Plantar fasciitis
is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is caused by the swelling of tissue that covers the heel and goes across the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis causes pain with the first steps after waking and during long periods of standing or being active. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is usually a last resort.
Testing for Plantar Fasciitis
Doctors may choose either x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for Plantar fasciitis. These tests will also show if conditions such as stress fractures or pinched nerves are to blame for the foot pain.
Conservative Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, "about 90 percent of the people who have plantar fasciitis recover with conservative treatments in just a few months." Conservative treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Therapy
Therapy is often the second step in treating plantar fasciitis. Physical therapy, splints and supportive arches placed in the shoes are types of therapy. Splints may include braces worn during sleep.
Shock Wave Therapy
The Mayo Clinic cites extracorporeal shock wave therapy as a cure for plantar fasciitis when more conservative treatments have not produced positive results. This therapy stimulates healing in the affected area, but may cause bruising and swelling.
Surgery
Surgery is a last resort in treatment of plantar fasciitis. During surgery, the plantar fascia is detached from the heel bone. As a result of surgery, the arches of the foot may become weak.
Tags: conservative treatments, last resort, Mayo Clinic, plantar fasciitis, Plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis
