Do you Need Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

Do you Need Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis? 

If you have ongoing pain in the bottom of your feet, it might be due to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that runs from the bottom of the foot to the heel. It is one of the most common foot problems. In fact, millions of people see a foot specialist each year for treatment for plantar fasciitis. 

Although anyone can develop the condition, it is most common in middle-aged adults. The pain from plantar fasciitis can be mild or bad enough to interfere with activities, such as exercise, work, and hobbies.

Home remedies often are the first step to treat the problems. Home remedies may include:

• Rest
• Orthotics
• Ice
• Over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications

When should you see a foot specialist for treatment? 

If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you might be able to treat the condition with home remedies. But there are times when it is best to see a foot specialist for an evaluation and treatment. Considering seeing a foot specialist in the following instances:

• You are not sure if the symptoms are due to plantar fasciitis
• Pain is getting worse
• Symptoms have not decreased after a few months of at-home treatments:
• You cannot perform everyday activities 
• Pain in the heel that continues even if you are not standing or walking

Seek immediate medical attention 

Although it is uncommon, there are instances when it is important to see a podiatrist immediately, such as in the following cases:

• You have severe pain in your heel
• You are unable to bend your foot down or rise onto your toes
• You cannot walk normally

Treatment options

Your foot specialist will likely start with the least invasive treatments for dealing with plantar fasciitis. The right treatment for you may depend on how long the symptoms have been going on and the severity of symptoms. Possible treatments include the following:

Therapy

Therapy may be helpful to strengthen or stretch certain muscles in the lower legs and feet that may be contributing to plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist may provide various exercises for you to do at home. It may take several weeks for therapy to reduce symptoms. 

Injections 

Injections containing steroids may be an option. The injections work by decreasing inflammation. In some instances, symptoms may come back. Steroid injections may have side effects, so they are given with caution.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy involves directing soundwaves in the area of heel pain to treat plantar fasciitis. The soundwaves promote healing, which decreases the pain and inflammation.

Surgery 

Surgery is not needed in most cases of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis surgery can have potential complications and is usually only done if the pain is severe and all other treatment options failed. The surgery involves detaching the fascia from the bone in the heel to ease pain.

Outcome

According to Harvard Medical School, most people recover from plantar fasciitis without invasive treatment. About 90 percent of people respond to conservative treatment without surgery within a few months. According to the University of Michigan, only about five percent of people with plantar fasciitis opt for surgery.

If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is best to see a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Podiatrist, Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M at Bayview Eglinton Podiatry Clinic in Toronto.