A Guide to Plantar Fasciitis Therapy, Flat Feet, and Foot Overpronation

Most people who experience heel pain ignore them and think the pains will go away with rest and less activity. Unfortunately, in some cases the heel pain is a red flag for something that the doctor may need to treat. Malformed foot conditions such as overpronation or flat feet can lead to more severe conditions such as plantar fascitis. This often crippling pain in the heel area of the foot can be treated in a operating room as an outpatient.Flat Feet Can Be a Biomechanical IssueAccording to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), plantar fasciitis can be caused by congenital malformations and step patterns. This can include overpronation and low foot arches, for example. When the lower leg biomechanics are out of line with the other parts of the body, too much weight and impact are put on foot structures that are not intended to bear those stresses. For instance, running on a hard surface or even being heavier than recommended can all be contributing factors for heel pain.Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Sometimes Requires SurgeryA surgery known as Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one treatment for plantar fasciitis that is completed while the patient's foot and ankle are completely 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 swollen region and injured tissue is released from the affected foot. Once the wound is stitched up, a walking cast is recommended to be used for approximately four to six weeks, depending upon how fast the person heals.Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Can Be Treated Non-SurgicallyAnother medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this solution aims to use small amounts of sound waves to destruct the affected tissues. It sounds counterintuitive, but it isn't. The damaging of these tissues in small 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 nearly 1000 study participants about two months to heal completely with about 80% to 90% 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 procedure, the foot is anesthetized while the patient is alert. Since some doctors may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a viable way to conduct the procedure with less stress to the person. Quarter-inch incisions are made in the sides of the heel to access the affected regions. A camera is used to aid the surgeon to locate the plantar fascia ligament. After it has been found, the surgeon fixes the problems inside and closes the wound. Over-pronation and Flat Feet Don't Have to Hurt as MuchStatistics show that surgery is needed in about five percent of plantar fasciitis cases, it's recommended to be aware of the procedures that doctors are using today. Occupational and physical therapies are the best things people can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Stretches, strength building, and underwater therapy are just some of the many tools in the physical therapist's toolbox that can assist. For people with walking gait malformations and biomechanical problems such asoverpronation or low foot arches, arch support insoles are advised to halt recurrence of this painful condition.