Diagram of plantar fasciitis. Comprehensive Guide to Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
What is plantar fasciitis. How does it develop. What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed. What are the non-surgical treatment options for plantar fasciitis. When is surgery considered for plantar fasciitis. How long does recovery from plantar fasciitis surgery take.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: A Common Cause of Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot. This connective tissue plays a crucial role in supporting the arch of the foot and acting as a shock absorber during movement. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or damaged, it can lead to significant discomfort and impaired mobility.
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense heel pain, often described as a stabbing sensation. This pain is typically most severe in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As the affected individual moves around, the pain may gradually subside, only to return after prolonged standing or exercise.
The Anatomy of Plantar Fasciitis
To better understand plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to examine the structure of the foot. The plantar fascia extends from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch and distributing weight evenly across the foot during movement. When this tissue becomes strained or overused, it can develop small tears, leading to inflammation and pain.
Identifying the Root Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is often the result of a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Understanding these contributing elements can help in both prevention and treatment strategies.
- Age: The condition is most common in individuals between 40 and 60 years old.
- Foot structure: People with high arches or flat feet are more susceptible.
- Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional stress on the plantar fascia.
- Occupational factors: Jobs requiring long periods of standing or walking increase risk.
- Athletic activities: High-impact sports and exercises can strain the plantar fascia.
- Improper footwear: Shoes with poor arch support or cushioning contribute to the condition.
Why does plantar fasciitis often occur without an apparent trigger? In many cases, the condition develops gradually due to cumulative stress on the plantar fascia over time. This stress can result from a combination of the factors mentioned above, making it challenging to pinpoint a single cause.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Identifying plantar fasciitis early can lead to more effective treatment and faster recovery. The hallmark symptom is heel pain, but there are several other indicators to watch for:
- Sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that increases after standing or sitting for extended periods
- Discomfort that worsens after exercise but not during activity
- Tenderness along the bottom of the foot extending from the heel
- Difficulty with stairs or standing on tiptoes
Can plantar fasciitis cause pain in other areas of the foot? While the heel is the primary site of discomfort, some individuals may experience pain along the arch of the foot or in the ball of the foot. This extended pain can occur as the body attempts to compensate for the heel pain, altering the normal walking pattern.
Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis: From Clinical Examination to Imaging Studies
Accurate diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers typically begin with a thorough clinical examination, which includes:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination of the foot
- Observation of gait and standing posture
- Palpation of the affected area
In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. These may include:
- X-rays: To check for bone spurs or fractures
- Ultrasound: To visualize soft tissue inflammation
- MRI: For a detailed view of the plantar fascia and surrounding structures
How does a doctor differentiate plantar fasciitis from other foot conditions? The location and nature of the pain, along with the patient’s history and physical examination findings, are often sufficient for diagnosis. However, conditions such as heel spurs, stress fractures, or tarsal tunnel syndrome may present similarly, necessitating further investigation in some cases.
Non-Surgical Treatment Approaches for Plantar Fasciitis
The majority of plantar fasciitis cases respond well to conservative treatment methods. These non-invasive approaches aim to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote healing of the plantar fascia.
Rest and Ice Therapy
Resting the affected foot and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially after activity.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Specific exercises targeting the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles can improve flexibility and reduce tension. Examples include:
- Toe stretches
- Calf stretches
- Plantar fascia stretches
- Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot
Orthotics and Supportive Footwear
Custom orthotics or over-the-counter arch supports can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot. Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning is also crucial for managing plantar fasciitis.
Medications and Injections
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to provide more significant relief.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can design a customized treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
Night Splints
Wearing a night splint keeps the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a stretched position during sleep, potentially reducing morning pain and stiffness.
How long does it typically take for non-surgical treatments to show results? While individual responses vary, many people experience significant improvement within 6-8 weeks of consistent treatment. However, complete resolution of symptoms may take several months in some cases.
Advanced Treatment Options: When Conservative Measures Fall Short
For cases that do not respond to initial conservative treatments, several advanced options may be considered before resorting to surgery:
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the plantar fascia. It may be effective for chronic cases that have not responded to other treatments.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the affected area to promote tissue healing and regeneration.
