Plantar Fasciitis But Also Have An MTHFR Gene Mutation? Here's What You Need To Know
If you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and have a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation, you may be wondering what your options are to alleviate the pain in your heel. Your MTHFR gene mutation affects many body systems, which could change the course of treatment for your plantar fasciitis. Here's what you need to know.
MTHFR — Contraindications of Pain Management
An MTHFR gene mutation impairs methylation, which is necessary for the biochemical reactions in your body that contribute to autonomic processes such as neurological, cardiovascular, and detoxification systems. Because of your body's inability to detox, you are limited to the types of medications and anesthesia that would normally be used to alleviate pain and when undergoing surgery as well as during the healing process afterwards.
To get a better understanding of what you and your medical team are up against regarding treatment for any painful condition, particularly your diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, it's important to have genetic testing done to establish which specific gene is mutated, if you haven't done so already. The reason for this is that specific gene mutations have been found to cause individuals to become dependent on certain drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and opioids. This will give your medical team a clear report of what medications you should avoid completely and which ones your body will be able to process.
Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
There are a number of different types of treatments for plantar fasciitis that do not involve the use of opioids and other strong pain medications.
Cryotherapy
Fortunately, the use of pharmaceuticals isn't the only way to deal with the heel pain of plantar fasciitis. Cryotherapy, also called cryosurgery and cryoanalgesia, is a minimally invasive foot procedure. It's done by using probes that use cold to interrupt pain signals by destroying nerve fibers in the heel. Nitrous oxide is used to provide the cold.
Being minimally invasive, it's not a painful procedure and is done on an outpatient basis. However, a tiny incision is made so you will need local anesthesia. Be sure the anesthesiologist knows which gene mutation you have so he or she can determine which anesthetic to use. The procedure only takes several minutes. You should notice a reduction in the pain level without using any strong pain medication such as opioids. However, you may be prescribed over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication on an as-needed basis.
Orthotics
Orthotic insoles can be used to help with the discomfort and pain that are caused by plantar fasciitis. However, it's important to order them through your podiatrist, who can measure your foot and determine exactly which type of orthotic insoles would work best for your situation. He or she can custom-make an insole for you.
Typically, plantar fasciitis pain and discomfort is relieved by using insoles that are shock absorbing and have a deep heel seat. This type of insole cups the heel and cushions the heel bone. Your podiatrist will determine a schedule in which you will return for subsequent visits to determine whether or not the orthotic insole is working properly.
Physical Therapy
Your podiatrist may also recommend physical therapy additionally or alternatively to cryotherapy and/or orthotic insoles. A physical therapist can show you various exercises and stretches that will strengthen the plantar fascia that is causing your pain and discomfort. Physical therapy sometimes also involves the use of ice machines that will help speed up the healing process.
In conclusion, inform your podiatrist of your diagnosis of an MTHFR gene mutation so he or she can properly evaluate and treat you without any serious implications on your body's specific needs.
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