Plantar Fasciitis
Can we treat Plantar Fasciitis?
At Avenue Health, our practitioners treat the acute symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis with a combination of soft tissue techniques and ultrasound. With chronic or recurrent Plantar Fasciitis, prescription orthotics may be prescribed. Our orthotics are prescribed using the latest Gait Scan technology that measures every bone in your foot as it lands and takes off and the pressure put on it. These orthotics treat the cause of the Plantar Fasciitis and prevent it from reoccurring.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The Plantar Fascia is a ligament in the sole of the foot that can become overstretched and very painful as a result of the arch of the foot losing some of its height. The arches of our feet will lose height as we age, but this process can also be accelerated by overuse. People who are on their feet all day, or who have put on weight are vulnerable to this, as are athletic sporty types and pregnant women. The symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis can often reoccur or be difficult to treat because it is impossible to go about daily life without using our feet.
What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
• Burning, achy pain in the heel or ball of the foot
• Sharp pain in the arch of the foot
• Symptoms worse first thing in the morning
• Pain in sole aggravated by walking/jumping/running
Lesley Vaughan, Kingston-upon-Thames
Will pain-relieving drugs help?
Inflammation can be greatly reduced with the use of NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol. Although they can reduce the inflammation caused by your Plantar Fasciitis, they do not address the underlying problem. They can, in some cases, cause stomach problems, such as acid reflux and constipation.
It is important not to use painkilling drugs before engaging in a physical activity. This is because, without the feedback from your body’s nervous system, it is easy to over-use and further aggravate your condition. However, they are very useful in helping you get a good night’s sleep, which is a vitally important part of your recovery.
If you are already taking medication prescribed by a doctor, you should always ask the advice of a Doctor or Pharmacist before self-medicating, as some painkilling drugs can affect the effectiveness of your medication, and can sometimes be dangerous.