Is Your Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis?
A sore, painful heel is a common side effect of long periods of walking or running. When the pain becomes chronic, however, there’s a possible underlying condition. Chronic heel pain is a common sign of plantar fasciitis, an issue that statistics say affects 10% of the population. Under each foot lies the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue connecting each toe and merging at the heel bone. Sometimes, the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, causing pain in the heel and arch of the foot. The condition can become so severe that outpatient treatment may be necessary. Understanding the mechanisms behind plantar fasciitis and the available treatment are the keys to long-term relief.
Causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis tends to come from overuse or strain, which causes microtears and swelling of the tissue. The condition develops over time but may speed up in individuals who run, stand, or perform physical activity for extended periods daily. Besides overuse, people with foot mechanic issues, such as flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal gait, tend to develop plantar fasciitis. Wearing improper footwear and conditions such as obesity also increase the risk. Common symptoms of heel pain include pain that worsens with movement, tenderness, or inflammation along the bottom of the foot. Heel pain is also common immediately after waking up and taking those first few steps. Chronic heel pain can impact productivity and movement, limit sports and hobbies, and lead to frustration.
Taking heel pain into your own hands
As the plantar fascia works to stabilize the foot and provide shock absorption, proper functioning is vital. As a result, there are several non-surgical options for pain relief. Topical and oral pain medication and physical therapy (PT) are standard treatment options. There are also several over-the-counter cushioning devices, bracing, and orthotics that provide varying degrees of relief. Combined, these options may provide relief. More advanced options include corticosteroid injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) devices. This is a medical procedure that uses a device to deliver high-frequency pulses to the area. ESWT can help break up scar tissue and reduce inflammation. Sometimes, these options fail, so surgery is a viable alternative.
It’s time for outpatient surgery
Outpatient surgery is considered a last resort for chronic heel pain, especially if the mentioned treatments fail. The best minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is plantar fascia release or plantar fasciotomy. The goal is to release tension and alleviate pain through small incisions. An orthopedic surgeon will make an incision to insert a scope, a device that displays images of the fascia. Another incision will allow the surgeon to use surgical tools to remove scar tissue, bone spurs, and other debris. Minimally invasive plantar fascia release is preferred to open surgery. With MIS, there are smaller scars, fewer complications, and faster recovery. The patient can also leave the hospital the same day and begin PT sooner, leading to a quicker return to normal activity.
Plant that foot with pride again
Plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic or recurrent heel pain that limits movement. Without proper treatment, the condition worsens, leading to reduced activity and even declining physical health. There are many non-surgical options, many of which improve symptoms in most patients. However, these may not be enough for severe chronic heel pain. Turning to outpatient surgery provides high rewards with minimal risks. With a success rate of up to 90%, surgery can make walking easier again. Consult a healthcare professional specializing in foot conditions for a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include outpatient surgery.
