Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, characterized by sharp pain at the front of the heel with the first few steps in the morning, as well as pain with prolonged standing and walking. Sharp pain is also commonly noted when standing after a period of prolonged sitting, such as when working at a desk. Pain generally decreases after the first few steps, but can worsen with excessive weight bearing. It often presents as a mild pain, but can worsen over a period of weeks or months.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
There are various treatments available for plantar fasciitis in Vancouver at painPRO’s Coal Harbour location with Paul Kinniston.
Most of the treatments are focused on attempting to decrease tension on the plantar fascia. Stretching and night splints elongate muscles and fascia in the calf and the bottom of the foot in an attempt to reduce tension, while custom orthotics provide support to the fascia while walking. Many patients also seek massage therapy to reduce tension in the soft tissue, and/or physical therapy to address muscle imbalances and bone alignment. There is a proposed inflammatory component to plantar fasciitis, which is often addressed through hot and cold therapies, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil. In some cases, doctors may prescribe a corticosteroid injection in an attempt to alleviate symptoms, and in rare cases, may recommend surgery.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Recent literature has examined the application of radial shockwave therapy with patients suffering from
plantar fasciitis. Studies have shown success rates of up to 90% with a series of 3-5 treatments. Shockwave therapy works to break up the scar tissue associated with partial healing, as well as release adhesions that have formed in the musculature of the foot. In addition, shockwave therapy has been shown to cause new blood vessel growth in the target area, in turn supplying the healing tissue with the cells required for tissue repair. This is turn accelerates healing post treatment, allowing patients to get back to their activities faster.
Treating plantar fasciitis with radial shockwave therapy has shown success rates as high as 90%. Recurrence of symptoms is extremely rare. Most patients find benefit during therapy, and continued benefit is usually noted after treatment has completed.
While shockwave therapy has shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, it is vital than any comprehensive treatment plan include a thorough biomechanical examination in order to properly address any biomechanical issues contributing to symptoms in order to maximize chances of recovery, as well as prevent further occurrences in the future by following up with an exercise program. No stand-alone treatment has shown greater effectiveness than a multimodal approach treating both the tissue and the root cause of plantar fasciitis.
See a Health Professional Today
Pain doesn’t wait… why should you? Book online now or call 604-683-7246 to schedule an appointment with Paul today. Same day and next day appointments available.
