Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the heel. The pain is characteristically in the morning hours and wanes gradually as the day progresses. In some cases, the pain is very intense as to interfere with the carrying out of normal daily chores. Every year, it results in at least one million hospital visits in the United States. As they look for plantar fasciitis treatment Ottawa residents should make an effort to understand the cause of their condition.
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 to therapy has been focused on reducing inflammation of the plantar fascia. These include the use of pharmacological agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, steroids and botulinum toxin type A. Other interventions have included the use of orthotics, icing, and shoe modification. These conservative therapies are usually used for about six weeks after which the case is re-evaluated. Splinting is considered for those that fail to respond.
Available algorithms dictate that icing and the use of NSAIDs has to be on a daily basis. This poses a huge risk due to the injury caused by prolonged use of oral NSAIDs. The NSAIDs damage the gastrointestinal mucosa and patients will typically complain of recurrent gastric pain. They also cause a varying degree of renal damage. There is a need to use them with caution in the elderly and to avoid them during pregnancy.
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 a rather cheap yet effective option. It consists of a series of physical exercises that help to stretch the plantar fascia so as to strengthen the connective tissues around the ankle joint. A typical therapeutic program is divided into three main phases: stretching, strengthening and maintenance. Adjuncts to this form of treatment include ultrasound, contrast baths and ionophoresis.
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 to therapy has been focused on reducing inflammation of the plantar fascia. These include the use of pharmacological agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, steroids and botulinum toxin type A. Other interventions have included the use of orthotics, icing, and shoe modification. These conservative therapies are usually used for about six weeks after which the case is re-evaluated. Splinting is considered for those that fail to respond.
Available algorithms dictate that icing and the use of NSAIDs has to be on a daily basis. This poses a huge risk due to the injury caused by prolonged use of oral NSAIDs. The NSAIDs damage the gastrointestinal mucosa and patients will typically complain of recurrent gastric pain. They also cause a varying degree of renal damage. There is a need to use them with caution in the elderly and to avoid them during pregnancy.
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 a rather cheap yet effective option. It consists of a series of physical exercises that help to stretch the plantar fascia so as to strengthen the connective tissues around the ankle joint. A typical therapeutic program is divided into three main phases: stretching, strengthening and maintenance. Adjuncts to this form of treatment include ultrasound, contrast baths and ionophoresis.
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.
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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.
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