The majority of persons who experience heel pain ignore them and think the pains will go away with rest and less activity. However, in some cases the heel pain is an indication of something more serious. Malformed foot conditions such as overpronation or low arches can lead to more severe conditions such as plantar fascitis. This often disabling heel pain can be treated in a operating room as an outpatient.

Overpronation and Low Foot Arches Can Lead to Serious Anatomical Issues

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, plantar fasciitis can be caused by faulty biomechanics and walking motion. This can include overpronation and low arches, for instance. In cases when the lower body biomechanics are out of step with the rest of the body, undue impact and jarring are put on structures of the foot that are not intended to take those pressures. For instance, excessive jarring or even being heavier than recommended can all be contributing reasons for heel pain.

Solutions and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

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 heel is incised by the physician just over the heel bone. The swollen region and injured tissue is taken out from the affected foot. Once the incision is sutured, a walking shoe is required for approximately 4-6 weeks, depending upon the healing time for the patient.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Can Be Treated Non-Surgically

Low level sound frequencies are also being used today to treat certain foot problems. Called ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this solution aims to use low-dose sound waves to destruct the affected tissuesin the heel. It sounds illogical, but it isn't. The damaging of these tissues in tiny amounts actually evokes the body's healing response and helps the plantar fasciitis to resolve itself. In a study done in 2004, it took 800 study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about 80% to 90% success.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment with Faster Recovery Times

Lastly, shorter down time can be achieved with treatment of plantar fasciitis if an endoscopic procedure is performed. In this procedure, the foot is numbed with an ankle block while the patient is conscious. Given that some surgeons may prefer to have the patient unconscious, that is also a sensible way to perform the operation with less stress to the individual. One-fourth inch cuts are made in the lateral and anterior angles of the heel to access the affected tissues. A camera is used to aid the physician to identify the plantar fascia ligament. After it has been found, the surgeon fixes the problems inside and closes the wound.

Overpronation and Low Foot Arches Don't Have to Hurt as Much

Although surgical intervention is only necessary in under 10% of the cases of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it's advisable to be up to date on the procedures that surgeons are using today. Continuing with PT (physical therapy) is one of the best things persons 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 help. For persons with walking gait abnormalities and biomechanical issues such as foot overpronation or low arches, orthotics are recommended to stop the return of this painful condition.