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PLANTAR FASCIITIS
 Plantar fasciitis and heel spur are terms that refer to conditions that are associated with pain of the heel and bottom of the foot. Many healthcare professionals use the terms interchangeably but they are not technically the same. These conditions may or may not co-exist.
"Plantar" means bottom of the foot. Fascia is a band or sheet of fibrous tissue that lies beneath the skin and separates muscles or other structures from the surrounding tissue.
The plantar fascia is a ligament like band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot and passes from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the bases of the toes. It is a band that helps support the arch of the foot. If you pull your big toe and foot up toward your head, you will feel this band tighten. The plantar fascia serves as a bowstring to maintain the arch of the foot. This fascia must withstand a great amount of tension. It often withstands two to four times the body's weight during activity or exercise.
Plantar fascitis is one of the most frequent conditions treated with ESWT. If the area of pain can be precisely localized by finger pressure, there is a 70% - 90% likelihood of success. Orthotics and other conventional measures of treatment and prevention should be continued after an ESWT treatment.
Conventional treatment methods may include:- General supportive measures, such as ice and rest in the acute phase.
- Modify activity, i.e. walk, don't run. Spend less time on hard surfaces.
- Stretch the plantar fascia and the muscles of the foot and calf
- Weight reduction
- Modify footwear - use cushioned shoes
- Taping, splinting, stretching, strengthening
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Orthotics or shoe inserts to support the arch and the heel
- Steroid injections
- Endoscopic or open surgery (rarely needed)
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To schedule an appointment or to make a referral, call 303-685-CROM (2766)
or outside Metropolitan Denver call us toll free at 1-866-300-7326 |
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