Plantar fasciitis is one of the most widely recognised reasons for pain in the heel and is now known as plantar fasciosis as there does not appear to be an inflammatory process involved. Instead, pain can arise from a process of angiogenesis, which is the body forming an increased neural network in the area and thus making it more sensitive. With a neural link to this condition, treatment of any back condition can be very beneficial to patients, especially those suffering from the condition in its chronic state. Our lead physiotherapist often employs intramuscular stimulation to treat the back, thus reducing pressure on the peripheral neural supply to the feet and addressing, what can be the root cause of the condition.
Bone, joint and muscle disorders
Plantar Fasciosis regularly causes an unbearable sensation when the person takes the first step in the morning. Afterwards, as the day moves forwards, the pain diminishes. However, it could return when someone stands or sits for long periods.
Treatment includes:
- Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
- Stretching of lower leg muscles.
- Stretching of plantar tissues.
- Night splints/supports.
- Orthotics.
- Shoes with proper impact point rise.
Cause of Plantar Fasciitis:
The plantar fascia is intended to retain the high level of strains put on the feet. The body’s normal reaction to injury is pain, which brings about the stiffness of plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
Risk Factors
The main reason behind plantar fasciitis is still unknown. Nonetheless, many variables can make one more susceptible to the condition:
- More tight lower leg muscles make it challenging to flex the feet and stretch the toes upwards.
- Overweight individuals.
- Extremely high arch and flat feet.
- Overwhelming sports activities.
- Running.
- Increased activity with strenuous strain on the feet.
- More prevalent in females.
- Individuals with an age group between 40 to 60 years.
- Have level feet or high curves.
- Have tight Achilles ligaments.
- The individuals wear high heels more frequently.
- Go through numerous hours standing every day.
- Wear broken down shoes with flat soles.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the lower part of the heel and surrounding areas.
- Increment in the level of pain after exercise.
- The arch of the feet is painful.
- Pain that accompanies after standing for long periods
- The heels are swelled.
- Pain that goes on for a longer period.
- A tight Achilles ligament.
Diagnosing
The physician will get into detail about the symptoms the individual is having. The imaging tests include the following:
- X-ray.
- MRI.
- Bone scans.
- Ultrasound.
Treatment
The physician devises the treatment plan for the individual based on their individual needs. The treatment of plantar fasciitis includes the following pointers:
- An individual wears night braces to stretch and relax the feet and calf muscles.
- Limiting the activities that only aggravate the symptoms and resting for the appropriate time.
- Supportive shoes with thick soles and additional padding will make it less excruciating for one to stand or walk.
- Pain-relieving medications are non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
- Doing low impact stretching of lower legs for relaxation.
- Performing massage therapy on the muscles.
- Put ice on the area three to four times each day for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Losing the pounds to get healthy.
Outpatient treatments include:
- Cortisone injections.
- Physiotherapy for stretching and relaxing.
- Extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT).
- Consulting a podiatrist.
Surgeries:
- Gastronemius recession.
- Plantar fascia release.
- Infusion of platelet-rich plasma.
Physiotherapy as Treatment:
Physiotherapy is unimaginably compelling in treating plantar fasciitis. Treatment for plantar fasciitis is like managing ligament pain. This incorporates dealing with the underlying side effects and slowly stacking delicate tissue to enhance strengthening and prevent relapse.
Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Gunn IMS is a comprehensive approach to all musculoskeletal conditions. This physiotherapy treatment utilises needle therapy needles to invigorate “sensitive” muscles and cause pain elevation from their tense state. The method is incorporated into sensitive muscles of the foot, calf, and lower back.
Prevention:
- Tape the arches of the calf and heels.
- Stretching the muscles.
- Put ice on foot.
- Rest at appropriate times.
- Implement low impact exercises that don’t strain the feet.
- Use medicated shoes.
When a person is experiencing heel pain, they should consult a physician, and working with a physiotherapist is highly recommended. Eliminate the possibilities by conducting a thorough examination to check whether or not one is experiencing the symptoms of plantar fasciosis. Follow the treatment plan and make sure to follow up with the physician.
References:
Larson, J. (2022, February 24). What to know about plantar fasciitis. Healthline. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/plantar-fasciitis#symptoms
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 20). Plantar fasciitis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs – orthoinfo – aaos. OrthoInfo. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs
Plantar fasciitis: Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14709-plantar-fasciitis
Wheeler, T. (2021, September 22). Plantar fasciitis: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment. WebMD. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding-plantar-fasciitis-basics
Young, C. C., Rutherford, D. S., & Niedfeldt, M. W. (2001, February 1). Treatment of plantar fasciitis. American Family Physician. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0201/p467.html
* Contact Reach Physiotherapy for a list of references used for this blog content.
