Options For Plantar Fasciitis Treatment San Francisco Patients Need To Know

By Angela Briggs


There are a number of available options for plantar fasciitis treatment san francisco residents can consider if they hope to get rid of this problem. The treatments are focussed on a number of objectives that include, among others, pain reduction. The pain is said to be worst in the first few hours after waking up and improves as the day progresses. It may incapacitate the patient significantly if not properly taken care of. Another major objective is the restoration of function.

The condition is a fairly common occurrence and affects many athletes. This is due to the repeated act of straining the planter fascia, a sheet of tissue that connects the sole of the foot and the toes. Inflammation of the torn tissue results in considerable pain. It is also common in people who use improper foot wear for prolonged periods of time. Other persons thought to be at high risk include pregnant women and the obese.

The earlier the intervention, the better is the outcome. Patients are therefore encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as they notice the suggestive symptoms. Some of the initial treatments that can be used include proper feet rest and restriction of daily activities that exacerbate the symptoms. Affected persons should avoid walking or running on hard surfaces that are likely to make the condition worse. Ice packs can be used to provide temporary relief to pain.

Generally, conservative therapies are preferred. They are effective in over 90% of patients as long as there is adherence of the prescribed plan. Most patients recover completely in a year. It is common for the modalities to be used in combination in an attempt to improve the response. This depends on the severity of symptoms and the degree of response to the therapies. Surgery is considered after the conservative options have been exhausted.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS are used for pain relief but the effects vary from one person to another. The effect is often short term which means that they have to be taken frequently. As a result some of the patients may suffer from the adverse effects of these drugs that include, among others, peptic ulcer disease and renal disease. Commonly used options in this category include aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. These drugs are available as pills and creams that can be applied over the affected area.

Since improper shoe wear is one of the aggravating factors, there is need to change the same. The shoes chosen should be good in shock absorption and must have the right arch support. It is important to ensure that shoes chosen are well cushioned to reduce the strain on the pressure point areas. Shoe inserts, orthotics help a great deal in cushioning the heel. These should be used for both feet regardless of whether only one or both feet are involved.

Physical exercise has a major role to play. This involves simple routines that are done regularly (several times every day). They include calf stretching, toe stretching and towel stretches. The best time to exercise is early in the morning. Exercising helps to increase ligament flexibility and strengthening arch support.

If they are having plantar fasciitis treatment san francisco residents need to know that response to therapy is not uniform. There is significant variability from one person to another. The important thing to do is to ensure that they visit their doctors on a regular basis to check on the progress.




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