PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Strain and thickening of the plantar fascia causes Plantar Fasciitis. The plantar fascia a ligament-like structure made up of 3 bands that run from the heel to the forefoot. Numerous causes can result in strain of this structure. This includes excessive pronation during walking or running, strenuous activities/sports, standing on hard surfaces, lack of adequate shoe support, etc.
TREATMENT FOR HEEL SPUR SYNDROME ALSO KNOWN AS PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Conservative measures such as anti-inflammatory injections, physical therapy and home stretching techniques, night splint application, shoe modifications, and external arch support devices can typically control and resolve the condition. When these treatments fail and pain remains limiting to activities, however, more advanced treatments must be employed. These advanced treatments include custom functional orthotics, and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. Custom Orthotics Custom Functional Orthotics are prescription devices. Your physician makes the device after obtaining molds of your feet in a specific position, and after carefully reviewing your foot function and x-ray evaluation. When over the counter arch supports fail to resolve the condition, custom orthotics become an excellent resource. These devices are much stronger than OTC devices. They are also made specifically for your feet…much like a prescription pair of eyeglasses. They can control your foot function and often support the plantar fascia, allowing it to avoid stress and strain. Therefore, patients wearing custom orthotics have a significantly less chance of the condition recurring. Our staff and physicians are all certified in the most up-to-date methods of obtaining your foot impressions for the best results possible. Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy has truly revolutionized the surgical approach to heel spur syndrome and plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can perform this procedure in approximately 10 minutes at an outpatient surgical center or hospital. The procedure involves placing a small camera into the bottom of the heel through a very small incision. Next, the podiatrist makes another small incision and inserts a probe allowing manipulation of the plantar fascia. You can easily see the plantar fascia with the camera, which greatly reduces the risk of complications. The patient can bear weight and walk the same day using a special medical shoe. Typically, the patient will spend approximately 3 to 4 weeks in this special surgical shoe before returning to normal shoes. Dr. Hunter has training in this advanced procedure and can discuss this procedure in detail to determine if you are a candidate and further discuss recovery and potential complications with you.
WHERE TO RECEIVE TREATMENT
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain in their heel, there are many treatments available to help resolve it. Dr. Hunter and his staff are dedicated to stopping this condition and can work out a specific treatment plan for you.
