Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Overview
Plantar Fasciitis treatment at Spokane CyberKnife
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The hallmark symptom is heel pain, particularly after taking the first steps in the morning or after extended periods of rest. The pain is generally located at the bottom of the heel.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis often develops due to repetitive stress on the plantar fascia from activities like walking, running, or prolonged standing. Several risk factors contribute to its development:
- Foot Structure: Conditions like high arches or flat feet.
- Footwear: Unsupportive shoes, such as flip-flops or those lacking proper arch support.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight strains the feet.
- Activities: Sports such as running or dancing, as well as jobs requiring prolonged standing.
- Age: More prevalent among middle-aged adults.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Patients have a variety of options to manage symptoms. Conservative measures include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Icing the affected area
- Orthotics for arch support
- Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the fascia
For more severe cases, medical interventions like injections and surgery can be considered. However, repeated injections may weaken the plantar fascia over time.
Patients seeking a long-term, non-invasive solution may benefit from low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT). LDRT helps break down painful scar tissue in the arch, with about 60% of patients reporting lasting pain relief.
