What Can A Podiatrist Do For Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that involves the fascia of the foot. Specifically, it causes pain across the tissue that lines the arch. If you have this ailment, then you can speak with your podiatrist about various treatments to help minimize your discomfort. Keep reading to learn about some of the treatments that your podiatrist might implement. 

Anti-Inflammatory Prescriptions

If your plantar fasciitis condition is a new ailment, then your podiatrist will suggest the use of conservative treatments first. This may help to resolve the issue, especially if it is acute. Reducing inflammation is often the key to treatment, so you will be given a prescription for a daily anti-inflammatory medication. A medication that lasts 24 hours with a single dose is typical. And, you may be asked to rest, use ice, or use heat on both of your feet. 

Physical therapy may be needed on a temporary basis, too. Your appointments will focus on stretching out the fascia to minimize stress on the tissues. Also, you will learn how to complete the exercises at home. If the problem continues for some time, then the therapy may advance to strengthening some of your muscles to better support the fascia tissue. For example, lower leg exercises may be started to build strength in the lower portion of the body. 

In addition to these treatments, your podiatrist may make a custom orthotic or insert for your shoes. This will help to support the arch and the fascia tissue.

Steroid Injections

Sometimes, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and inserts are not enough to reduce pain and soreness. In this situation, your plantar fasciitis may have advanced to a chronic issue. To treat the condition, your podiatrist may need to use steroid shots in the foot. Cortisone is used for this, and the medication will do a few different things. It will reduce inflammation and it will also numb the region to minimize your pain.

Steroid injections last a month or two, and with exercises, stretches, rest, and inserts, this may be long enough to resolve your foot condition. If not, you may need another round of steroid injections. 

Steroid injections can continue for some time, and if your foot doctor does not see good progress with the medication, you may need a surgical procedure.

Speak with a podiatrist if you are concerned about a plantar fasciitis condition and how it can be treated. 


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