Plantar Fasciitis: When Home Treatment isn’t Helping

 

When you have had Plantar Fasciitis for a long period of time, and even though you were doing everything in our Part 1, it did not make a difference. It is possible that you may have a spur that is putting pressure on the plantar fascia.
It is probably time to see a Doctor, you can start with your Family Doctor, or see your Podiatrist, if you have one. You may need to get a refferral to a see a new specialist. (I.E. Podiatrist, foot and ankle Orthopedic and possibly a neurologist.)

Initially some form of anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed, or an injection of a steroid or NSAID to treat the inflammation. You may be ordered to wear a removable walking boot and a night splint, as well. The removable walking boot is meant to stabilize your foot and ankle, as not to keep flexing that joint which, when flexed, keeps putting a pulling type of stress on the Plantar Fascia. The night splint is used to keep your foot at a 90 degree angle so your plantar fascia does not contract, and with that contracture upon weight bearing, do more damage.
Surgery is another option when all else has failed. If you do have a spur it may need to be removed. If it is your plantar fascia it may need to be partially cut or detached from the heel bone to stop the pain. In some cases the surrounding nerves can become involved, due to so much inflammation.
My experience has determined that surgery is a last ditch effort to stop the pain. I have found that in most cases a custom pair of foot orthotics usually made from soft materials especially under and around the heel has reduced and eventually subdues then stops the pain. Coupled with appropriate shoes and exercise, life continues normally!