What is Plantar Fasciitis?
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Plantar Fasciitis results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. The Plantar fascia is used during walking and general foot movement. Tension can be caused by placing weight on the foot or pushing off the balls of your feet and toes. Plantar Fasciitis is mainly characterized by pain in the heel. Oftentimes, the pain is worse when you get up in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Several different factors can cause this condition. Certain shoes can cause plantar fasciitis, and a person’s foot structure can also cause this condition. Overusing the foot and certain kinds of walking surfaces can also lead to this condition. In most cases, treatment for Plantar Fasciitis does not require surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
- Routine stretching and physical therapy. When stretching, the goal is to focus on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. Physical therapy exercises can help build up lower leg muscles and stabilize your ankle.
- Medication and routine icing of the affected areas. Your CPO provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help with your Plantar Fasciitis, icing also helps with inflammation.
- Altering your activity, rest, and orthotics. To partially relieve weight and stress from your foot while your plantar fascia is healing, your CPO provider may suggest a combination of the following measures:
- Opting for a more shock-absorbing exercise surface.
- Wearing shoes with arch support or using heel cups or other orthotics for heel cushioning.
- Applying athletic tape to support muscles and ligaments in your foot.
- Utilizing night splints to continue foot stretching during sleep.
- Reducing the distance and duration of your walking or running activities.
- Stop jumping or running and switch to swimming or cycling.
- Shock Wave Therapy. This involves sending a low or high-energy shock to the affected areas. By creating microscopic trauma, the body will send a healing response to that area of the foot.
- Steroid Injections. After several months, steroid injections may be introduced to help with inflammation when stretching does not seem to be working well enough.
- Gastrocnemius Recession. This is a surgical option that lengthens the gastroc tendon in the foot. Often recommended for patients with equinus contracture.
Why Choose Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics
Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics (CPO) is among the largest orthotic and prosthetic service providers in the U.S. with a wide network of clinics across Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri. Established more than a decade ago, our excellent patient care is the main reason why amputees choose CPO to aid them in their quest to restore their mobility and quality of life. Patients and healthcare professionals prefer CPO because of our unparalleled access to orthotics and prosthetics technologies and our extensive clinical expertise. CPO is a premier provider of prosthetics and orthotic services and related products, utilizing:
- Exceptional clinical knowledge
- Sound business skills
- Cutting-edge laboratory techniques
- Superior patient outcomes
- Innovative patient and referrer satisfaction
- Optimized organizational performance
- Maximized profitability
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Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics medical professionals will evaluate your condition and provide the best garments for your needs. Take the first step in treating or diagnosing your spina bifida today. We are here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with a certified professional at the nearest CPO clinic today. We are in network with major insurance providers and accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.