that is underneath your biggest toe. Continue taping in this manner, alternating back and forth until you have done so three times.

In order to finish the taping you will now need to switch back to the 1 1/2 inch tape.

9. In a horizontal position, place the tape across the bottom of your foot. You should begin at the edge of your foot, continuing at the ball of the foot and ending at the opposite side of the ball of your foot. The combination of all the tape will act as a splint for your foot.

10. You should continue taping until the whole bottom of your foot has been completely taped.

Keep in mind that individual overall results may vary when taping your foot or feet due to plantar fasciitis. Consider the severity of your case and realize that when you do tape your foot it may not help reduce the pain that you are having due to the plantar fasciitis.

Wall Stretch for Plantar Fasciitis

Standing about arms length away from a wall, the patient places both hands on the wall and then moves the affected leg backwards, keeping the foot flat on the floor and the leg straight as much as possible. As the leg moves back the calf muscles will begin to stretch as long as the patient is trying to keep the foot flat. Once a definite sensation of stretching is felt, but not so much that the patient is in pain, the position should be held for about 10 seconds. The patient should then relax the muscle and then repeat this exercise about 20 times.

Stair Stretch for Plantar Fasciitis

The patient stands on a stair with half of each foot on the stair and half off. The patient slowly lowers the ball of their foot, stretching out the calf muscle until just below the point of pain. This position is held for 20 seconds and then the muscle is relaxed. The exercise should be repeated 15-20 times and also helps to strengthen the calf muscles.

Slant Boards for Plantar Fasciitis

The patient stands straight up facing upwards on a small ramp that has about a 30 degree grade. The patient should stand on this ramp for several minutes, keeping the legs and body straight. The ramp can be placed somewhere the patient will be for a long time, such as in the kitchen or in the living room while watching TV. Standing on the ramp in this manner will stretch out the calf muscles in both legs.

Towel Stretch for Plantar Fasciitis

The patient sits on a bed or chair and extends their leg in front of them, keeping it is as straight as possible. A towel is then draped around the foot just above the ball of the foot. Taking each end of the towel in one hand, the patient then pulls toward their body, stretching both the calf and the plantar fascia.

Conclusion

One of the most important factors in relieving Plantar Fasciitis pain is the strengthening and stretching of the calf muscles as well as the plantar fascia itself. By performing simple stretches that can easily be done at home, most patients shorten their total recovery time and reduce the amount of pain associated with the condition.

This inflammation, or Plantar Faciitis is a common, painful foot condition that affects people of all ages, but mainly middle aged men and women. It is also closely linked to people who have gained weight rapidly and in recreational runners and athletes. Doctors and patients alike often mistake or misdiagnose Plantar Fasciitis as heel spurs. This is a common error as the pain associated with this syndrome is localized in the heel accompanied by sharp, stabbing pain. The pain builds gradually and can affect both feet simultaneously. The band of tissue that forms the arch of the foot becomes inflamed, or swollen and damaged. The pain is usually the worst in the morning when first standing, but usually subsides rather quickly. However, the pain generally comes back after a long day of standing or walking, or getting up from a prolonged seated position.

This condition can persist for years if not taken care of properly. Often, after treatment, people tend to feel well and healed, resulting in a forced return to a normal life of walking, standing, and running. An early return to normal life can lead to a re-straining of the tendons starting the condition all over. If ignored, this condition can cause other chronic conditions that may hinder a return to normal life. Due to Plantar Fasciitis causing people to change the way they walk, foot, knee, hip, and back problems can develop.

People that are considered high risk for Plantar Fasciitis are flat footed people, people with high arches and rigid feet, or those with poor arch supports in their foot wear. Those that run or walk on their toes, run on inclines, or experience a rapid activity level change, and pregnant women are also considered high risk.

One of the first things to do when experiencing Plantar Fasciitis is to rest the affected foot. Hot and cold treatments, alternating between the two, should follow. Be sure to use a deep, penetrating heat to stimulate the blood flow to the foot. Cool it down with ice for the swelling and repeat. Changing the shoes you wear and wearing night splints along with stretching exercises are also know to be effective treatments.

Orthotics is the only non-surgical treatment that has been proven to be effective in helping to control the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. A variety of orthotics have been used to treat the ailment and all have shown a good measure of success. Some people have their orthotics custom designed and made specifically for their feet. These can be very expensive. Other sufferers buy off the shelf orthotics to treat their pain. Research has shown the success rate is about the same for either type.

Orthotics can provide support, increase shock absorption and play a role in adjusting foot position thereby taking stress off of the affected area. Patients have had success with a number of different types of orthotics. Some sufferers choose heel cushions made of polyvinyl chloride, silicone, leather, thermoplastics or polyethylene foams. The heel cushions help absorb shock and reduce or eliminate pain. Soft or hard heel cups are another popular choice. The soft cups cushion and help contain the fat pad in the heel. The hard cups help reposition the heel pad and can aid in restoring natural cushioning and compressibility. Heel cradles have also helped many patients find relief as have heel lifts. Some doctors recommend patients not use heel lift higher than a quarter of an inch.

Plantar Fasciitis can be very painful. Ask your doctor or your pharmacist to suggest orthotics you can use. Try several of them until you find the one that works best for you.

Medication may relieve your foot pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen have been effective. Corticosteroids a topical skin solution or injection may help. Shock wave therapy is sometimes used. Sound waves are used to stimulate heeling. Surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone is a last resort. It is for those who have tried other natural treatments or medication for 6 to 12 months and found them to be ineffective. Happily 90 % of people with plantar fascia recover with moderate treatments in a few months.