How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 04, 2024
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For the treatment of plantar fasciitis, there are currently two approaches clinically. The first is conservative treatment, which includes the following options: The first is rest, meaning to minimize weight-bearing walking and rest as much as possible. The second is to use heat application, such as applying a hot towel to the sole of the foot for 10-20 minutes each day, twice a day, which can help increase local blood circulation and alleviate pain. The third is the use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medications, as well as medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to relieve local pain. The fourth is extracorporeal shock wave therapy for relief. The fifth, and most commonly used, is injection therapy, but it is important to note that there are clear limits on the number of times injection therapy can be used. If conservative treatment does not work for over six months, or if the symptoms of plantar fasciitis progressively worsen, surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Which department should I register for plantar fasciitis?

To register for plantar fasciitis at a hospital, you need to visit two departments. The first is the orthopedics department, where the primary goal is to determine the cause of your plantar fasciitis. Firstly, it is necessary to check for the presence of heel spurs by taking an X-ray of the foot. Secondly, an MRI of the foot may be required to ascertain whether there is significant congestion and edema in your plantar fascia. As for treatment, you can seek help from the pain management department. The pain management department can provide local physical therapy and local blockade treatment to alleviate your pain. If this pain does not improve or worsens after more than six months of conservative treatment, severely affecting your daily life, you might need to return to the orthopedics department for surgical treatment. The surgery involves loosening the plantar fascia to help relieve the pain.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is mostly caused by prolonged standing, such as wearing high heels or leather shoes for extended periods. The fascia remains tense under these conditions, leading to tenderness in the sole's fascia upon examination. Pain tends to intensify while walking or bearing weight and alleviates when resting as the fascia relaxes. It is best to diagnose and treat this condition early. Applying heat, reducing the movement of the affected limb, and avoiding tension in the fascia are advisable. Consuming medications that invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain can also help, generally improving symptoms within 7 to 10 days. Recovery might be slow in some cases due to fascial damage. Furthermore, repeated pulling or tension from standing and working can lead to recurrent episodes. Rest is recommended for such individuals, and wearing softer sports shoes during activities can be beneficial. Resting and taking blood-invigorating medications usually lead to gradual recovery. For severe cases ineffective with conservative treatment, surgical cutting of the fascia may be performed to relieve pain. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Can you ride a bike with plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can involve cycling, as the weight-bearing load during cycling is reduced compared to walking, running, or mountain climbing. It allows appropriate movement of the knee and hip joints, which can help alleviate symptoms. With plantar fasciitis, it's best to minimize physical activities because once active, it may promote tension in the plantar fascia, leading to pain. Treatments can include heat application, physiotherapy, taking blood-activating and pain-relieving medications, and, if necessary, some invasive treatments to alleviate symptoms. After rest, recovery is generally slow, taking about 2 to 3 weeks, and symptoms can be reduced or even eliminated with the help of blood-activating and pain-relieving medication. However, it can easily recur, so it's recommended to wear sports shoes often, walk on flat surfaces, and sports shoes with air cushions are preferable for better effect. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Fei
Orthopedics
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The difference between Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis and metatarsal tendinitis, these two diseases are essentially the same type of disease clinically. In professional clinical terms, it is called metatarsal tendinitis, commonly known as plantar fasciitis. The anatomical location is mainly on the sole of the foot, extending from the 1-5 metatarsophalangeal joints to the position of the calcaneal tubercle. Our soles have a very thick layer, resembling a tendon sheath, which is a very important structure that supports the arch and normal walking. Plantar fasciitis and metatarsal tendinitis essentially occur in the same location, with only a difference in terminology.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Plantar fasciitis complications

It is possible that local scar healing occurs, which means that after a period of rest and treatment, the local inflammation in plantar fasciitis may heal with scarring. Therefore, continuing to walk and bear weight on the foot may initially result in some restricted movement or still be accompanied by local pain. It is advised to reduce unnecessary weight-bearing on the foot and continue local daily heat therapy. After a period of recuperation, the degree of restricted local movement will gradually improve. Other complications may still occur, including local pain, restricted movement, and swelling. These are mainly due to excessive local weight-bearing or wearing shoes that are too tight.