Tenex Procedure
This minimally invasive procedure uses ultrasound guidance and a special instrument to remove damaged tissue from the plantar fascia.
Are these advanced treatments covered by insurance? Coverage for these treatments varies depending on the insurance provider and specific policy. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider and insurance company to determine coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Surgical Interventions for Plantar Fasciitis: A Last Resort
Surgery for plantar fasciitis is typically considered only when all conservative treatments have failed to provide relief after an extended period, usually 6-12 months. The two main surgical options are:
Plantar Fascia Release
This procedure involves partially cutting the plantar fascia to release tension. It can be performed as an open surgery or endoscopically with small incisions.
Gastrocnemius Recession
In some cases, a tight calf muscle contributes to plantar fasciitis. This procedure lengthens the calf muscle to reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
What are the potential risks and complications of plantar fasciitis surgery? As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, nerve damage, and persistent pain. There’s also a small risk of arch flattening or heel pad syndrome. Patients should discuss these risks thoroughly with their surgeon before deciding to proceed with surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Following Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Whether recovering from conservative treatment or surgery, proper rehabilitation is crucial for long-term success in managing plantar fasciitis. The recovery process typically involves:
- Gradual return to weight-bearing activities
- Continued stretching and strengthening exercises
- Use of supportive footwear and orthotics
- Modification of activities to prevent recurrence
- Regular follow-up with healthcare providers
How long does it take to fully recover from plantar fasciitis? Recovery time varies significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical treatments, many patients experience substantial improvement within 2-3 months, though complete resolution may take up to a year. Surgical recovery typically requires 6-10 weeks before returning to normal activities, with full recovery potentially taking 3-6 months.
Plantar fasciitis can be a challenging condition, but with proper understanding, early intervention, and appropriate treatment, most individuals can find relief and return to their normal activities. By addressing risk factors, maintaining good foot health, and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms arise, many cases of plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed without the need for invasive interventions.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatments
The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous connective tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone (calcaneus) to the ball of your foot. This tissue acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch.
- What is plantar fasciitis?
- What causes plantar fasciitis?
- How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?
- How do you treat plantar fasciitis?
- Is there surgery for plantar fasciitis?
- What is the recovery time for plantar fasciitis surgery?
What is plantar fasciitis?
This is when the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, leading to stabbing pain and tenderness in the heel area. The pain can make it difficult to bear weight and walk.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is normally a chronic condition that can be triggered by wearing unsupportive footwear, running or, sometimes, no clear reason. Contributing factors include age, individual foot anatomy, being overweight, and jobs or leisure activities that put repetitive stress on a person’s foot.
Risk factors
- Age: Plantar fasciitis most commonly begins around the age of 40.
- Foot anatomy: People with flatfeet, high arches or alignment issues such as over pronation.
- Being overweight or obese: Extra weight adds stress to the feet.
- Occupation: Jobs that require long hours of standing or walking can stress feet over time, especially if you have other risk factors listed here.
- Exercise that puts stress on the heel that involves running, jumping and dancing.
How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense pain in the heel area that is often worse in the morning and improves throughout the day. The pain is generally concentrated where the ligament meets the base of the heel.
An ultrasound, X-ray or MRI may be necessary to diagnosis the condition and rule out other possibilities, such as a stress fracture or a heel spur.
Plantar fasciitis is sometimes confused with a heel spur, which is a bone spur on the bottom of the calcaneus (heelbone). Although the two conditions can both be present and connected, they can also occur independently. In other words, one person may have plantar fasciitis despite having no heel spur, while another may have a heel spur but have no inflammation of the fascia or any heel pain.
How do you treat plantar fasciitis?
The initial treatment is rest, icing, stretching and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Massaging and stretching the foot, Achilles tendon and calf muscle helps relieve the tension on the plantar fascia. Physical therapy and/or orthotics and splints may also be used. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended.
