3 Breakthrough Medical Procedures for Over-pronation and Low Foot Arches
The majority of patients 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 an indication of something more serious. Abnormal foot issues such as overpronation or flat feet can lead to more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often debilitating heel pain can be treated in a operating room as an outpatient.
Flat Feet Can Be a Biomechanical Issue
According to the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), plantar fasciitis can be caused by abnormal gait or foot anatomy. This can include overpronation and flat feet, for example. In cases when the lower leg biomechanics are out of sync with the entire body, excessive impact and jarring are put on foot structures that are not meant to take those strains. For instance, running on a hard surface or even being overweight can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.
Solutions and Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis
A surgery known as Instep Plantar Fasciotomy is one plantar fasciitis therapy that is done under ankle block anesthesia (patient is awake but the foot is numbed). The plantar fascia is a ligament of tissue at the root of pain caused by this condition. The surgeon opens the heel through a small incision made above the affected area of the heel. The inflamed area and damaged tissue is removed from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the incision is stitched up, a walking cast is recommended to be used for about 4-6 weeks, depending upon the healing time for the patient.
Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis Doesn’t Have to Mean Surgery
Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Known as ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this technology aims to use small levels of sound waves to eliminate the affected tissues. It Is apparently illogical, but it isn’t. The injuring of these tissues in low amounts actually instigates the body’s healing response and heals the foot condition. In a study done in 2004, it took 800 study participants about 2 months to heal completely with about 85% success.
Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis with Faster Recovery Times
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 numbed with an ankle block while the patient is alert. Given that some physicians may prefer to use a general anesthesia, that is also a viable way to perform the surgery with less stress to the individual. One-fourth inch cuts are made in the left and right sides of the heel to access the affected areas. A camera is used to help the doctor to find the plantar fascia ligament. After it has been found, the surgeon fixes the problems inside and closes the wound.
Excess Pronation and Flat Feet Can be Treated Before it Turns Into Plantar Fasciitis
Although surgical intervention is only necessary in under 10% of plantar fasciitis cases, it’s good to be up to date on the procedures that surgeons are using today. Continuing with PT (physical therapy) is one of the best things patients can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Massages, exercises, and whirlpool therapy are just some of the many methods that can assist. For patients with walking gait deformities and biomechanics problems such as overpronation or flat feet, orthotic inserts are one of the best ways to halt reappearance of heel pain.
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