Over-pronation And Fallen Arches: 3 Medical Therapies That Can Help Immediately

By Author: Fred Salomon
Total Articles: 10
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Many people 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. Malformed foot conditions such as excess pronation or flat feet can lead to more acute conditions such as plantar fasciitis. This often debilitating pain in the heels can be treated in a surgical center as an outpatient.

Over-pronation and Low Foot Arches Can Lead to Serious Anatomical Issues

As found by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), plantar fasciitis can be caused by congenital malformations and step patterns. This can include excess pronation and flat feet, for instance. In cases when the feet and leg biomechanics are out of sync with the entire body, excessive impact and jarring are put on structures of the foot that are not intended to absorb those stresses. One manifestation of this, excessive jarring or even being over your ideal weight can all be contributing causes for heel pain.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Can Be a Welcomed Relief

A procedure 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 responsible for the extreme pain caused by this condition. The doctor makes an incision in the heel across the length of the heel. The fluid-filled area and damaged tissue is removed from the inflamed heel tissues. Once the incision is closed, a walking shoe is required for an estimated 4-6 weeks, depending upon the healing time for the patient.

Over-pronation and Low Foot Arches Also Result in a Non-Surgical Low Foot Arches

Another medical procedure being used today is one that involves low-level sound waves. Called ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy), this treatment aims to use low-dose sound waves to destroy the affected tissues. It Is apparently counterintuitive, but it isn't. The partial destruction of these tissues in small amounts actually evokes the body's healing response and cures the body of the painful issue. In a study done in 2004, it took 800 study participants about 8 weeks to heal completely with about eighty-five percent success.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment with Less Down Time

Finally, endoscopic plantar fascia removals are becoming more commonly used because of their short healing duration. In this surgical solution, the foot is given a nerve block in the ankle while the patient is alert. Given that some surgeons may prefer to put the patient under, that is also a valid way to carry out the surgery with reduced stress to the patient. One-fourth inch cuts are made in the sides 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.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment is Better Today than Ever Before

Although surgical intervention is only necessary in under 10% of the cases of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it's recommended to be up to date on the procedures that podiatrists are using today. Following up after surgery with physical therapy is one of the best things people can do after undergoing any of these procedures. Stretches, strength building, and underwater therapy are just some of the many tools in the physical therapist's toolbox that can assist. For people with walking gait malformations and biomechanical problems such as overpronation or flat feet, orthotic inserts are advised to stop the return of this painful condition.

Fred Salomon is a foot care specialist with professional and commercial ventures in the podiatry field, including foot care products and foot health treatment options. Many people suffer from foot health problems. There are several types of foot pain treatments, with Footminders orthotic insoles being an effective relief for many foot ailments. The orthotics, shoe inserts and arch supports from Footminders are recommended by many podiatrists for common foot health problems. You can find more information and treatment for many types of foot pain at http://www.footminders.com and http://www.footminders.com/orthotic-insoles-orthodics-arch-supports.html