In addition to resting, stretching, etc., many patients also find it helpful to roll a frozen water bottle under the foot. If the plantar fasciitis persists or worsens after rest, stretching and anti-inflammatory pain medications have been tried, a foot specialist might recommend:
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises and movements can help stretch and strengthen your feet and protect you from inflammation.
- A night splint: This holds the calf in a stretched position while you are resting.
- Orthotics: Custom orthotics can help with any anatomical issues while walking and exercising to distribute pressure more evenly.
- Steroid injections: These may be injected into the most inflamed area of the foot and should ease the pain for about a month and decrease the amount of inflammation dramatically.
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy – those who do not respond to physical therapy and other methods might be eligible for this nonsurgical technique that uses the same waves that break up kidney stones.
Is there surgery for plantar fasciitis?
About 95% of people with plantar fasciitis do not need surgery. It can take months or years to treat it successfully using nonsurgical means, and even then, it can reoccur. For those with very serious cases, there are surgical procedures to reduce tension on the fascia, including tenex and plantar fasciitis release.
- Tenex is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-frequency vibrations and special instruments to remove scar tissue from the plantar fascia.
- Plantar fasciitis release. Either by open surgery or by endoscopic procedure with very small incisions, this is where the surgeon cuts part of the fascia to release tension and swelling.
As with any surgery, there are risks involved that your surgeon should go over before making the decision to have plantar fasciitis surgery.
What is the recovery time for plantar fasciitis surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of surgical procedure, but it usually takes up to 6 to 10 weeks. It may be about three months before you may return to rigorous activity.
Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs – OrthoInfo
Plantar fasciitis (fashee-EYE-tiss) is one of the most common causes of pain on the bottom of the heel. Approximately 2 million patients are treated for this condition every year.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, becomes irritated and inflamed.
The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies directly beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot. It connects the heel to the front of your foot and supports the arch of your foot.
The plantar fascia is a ligament that lies beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot.
The plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stresses and strains we place on our feet when walking, running, and doing other activities like playing sports. But, sometimes, too much pressure damages or tears the tissues. The body’s natural response to injury is inflammation, which results in the heel pain and stiffness of plantar fasciitis.
Too much pressure on the plantar fascia can damage or tear the tissues, causing heel pain.
Risk Factors
In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops without a specific, identifiable reason. There are, however, many factors that can make you more prone to the condition:
- New or increased activity
- Repetitive high impact activity (running/dancing/sports)
- Prolonged standing on hard surfaces (especially among nurses, factory workers, and teachers)
- Anatomy (flat feet or a high arch)
- Tight calf muscles
- Obesity
- Age (plantar fasciitis is most common among people aged 40 to 60)
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel.
- Pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning, or after a long period of rest, such as after a long car ride. The pain goes away after a few minutes of walking
- Greater pain after (not during) exercise or activity.
After you describe your symptoms and discuss your concerns, your doctor will examine your foot. They will look for these signs:
- A high arch or flat foot
- An area of maximum tenderness on the bottom of your foot, just in front of your heel bone
- Limited dorsiflexion, or “up” motion, in your ankle
- The absence of symptoms from other conditions, such as insertional Achilles tendinitis, calcaneal (heel) stress fracture, or plantar nerve entrapment
Your doctor may order imaging tests to help make sure your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis and not another problem.
X-rays
X-rays provide clear images of bones. They are useful in ruling out other causes of heel pain, such as fractures or arthritis.
Heel spurs can be seen on an X-ray. A heel spur can be the result of longstanding (occurring for a long time) tension on the plantar fascia insertion (the spot on the heel bone where the plantar fascia attaches). However, most people who have bone spurs on their heels do not have heel pain. Since heel bone spurs are not the cause of plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis pain can be treated without removing the spur.
Heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis pain.
Other Imaging Tests
Other imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, are not routinely used to diagnose plantar fasciitis. They are rarely ordered.
An MRI scan may be used if the heel pain is not relieved by initial treatment methods or if your doctor is concerned that a different problem is causing your heel pain.
