How Determine If You Need Surgery For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the flat ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) stretches irregularly and develops small tears that cause the ligament to become inflamed and cause heel pain. Often the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain which occurs during your first steps after getting out of bed or sitting for long periods of time.

Plantar fasciitis is somewhat common in Los Angeles, and is caused by foot problems which affect the way you walk. If you walk with an inward twist or roll of the foot, if you have high arches, flat feet, or tight Achilles tendons, you are at risk for plantar fasciitis. Wearing uncomfortable shoes, being overweight, and standing for long periods of time can all contribute to plantar fasciitis, in that they cause small tears in the foot tendon which become inflamed and cause pain.

If untreated, plantar fasciitis can turn into chronic heel pain, causing you to change the way you walk in order to relieve the pain. Unsteady gait can ultimately be detrimental, causing Los Angeles foot pain, leg, back or hip problems. Also chronic pain caused by plantar fasciitis can limit you from working or strenuous physical activity.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis should be started immediately after symptoms appear. Non surgical treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching exercise, orthotic shoe inserts, and night splints. Inflammation can be reduced by Corticosteroid injections in some cases, but most treatments can take up to a year to relieve chronic heel pain Los Angeles.

Usually Los Angeles foot surgery is not necessary, although most people who receive it are relieved of their heel pain. Surgery involves cutting part of the tendon in order to release tension and reduce inflammation. A Los Angeles podiatrist will be able to determine whether you in fact can benefit from foot surgery. Often, a Los Angeles foot doctor will tell you to stick to a nonsurgical treatment for at least the first 6 months you're your symptoms have not disappeared, he or she may then suggest surgical treatment.