After waking up and taking that first excruciating step, have you ever experienced a sudden, intense pain in your heel? If this is the case, you may be among the millions of people who suffer with plantar fasciitis, a disorder that inflames the ligament that runs the length of your foot. But do not worry! Let’s investigate the realm of plantar fasciitis medical devices before you give up on living a life of morning ouchies. Are these devices merely another gimmick, or can they actually be the key to putting out that first-step fire? Join me as we explore the science underlying medical devices for plantar fasciitis and see whether they are the solution to pain-free mornings.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This condition occurs due to inflammation of the connective tissue at the bottom of the heel and sole of the foot that connects the heel bone and the toes. This tissue is called the plantar fascia.
This condition generally causes sharp pain in the morning when the sufferer steps. When you get up and move around, the pain usually decreases, but may return after standing for a long time or when standing after sitting. The causes of this condition are poorly understood. However, this is more often experienced by runners and in people who are overweight.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The fascia functions as a pressure absorber to support the curved parts of the foot. Pressure that is too heavy or occurs continuously can cause small tears in this part. Continuous stretching and tearing eventually causes irritation and inflammation of the fascia.
Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis
Although plantar fasciitis can occur without a clear cause, the following factors may increase the risk:
- Age 40-60 years.
- Sports that put a lot of stress on the heel and surrounding tissues, such as running, jumping, ballet and aerobic dance.
- Anatomical foot abnormalities such as flat feet.
- An abnormal gait that causes an imbalance in the distribution of load on the legs.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Jobs that require the sufferer to stand or walk for a long time.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain in the area around the heel. The pain is worst in the morning and if the sufferer stands for too long. Not only that, the pain also feels worse after exercising, not during exercise. The pain usually feels more intense when barefoot or wearing shoes with thin soles.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
The doctor will review the sufferer’s medical history followed by a physical examination, especially an orthopedic examination of the feet. Several supporting examinations that can be carried out to help doctors rule out other causes such as pinched nerves or fractures include x-rays and MRI examinations.
In cases of plantar fasciitis, x-ray examination often shows a bone spur emerging from the heel bone which was previously thought to be the cause of the pain. However, recent studies show that many individuals with bone spurs do not feel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Anti-pain medications can help relieve pain and inflammation. Physiotherapy also helps stretch the fascia and Achilles tendon and strengthens the leg muscles so that the ankle and heel structure is more stable.
Devices to support the structure of the foot such as splints worn while sleeping can be useful for stretching the fascia. Apart from splints, doctors can provide orthotics which are foot supports to help in even distribution of pressure.
Several medical procedures can also be done to treat plantar fasciitis, such as steroid injections as anti-inflammatory and temporary anti-pain. Even so, steroid injections are not recommended to be done repeatedly because they can cause thinning of the fascia, so that the fascia becomes weaker and susceptible to tearing.
Another alternative with milder side effects is platelet-rich plasma injection. Another medical procedure is extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which involves directing sound waves to the heel area to stimulate healing. This is usually done for chronic plantar fasciitis that does not respond to conservative treatment.
A procedure can be performed to remove scar tissue without surgery. In some cases, surgery is an option if the pain is intolerable and does not respond to other therapies. During surgery, the plantar fascia is separated from the heel bone.
Complications of Plantar Fasciitis
If this condition is left untreated it can cause chronic heel pain that hinders daily activities. Over time, sufferers will change the way they walk to try to avoid the pain of plantar fasciitis. Ultimately, this can cause foot, knee, hip, or back problems.
Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis
Steps and exercises to prevent plantar fasciitis are done by avoiding activities that put stress on the heel, such as walking and standing on hard surfaces for too long and other risk factors.
Best Plantar Fasciitis Medical Devices for Your Feet
Explore with me to find the best medical devices for plantar fasciitis in your feet!
Nighttime Warriors
Night splints are clever braces that gently stretch your plantar fascia while you sleep. This keeps it longer and makes you less stiff in the morning.
Sole Supporters
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These shoe inserts, which can be bought over-the-counter or made to order, support the arch and spread pressure more evenly, which makes the plantar fascia less stressed.
Pain-Relieving Pressure
A sharp roller can be used for self-massage to target trigger points and improve circulation, which can help with pain relief and healing.
Supportive Sleeves
These sleeves can help blood flow, reduce swelling, and support your foot generally by putting pressure on it.
Walking boots
If your heel pain is very bad, walking boots can briefly take the pressure off of it so you can heal without pain.
Resistance bands
Doing strengthening routines with resistance bands can make your feet more flexible and help them work better, which can stop flare-ups from happening again.
When Should You See a Doctor?
When you experience pain in the heel area for a long time, immediately consult a doctor to get further treatment. Taking vitamins and supplements may be needed to reduce pain and maintain endurance.