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Nonsurgical Treatment
More than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis will improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment methods.
Rest. Decreasing or even stopping the activities that make the pain worse is the first step in reducing the pain. You may need to stop athletic activities where your feet pound on hard surfaces (for example, running, dancing, or step aerobics). Your doctor may recommend that you use a walking boot and crutches for a short period of time to allow your foot to rest.
Changing your activity. Low impact exercise, such as cycling or swimming, puts less stress on your joints and feet than walking or running.
Stretching. Plantar fasciitis is aggravated by tight muscles in your feet and calves. Stretching your calves and plantar fascia is the most effective way to relieve the pain that comes with this condition.
Calf stretch
- Calf stretch
Lean forward against a wall with one knee straight and the heel on the ground. Place the other leg in front, with the knee bent. To stretch the calf muscles and the heel cord, push your hips toward the wall in a controlled fashion. Hold the position for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat this exercise 20 times for each foot. A strong pull in the calf should be felt during the stretch. - Plantar fascia stretch
This stretch is performed in the seated position. Cross your affected foot over the knee of your other leg. Grasp the toes of your painful foot and slowly pull them toward you in a controlled fashion. If it is difficult to reach your foot, wrap a towel around your big toe to help pull your toes toward you. Place your other hand along the plantar fascia. The fascia should feel like a tight band along the bottom of your foot when stretched. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat it 20 times for each foot. This exercise is best done in the morning before standing or walking.
Ice. Rolling your foot over a cold water bottle or ice for 20 minutes is effective. This can be done 3 to 4 times a day.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen reduce pain and inflammation. Using the medication for more than 1 month should be reviewed with your primary care doctor.
Physical therapy. Your doctor may suggest that you work with a physical therapist on an exercise program that focuses on stretching your calf muscles and plantar fascia. In addition to exercises like the ones mentioned above, a physical therapy program may involve specialized ice treatments, massage, and other therapies to decrease inflammation around the plantar fascia.
Supportive shoes and orthotics. Shoes with thick soles and extra cushioning can reduce pain with standing and walking. As you step and your heel strikes the ground, a large amount of tension is placed on the fascia, which causes microtrauma (tiny tears in the tissue). A cushioned shoe or insert reduces this tension and the microtrauma that occurs with every step. Soft silicone heel pads are inexpensive and work by elevating (raising) and cushioning your heel. Pre-made or custom orthotics (shoe inserts) are also helpful.
Soft heel pads can provide extra support.
Avoid shoes that do not provide support or are worn out. Make sure to replace your old athletic shoes before they wear out and no longer support your feet.
Night splints. Most people sleep with their feet pointed down. This relaxes the plantar fascia and is one of the reasons for morning heel pain. A night splint stretches the plantar fascia while you sleep. Although it can be difficult to get used to, a night splint is very effective at reducing heel pain from plantar fasciitis.
Other Treatments
Your doctor may recommend the following procedures if you still have symptoms after several months of nonsurgical treatments.
Casting. Wearing a cast for a short period of time can be very helpful in the treatment of plantar fasciitis because it keeps your foot from moving, which is a better environment for healing. Since a cast is custom-molded to your foot and cannot be removed, it is often a better option than wearing a boot.
Cortisone injections. Cortisone, a type of steroid, is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. It can be injected into the plantar fascia to reduce inflammation and pain.
Your doctor may limit this treatment or avoid it altogether because steroid injections can weaken the plantar fascia and lead to a rupture (tear), which can lead to flattening of the foot and chronic pain.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. PRP is obtained from your own blood and can be injected into the plantar fascia to promote healing. PRP injections do not have the same risk of leading to plantar fascia rupture. However, this treatment can be expensive, and more research is needed on the effectiveness of PRP injections.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). During this procedure, high-energy shockwave impulses stimulate the healing process in damaged plantar fascia tissue. ESWT has not shown consistent results and, therefore, is not commonly performed.
ESWT is noninvasive, meaning it does not require a surgical incision. Because of the minimal (low) risk involved, ESWT is sometimes tried before surgery is considered.
