Professional Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in London
Do you notice pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or both of your heels? This could indicate a foot condition called plantar fasciitis, a common orthopedic complaint caused by too much pressure on your feet. Do not worry. Consult the foot specialists at Westmount Foot and Orthotic Clinic in London for comprehensive foot care and plantar fasciitis treatment in London. Our team offers advanced and professional treatments to relieve symptoms and address the root cause of plantar fasciitis. Contact us today for more details or to book an appointment.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments
Plantar fasciitis refers to swelling or inflammation of the plantar fascia. This robust, fibrous tissue band runs along the foot's bottom portion and connects the heel bone to the toe's base. The plantar fascia aids the arch of the foot and absorbs the movement force when walking, standing, and jumping while contributing to the normal biomechanics of the foot.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The following can damage your plantar fascia:
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Playing sports.
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Being on your feet all day for work.
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Exercising or working out on hard surfaces
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Wearing ill-fitting shoes.
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Walking or standing barefoot at home.
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Heel spurs.
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High arch feet.
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Flat feet.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
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Persistent pain in one or both heels.
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Burning or ache in the bottom part of the foot.
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Deep pain in your foot’s arch.
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Swelling around your heel.
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Food, ankle or heel stiffness.
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A stiff Achilles tendon.
Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
The treatments can be:
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Home remedies: These include essential oils like eucalyptus, vanilla and menthol to decrease pain and inflammation. Eating a balanced diet is recommended for tissue repair and healing. Exercising and stretching your claves, plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
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NSAIDs: Over-the-counter options like aspirin or ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation; consult a healthcare provider if used for over 10 days.
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Rest: Avoid sports or activities causing pain for at least a week.
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Ice therapy: Ice your foot for 10-15 minutes twice daily using a towel-covered frozen bottle, which will also provide a soothing massage.
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Supportive footwear: Opt for cushioned, sturdy shoes with arch support. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or walking barefoot.
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Medical treatments: These advanced treatments include botox injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, dextrose prolotherapy or injections of autologous platelet-rich plasma.
How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis: Tips for Long-term Foot Health
Preventing plantar fasciitis is possible if you follow these simple tips:
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Stretch daily - do the calf stretch and seated plantar fascia stretch.
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Strengthen foot structures with exercises like towel toe curls and standing step raises.
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Massage the plantar fascia to release tightness and increase blood flow.
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Wear a splint at night to release ankle, heel and foot tension.
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Use orthotic shoe inserts to ease tension on the plantar fascia.
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Rest your feet after exercising to reduce future bouts of plantar fasciitis.
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Opt for physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the foot and reduce mobility issues.
What Happens If Plantar Fasciitis Is Left Untreated
If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, additional complications can arise. These include:
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Plantar tears: If left untreated, with time, the stress and plantar facia inflammation can cause tiny tears in the fascia. These micro-injuries can slowly increase your pain and grow in size, making the plantar fascia more vulnerable to debilitation and rupture.
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Plantar rupture: If not addressed on time, plantar fasciitis can result in plantar rupture. Suppose a person continues participating in jogging, sports, or even standing for long periods in ill-fitting footwear; a rupture can occur. It can cause intense pain, swelling and bruising in the foot.
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Plantar fibromatosis: Benign or slow-growing nodules develop along the plantar fascia in this condition. Starting slow, the pace of growth becomes rapid with time, making walking painful and uneasy. Genetics are a common reason for plantar fibromatosis. Researchers also suggest that an untreated tear in the fascia can trigger it.
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Heel spurs: One of the most common consequences of leaving plantar fasciitis untreated is heel spurs, which can build up over several months without much pain. In other words, if plantar fasciitis is not managed on time, it may initiate a secondary problem and go unnoticed–until the sharp pain reappears.
If you suspect any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.