3 Breakthrough Medical Procedures for Over-pronation and Flat Feet
The majority of people who experience heel pain think that they are something minor and will go away with rest and less activity. Unfortunately, in some cases the heel pain is a red flag for something that the doctor may need to treat. Abnormal foot issues such as overpronation or fallen arches can lead to more acute conditions such as plantar fascitis. This often disabling pain in the heels can be treated in a sterile back office as an outpatient.
Effective Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Is Readily Available
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, plantar fasciitis can be caused by congenital malformations and step patterns. These issues can include overpronation and flat feet, just to name a few. When the feet and leg biomechanics are out of sync with the rest of the body, excessive weight and impact are put on bones and ligaments of the feet that are not intended to bear those pressures. One manifestation of this, running on a hard surface or even being heavier than recommended can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Sometimes Requires Surgery
A surgical option called Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis therapy that is completed while the patient’s foot and ankle are completely numbed. The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The surgeon opens the heel through a small incision made above the affected area of the heel. The fluid-filled area and injured tissue is taken out from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the opening is sutured, a walking boot is prescribed for use for about four to six weeks, depending upon the healing time for the patient.
Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Can Be Treated Non-Surgically
Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this treatment aims to use small amounts of sound waves to eliminate the affected tissuesin the heel. It Is apparently counterproductive, but it isn’t. The damaging of these tissues in small amounts actually instigates the body’s healing response and heals the foot condition. In a 2004 study, it took 800 study participants about two months to heal completely with about 85% success.
Cut Healing Time Dramatically with this Plantar Fasciitis Therapy
The final medical procedure that is becoming more popular simply because it requires less recovery time is an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. In this medical treatment, the foot is anesthetized while the patient is conscious. Given that some physicians may prefer to have the patient unconscious, that is also a sensible way to conduct the procedure with less stress to the person. Quarter-inch incisions are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected tissues. A camera is used to help the physician to locate the plantar fascia ligament. The surgeon sews the incision closed once the problem tissues have been identified and fixed.
Overpronation and Flat Feet Can be Treated Before it Turns Into Plantar Fasciitis
Though surgery is only required in about 5% of the cases of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it’s good to be aware of the procedures that podiatrists are using today. Following up after surgery with 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 procedures that can make a difference. For people with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanics problems such as over-pronation or flat feet, orthtotic insoles are advised to avoid reappearance of plantar fasciitis.