Ultrasonic tissue repair. This is a minimally invasive treatment for patients with persistent (ongoing) plantar fasciitis. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide a probe toward the injured plantar fascia. The tip of the probe then vibrates to break up and remove damaged tissue.
Surgical Treatment
Because more than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis recover with nonsurgical treatment, surgery is generally saved for people who have not seen improvement after 12 months of aggressive nonsurgical treatment.
Gastrocnemius recession. This is a surgical lengthening of the calf (gastrocnemius) muscles. Because tight calf muscles place increased stress on the plantar fascia, this procedure is useful for patients who still have difficulty flexing their feet, despite extensive efforts at calf stretching.
In gastrocnemius recession, one of the two muscles that make up the calf is lengthened to increase the motion of the ankle. The procedure can be performed with a traditional, open incision or with a smaller incision and an endoscope, an instrument that contains a small camera. Your doctor will discuss the procedure that best meets your needs.
Complication rates for gastrocnemius recession are low, but can include damage to the sural nerve and calf weakness.
Partial plantar fascia release. Often performed at the same time as a gastrocnemius recession, a partial plantar fascia release involves making an incision on the bottom or side of the heel. The surgeon identifies the plantar fascia insertion at the heel (the spot where the ligament attaches to the bone) and makes a partial cut to relieve tension in the tissue. If there is a large bone spur, it can also be removed.
Although the surgery can be performed endoscopically, it is more difficult than with an open incision. In addition, endoscopy has a higher risk of nerve damage than open surgery.
- Complications. The most common complications of release surgery include nerve damage and not fully relieving pain.
- Recovery. A short period of protected weightbearing is recommended after surgery to allow the incision to heal.
Most patients have good results with surgery. However, because surgery can result in chronic pain and dissatisfaction, it is recommended only after trying all nonsurgical treatments.
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Basics Handouts
Plantar fasciitis (heel spur)
- Main
- Diseases
- Traumatology and Orthopedics
- Plantar fasciitis (calcaneal spur)
This is an inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs through
the base of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes
(plantar fascia).
This pathology is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Symptoms:
– Sharp pains near the heel
– Increased pain during the first few steps after waking up, after a long period of standing.
– Increased pain after exercise.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners, overweight people, and those who wear shoes with insufficient foot support.
Causes
Your plantar fascia is shaped like a bowstring that supports the arch of the foot and absorbs the shock of walking. If the tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears may appear on the fascia. Repeated sprains and injuries cause the fascia to become inflamed. In some cases, the cause of plantar fasciitis remains unclear.
Risk factors:
- Age. Plantar fasciitis most commonly occurs between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Some types of exercises. Movements that put a lot of stress on the heel, such as long distance running, long walks.
- “Mechanics of the legs”. Flat feet, high arches, or even a disturbed gait can affect weight distribution and can place additional strain on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity. Extra pounds create additional stress on the plantar fascia.
- Long standing work. Workers, teachers, mail carriers and others who spend most of their time on their feet can damage the plantar fascia.
Complications
Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain that interferes with your normal activities. Changing the way you walk to relieve pain can lead to leg, back, knee, or hip problems.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on complaints, examination and imaging (X-ray, MRI).
X-ray or MRI is done to rule out other pathologies (eg stress fracture).
Treatment
May be used in treatment
– drug therapy: anti-inflammatory drugs.
– Shock wave therapy.
– Physical rehabilitation. Stretching the plantar ligament both independently and with the help of a chiropractor.
– PRP therapy. Platelet-rich plasma, derived from the patient’s own blood, can be administered to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
– Blockade. Diprospan injections.
– Surgery. In some cases, surgery is needed to separate the plantar fascia from the calcaneus. As a rule, this option is used only when the pain is severe and other treatments have not helped.
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What is plantar fasciitis?
Why does heel pain occur?
Where does the pain come from in the morning when you just try to get out of bed, why does it gradually disappear and come back again?
