Three Proven Medical Procedures for Flat Foot and Overpronation
A large number of people who experience heel pain ignore them and think the pains will go away with rest and less activity. Unfortunately, in some cases the heel pain is a warning signal from the body that it is injured. Abnormal foot issues such as over-pronation or flat foot can lead to more severe conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often crippling pain in the heel area of the foot can be treated in a sterile back office as an outpatient.
Over-pronation and Low Arches Can Lead to Serious Anatomical Issues
As reported by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), plantar fasciitis can be caused by abnormal gait or foot anatomy. These issues can include over-pronation and flat feet, for instance. In cases when the lower body biomechanics are out of line with the other parts of the body, undue stress and pressure are put on structures of the foot that are not meant to take those stresses. One manifestation of this, jumping or even being heavier than recommended can all be contributing causes for heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Can Be a Welcomed Relief
A surgery known as Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one therapy for plantar fasciitis that is completed while the patient’s foot and ankle are completely numbed. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue to blame for the excruciating discomfort caused by this condition. The heel is incised by the physician just over the heel bone. The swollen region and damaged tissue is taken out from the affected foot. Once the wound is stitched up, a walking shoe is prescribed for use for about 4-6 weeks, depending upon the healing time for the patient.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Can Be Treated Non-Surgically
A type of cutting edge technology being used today to heal foot conditions is with waves of low level sound. Known as ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this technology aims to use small amounts of sound waves to destroy the affected tissues. It sounds counterintuitive, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in tiny amounts actually instigates the body’s healing response and helps the plantar fasciitis to resolve itself. In a study done in the early part of this decade, it took 800 study participants about two months to heal completely with about 80% to 90% success.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment with Less Down Time
Lastly, shorter down time can be achieved with treatment of plantar fasciitis if an endoscopic procedure is performed. In this procedure, the foot is anesthetized while the patient is awake. Given that some doctors may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a valid way to perform the operation with less stress to the person. Small slits are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected regions. A small camera is used to aid the physician to identify the plantar fascia ligament. After it has been found, the surgeon fixes the problems inside and closes the wound.
Over-pronation and Low Arches Can be Treated Before it Turns Into Plantar Fasciitis
Although surgical intervention is only necessary in under 10% of the cases of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it’s recommended to be aware of the procedures that doctors are using today. Continuing with PT (physical therapy) is one of the best things people can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Manual manipulation, water pool exercise, and lengthening the tissues are just some of the many methods that can help. For people with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanics problems such as excess pronation or flat feet, orthotics are advised to stop reappearance of heel pain.
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