Plantar fasciitis may be funny to say, but it’s no laughing matter. This heel injury can leave you with sharp pain and sore mornings, and seriously cramp your style. The condition is a common issue among individuals who enjoy running. In fact, Runner’s World recently broke down some of the key symptoms and causes of plantar fasciitis:
Plantar fasciitis-related heel pain tends to strike those who overtrain, neglect to stretch their calf muscles, or overdo hill work and speedwork. … The condition of plantar fasciitis can also be caused by biomechanical issues, including flat feet with high arches or excessive pronation.
Wearing shoes that fit poorly or excessively high heels can also cause the condition.
Whether your plantar fasciitis develops because of your lifestyle or your genetics, the good news is that there are solutions for getting rid of it, and we offer them in our New York office.
After your initial diagnosis, we can try some conservative techniques for reducing your pain and healing your foot. Depending on your situation and how your body responds, relief could be as simple as strategic stretching or physical therapy. If you are provided with exercises to help your heel heal, it’s essential that you follow them closely and regularly in order to see the optimal results. Sometimes, you might need orthotics or a walking boot to help you counteract immobilization and make your way around. In these situations, keep in mind that the devices are only temporary. Resist the urge to take them off when they are providing support.
In recent years, shock wave therapy has emerged as a promising and cutting-edge treatment for plantar fasciitis. Although this technique sounds a little intimidating, it’s a non-invasive way to attack the problem directly, and many patients see great results after having it.
This method of therapy uses sound waves to treat plantar fasciitis and other various foot and ankle conditions. During the procedure, high energy acoustic waves deliver a mechanical force to the body’s tissue. That’s the “shock” and that’s when the process starts to really shine! Each electrical charge creates a wave of energy that targets your injured area. Essentially, the waves cause inflammation, and that improves blood flow and encourages your body to repair and heal itself. It’s truly exciting to see how science and technology can create these success stories among clients.
Sadly, shockwave therapy doesn’t work instantaneously. Typically, you’ll need up to three sessions to see results. Still, many patients preferred this approach rather than going under the knife for surgery or living with intense pain.
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, know that you have options! My goal is to provide expertise in achieving an accurate diagnosis, implementing exceptional surgical technique whenever indicated, and most importantly, utilizing practical judgment to devise an effective individualized treatment plan that will restore your feet. If you want to get back on healthy feet, set up a consultation today!