Doctors call such morning pain “starting pain”, it is often associated with a heel spur, but it happens that there is no spur, but the pain is there. Let’s look at why heel pain occurs and how you can get rid of it.
The most common cause of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. According to statistics, this diagnosis is made to the patient in 90% of cases. Often, plantar fasciitis is also called a heel spur, but many orthopedists tend to separate these two concepts. Firstly, because plantar fasciitis is accompanied by a heel spur only in 50%, and secondly, 15% of patients with heel spurs do not have manifestations of plantar fasciitis and pain in the heel area.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a micro-rupture of the plantar ligament (aponeurosis) where it attaches to the heel bone due to excessive stress on the foot. As a result of these injuries, pain occurs when walking, inflammation, and swelling of surrounding tissues. Excessive (non-physiological) load on the foot appears when the body is overweight, wearing the wrong shoes, playing sports, dancing, constant long-term load on the legs.
Where does a heel spur come from?
Heel spur develops against the background of plantar fasciitis. As a result of regular micro-ruptures of the aponeurosis, the body begins to strengthen the damaged area of the fascia at the site of its attachment to the bone tissue and sends calcium ions to the inflammation site. First, the place of attachment of the aponeurosis thickens, and then a “thorn” is formed, which is called a spur. A person begins to complain of sharp, burning pains, comparable to the presence of a “nail in the heel”. The pain increases with prolonged standing, sitting, walking barefoot, in flat shoes without a heel, but decreases after a few steps.
Why does the pain go away and come back again?
The plantar ligament contracts and shortens at rest, therefore, when a person transfers all his weight to the foot in the morning, the injured ligament, which has not yet been stretched while walking, takes on the entire load and responds with severe pain. Thus, it signals the need for a gentle load. During the day, when walking, a person stretches the ligamentous apparatus of the foot, so the pain subsides, and returns in the evening due to overstrain of the feet.
How to treat plantar fasciitis and heel spur?
Based on the mechanism of pain formation, the main method of treatment is determined, the main goal of which is to reduce pressure on the plantar ligament, to form the correct functioning of the muscles of the foot and lower leg.
One of the most affordable and effective options for getting rid of heel pain is the use of special orthopedic insoles designed specifically for the treatment of heel spurs. Such insoles, with constant use, significantly improve the condition of the plantar fascia and aponeurosis, promote the healing of damaged areas and reduce pain. When using insoles, the pain goes away and does not return, because. the injury to the aponeurosis stops and, as a result, the inflammatory process stops.
In the complex treatment of heel spurs, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets, gels, ointments. Drugs help reduce pain, but do not eliminate the causes of its occurrence. So the pain comes back again and again.
The mechanism of action of orthopedic insoles for the treatment of heel spurs
Special orthopedic insoles intended for the treatment of heel spurs include Antispur insoles (art. 93) manufactured by ORTO.NIK. They unload the heel zone, prevent injury to the plantar ligament, reduce pain when walking, and speed up the recovery and recovery process. These orthopedic insoles are unique in their mechanism of action and structure. These insoles are developed by a team of orthopedic practitioners, undergo clinical trials and rigorous quality checks at every stage of production.
Antispur orthopedic insoles have a frame made of thermoplastic material with a special hole and a groove, with a heel shock absorber, a metatarsal roller and foot arch lining. Each structural element of the insole performs the function assigned to it and, together, they return the physiological balance of the work of the ligaments, muscles, and joints to the foot.
With constant use of Antispur orthopedic insoles (art. 93):
– the load on the damaged aponeurosis decreases;
– excessive pressure is redistributed to surrounding healthy tissues;
– shock loads are reduced from the area of attachment of the aponeurosis to the calcaneus, from the joints of the lower extremities and spine;
– the progression of existing flat feet is suspended;
– cushioning properties of the foot are corrected;
All these processes have a complex effect, create a gentle load on the injured area, which guarantees a favorable prognosis for the course of the disease.
Where can I buy Antishpora insoles?
Antispur Insoles (art. 93) you can find:
– in orthopedic salons in your city;
– in the official online store of the manufacturer – the company ORTO.