Plantar fasciitis needs to be treated properly if a full recovery is to occur. This condition is painful, leading to loss of athletic ability and chronic pain if treated incorrectly. Knowing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and how to rehabilitate from the condition are the first steps to healing.
Description
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that stretches from your heel bone to your toes and functions as a support for the arch of your foot. When you strain this tissue, you have a condition called plantar fasciitis that causes pain in your heel. According to MedlinePlus, people with flat feet or high arches are at high risk of developing the condition. Other people who are susceptible to plantar fasciitis include those who are overweight and athletes who run on uneven surfaces, have tightening of the Achilles tendon, or wear shoes with poor arch support.
Stretching
Rehabilitation programs that promote stretching and strengthening treat plantar fasciitis by correcting tightness and weakness of foot muscles. Increasing flexibility of the calf muscles can lessen stress on the heel during activity. To stretch your calf muscles, place the balls of your feet on a step and drop your heels until your knees lock. You can also stretch the plantar fascia before you get out of bed in the morning. Place a hand towel across the arch of your foot, and with your leg straightened, pull the towel back until you start to feel a stretch. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
Support
People with low arches have a decreased ability to absorb force that occurs when the foot strikes the ground. Three types of mechanical support are commonly used for plantar fasciitis -- arch taping, arch supports and custom orthotics. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, arch taping and orthotics have been found to be significantly more effective than the use of anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injection or heel supports.
Control of Inflammation
Inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis can be controlled through the use of ice, anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injections. Application of ice can take the form of ice massage, an ice pack or an ice bath. For an ice massage, freeze water in a small cup and rub the ice over the heel in a circular pattern, with moderate pressure, for five to 10 minutes. For an ice bath, fill a shallow pan with water and ice, and soak the heel for 10 to 15 minutes. Use neoprene toe covers during an ice bath to prevent frostbite of the toes.
Surgical Intervention
When conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention may be needed to treat plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciotomy can be performed using endoscopic radiofrequency lesioning or an open technique. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the success rate of surgical intervention ranges from 70 to 90 percent in patients with plantar fasciitis. Surgery carries the risks associated with anesthesia, and flattening of the arch is a possible complication.
