Heel pain is one of the most common presenting complaints of those visiting a foot and ankle specialists’ office. While there are a few different conditions that can cause heel pain, plantar fasciitis is by far the most common. Your physician can help differentiate between the types of heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis: What is it??
It involves inflammation of a ligamentous band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that originates from the bottom of the heel bone. The plantar fascia is responsible for supporting the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a combination of factors, including insufficient arch support, worn-out shoes, obesity, overuse injury, heel bruise, abnormal pronation, extended barefoot standing on hard surfaces, etc.
Conservative treatments for Plantar fasciitis.
Most people suffering from heel pain will find relief with a combination of conservative treatments. These treatments include activity modification, stretching, icing, physical therapy, night splints, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, arch supports, heel cups, custom orthotics and choosing appropriate shoes. About 90 percent of heel pain sufferers will find relief with a combination of the above listed treatments. Those who don’t improve initially should still continue with a combination of conservative therapy for at least a few months prior to pursuing alternative treatments.
New treatments are available
We now have a few different options available to those who don’t improve with conservative treatments. In the past, surgery was the only other option.
1. Shockwave therapy. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a relatively new technique using electromagnetic energy to initiate a powerful healing process in the chronically inflamed plantar fascia. This technique requires local anesthesia (numbing of the heel), but is non-invasive and allows a rapid return to regular activity.
2. Topaz coblation treatment. This is a newer technique very popular in sports medicine that is showing excellent results. It is minimally invasive and is used in cases of tendonitis and fascitis. At the Foot & Ankle Institute, we are working closely with the company that has developed this product and are pioneering some new techniques and approaches.
3. Endoscopic surgery. In the rare cases where surgery is indicated, we prefer the endoscopic technique. It is minimally invasive and provides a faster recovery period than the open surgical treatment of plantar fasciitis.
If you suffer from heel pain, seek diagnosis and treatment early. We welcome you at the Foot & Ankle Institute of Valencia.
For more information or an appointment, please call 661-260-1180.