Making Your Feet Work For You

Three Ways A Podiatrist Can Help You With Plantar Fasciitis Without Surgery

The plantar fascia is the band of ligaments that attach from the heel to the toes. When these ligaments become strained or torn, it creates a painful condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition rarely goes away on its own. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, there are several things that a podiatrist may be able to help you with to relieve pain and heal your foot.

Show you how to stretch the plantar fascia

Before you even know what plantar fasciitis is, you are likely to experience a lot of pain. Sometimes this pain can be so intense, that you can barely walk. You are not likely to believe that a stretching technique can relieve this pain. However, even when the ligaments have been torn, stretching can reduce the pain. There is a particular way to stretch your foot that is best taught by a podiatrist. Based upon the extent of your problem, once you learn to do this, you will likely need to stretch your foot several times a day.

Recommend the right shoes

Although no shoe is a cure for the condition of plantar fasciitis, some shoes offer better support than others. This helps in two ways. The first is that it will relieve pressure on the ligaments, giving your foot a better chance to heal. A big problem with this condition is that a person still needs to walk, even if it is kept to a minimum. Naturally, the more walking you do, the more difficult it is for the ligaments to heal. Secondly, once you get to the point where your foot is healed, you will reduce the chances of a second occurrence. Not every shoe is right for every person with plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can listen to you explain your lifestyle and can recommend one or more particular brand for you.

A podiatrist can provide cortisone injections

Cortisone is a steroid that works as a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. As such, it can relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. However, there are some side effects. The most common side effect is that it can increase pain for a few hours before the pain begins to reduce to a level below its initial state. There are less common side effects such as infection, but the biggest problem with cortisone is that is can only be used every few weeks, and killing pain is never a long term solution, but cortisone injections can provide relief while your plantar fascia heals. .

In some cases, you may need surgery. But before this happens, you should get the advice and help from a podiatrist. With the proper stretching technique, the right shoes, and resting your feet, there is a good chance your foot will heal. For more information, contact a podiatrist like Advanced Foot Clinic.


Share