Plantar fasciitis is characterized by heel pain that is most severe in the morning and abates as the day progresses. In most cases, the pain is substantial enough to interfere with normal daily activities. In the United States alone, the condition is believed to contribute to about 1 million visits to medical professionals every year. If looking for plantar fasciitis treatment Ottawa residents need to first understand what the most probable cause is.
When evaluating the condition, the doctor will usually take a clinical history to establish the pattern of the symptoms. They will then conduct a comprehensive physical examination that seeks to screen for any underlying conditions that may be causing the pain. One of the commonest underlying causes is the presence of a bone spur on the calcaneus bone. It is worth noting that most people with plantar fasciitis do not actually have these spurs.
As part of the evaluation process, the doctor will take your clinical history which will be focused on determine the severity of the pain and its pattern. The next thing will be a physical examination aimed at finding out whether or not there are any underlying causes of the condition. In a good number of those affected a calcaneal spur is present. In the majority, there is no underlying cause.
The traditional approach has involved the use of interventions that are aimed at minimizing inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids and botulinum toxin type A are some of the commonest drugs used here. Other therapies include icing, shoe modification and the use of orthotics. These treatment modalities are usually used in combination for a period of 6 weeks before other therapies are considered.
Most algorithms state that NSAIDS are to be administered on a daily basis and icing is also to be done daily. This may have its disadvantage bearing in mind that NSAIDs are potentially harmful to the gastrointestinal tract and the renal system. They should, therefore, be used with caution particularly in the elderly who are most susceptible to these side effects. Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication.
Corticosteroids are given thorough the oral route or as an injection. A common oral formulation is known as methylprednisolone. This formulation is commonly used for managing the pain experienced during the acute phase of the condition. It is common for the drug to be given alongside NSAIDS. Research shows that success rates are at least 70%. A maximum of 3 injections per year are recommended.
Physical therapy is another treatment modality that can be considered. It is not just readily available but is also quite effective as well. The aim of the therapy is to strengthen the tissues around the ankle joint. There are three main phases in the therapy: stretching, stretching and maintenance. Several adjuncts are added to increase the effectiveness. These include ionophoresis, contrast baths and ultrasonography.
About 10% of patients with plantar fasciitis do not respond to the conservative therapies. This group is subjected to the invasive techniques (surgery). The surgery may be performed either by open technique or through endoscopy. The plantar fascia is split to relieve the tension and inflammation that exists. Surgery has been shown to be effective in about 90% of the cases.
When evaluating the condition, the doctor will usually take a clinical history to establish the pattern of the symptoms. They will then conduct a comprehensive physical examination that seeks to screen for any underlying conditions that may be causing the pain. One of the commonest underlying causes is the presence of a bone spur on the calcaneus bone. It is worth noting that most people with plantar fasciitis do not actually have these spurs.
As part of the evaluation process, the doctor will take your clinical history which will be focused on determine the severity of the pain and its pattern. The next thing will be a physical examination aimed at finding out whether or not there are any underlying causes of the condition. In a good number of those affected a calcaneal spur is present. In the majority, there is no underlying cause.
The traditional approach has involved the use of interventions that are aimed at minimizing inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids and botulinum toxin type A are some of the commonest drugs used here. Other therapies include icing, shoe modification and the use of orthotics. These treatment modalities are usually used in combination for a period of 6 weeks before other therapies are considered.
Most algorithms state that NSAIDS are to be administered on a daily basis and icing is also to be done daily. This may have its disadvantage bearing in mind that NSAIDs are potentially harmful to the gastrointestinal tract and the renal system. They should, therefore, be used with caution particularly in the elderly who are most susceptible to these side effects. Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication.
Corticosteroids are given thorough the oral route or as an injection. A common oral formulation is known as methylprednisolone. This formulation is commonly used for managing the pain experienced during the acute phase of the condition. It is common for the drug to be given alongside NSAIDS. Research shows that success rates are at least 70%. A maximum of 3 injections per year are recommended.
Physical therapy is another treatment modality that can be considered. It is not just readily available but is also quite effective as well. The aim of the therapy is to strengthen the tissues around the ankle joint. There are three main phases in the therapy: stretching, stretching and maintenance. Several adjuncts are added to increase the effectiveness. These include ionophoresis, contrast baths and ultrasonography.
About 10% of patients with plantar fasciitis do not respond to the conservative therapies. This group is subjected to the invasive techniques (surgery). The surgery may be performed either by open technique or through endoscopy. The plantar fascia is split to relieve the tension and inflammation that exists. Surgery has been shown to be effective in about 90% of the cases.
About the Author:
If you suffer from chronic discomfort in the heel, consider seeking plantar fasciitis treatment Ottawa area. Make an appointment with our experienced foot doctor today through this site http://www.healthystepspedorthic.com.
0 comments: