Plantar fasciitis of the foot. Treatment with folk remedies, ointments, exercises, gymnastics, who to contact, symptoms

With plantar fasciitis of the foot people who spend most of their time on their feet encounter more often. The disease provokes an inflammatory process in soft tissues, against the background of which characteristic clinical signs appear. It is important to consult an orthopedist in a timely manner, undergo a full examination and prescribed treatment. Lack of therapy will lead to serious complications.

The essence of pathology, classification

Plantar fasciitis of the foot is characterized by inflammation that develops in the area of ​​the plantar fascia. It is also called the aponeural or arched ligament. It is made up of fibers that look like tendons. Stretches from the calcaneus to the base of the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot when walking.

There are the following types of the disease:

Name	Description
Distal	The area of ​​localization of the inflammatory process is in the middle of the foot. It also affects the plantar fascia. A person complains of pain throughout the foot and in the area of ​​the fingers.
Proximal	A form of the disease, which is also called insertional fasciitis. Pain syndrome is present in the heel area.
Front	A dangerous form of the disease that affects the entire foot from the heel to the toes.
Nodal	The second name is fibromatosis or Ledderhose disease. Pathological processes provoke the formation of nodules in the area of ​​the arched ligament of the foot, due to which it thickens.
Bilateral	The inflammatory-degenerative process affects both legs. A common cause is incorrect posture, as a result of which the load on the lower limbs increases.

The inflammatory process provokes discomfort and pain, therefore it is important to go to the hospital to receive a treatment regimen. Progressive pathological changes will lead to serious complications.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis of the foot (treatment is selected by a traumatologist or orthopedist, taking into account the degree of development of the inflammatory process) in most cases develops as a result of an injury to the lower extremity.

But there are other provoking factors:

• Long stay of the body in one position. At risk are people who are forced to constantly sit or stand for work.
• Flat feet. Degenerative-inflammatory processes develop as a result of uneven load on the foot.
• Inconvenient shoes, no stupinator. This applies to sports sneakers, slates, slippers.
• Extra pounds, obesity. Large body weight increases the load on the lower limbs.
• Sports loads. Intense physical training has a negative effect on the apparatus of the foot.
• Age-related degenerative changes.
• Congenital disorders in the development of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot.
• Certain metabolic and autoimmune diseases that disrupt the process blood circulation, metabolic processes (diabetes mellitus, gout, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).
• Heel spur. In 20% of cases, bone growth in the heel provokes the development of the inflammatory-degenerative process of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is common in professional athletes (athletes, bodybuilders). The same goes for the fairer sex. Plantar fasciitis is common in women in their 40s and 60s.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease will help the doctor determine the degree of development of the degenerative-inflammatory process and select the most informative examination.

Name	Symptoms
Manifestations of the initial stage of the disease	Pain in the heel, which worsens in the morning or after physical exertion; the foot is deformed, since the mobility of the joint deteriorates; convulsive movements occur during physical exertion after a state of rest; the skin of the foot in the area of ​​development of inflammation turns red and swells.
Signs of acute fasciitis	the local temperature rises; cyanosis of the skin develops; the sole is swollen; there are burning painful sensations in the foot, especially during movement; joint mobility decreases; general weakness appears in the body.
Chronic fasciitis symptoms	reduced mobility of the arched ligament; fibrous tissue suffers, its strength and elasticity decrease.

An orthopedic surgeon will help to establish an accurate diagnosis. Taking into account the clinical signs of the disease, the specialist will select the most effective treatment regimen.

Complications and consequences

Plantar fasciitis of the foot (treatment requires a thorough examination and consultation with an orthopedic surgeon) without timely and correct therapy, it provokes complications:

Name	Description
Decreased motor activity	Severe pain syndrome forces a person to abandon unnecessary movements of the affected lower limb. As a result, the material metabolism of tissues slows down. A sedentary lifestyle leads to an increase in body weight. Obesity and extra pounds provoke other complications, including diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Muscles and bones atrophy	The patient, in order to alleviate his condition, uses various means, including crutches. The injured leg weaned from the load. The same goes for other parts of the body that weaken before exercise. Rises the risk of injury.
Joint problems	A person tries to reduce painful sensations by changing gait or twisting the foot so as not to step on it at all. As a result, the hip and knee joint are affected.

In many patients, plantar fasciitis of the foot, without timely therapy, leads to reduced performance. If you carry out your professional duties through pain, the risk of other serious complications increases. The patient is threatened with disability.

Who to contact?

An orthopedic surgeon will help diagnose and begin treatment for plantar fasciitis of the foot. Additionally, you may need to consult a surgeon. It is important to go to the hospital with symptoms that appear.

The specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe a comprehensive examination to confirm the previously established diagnosis. Timely and correctly selected therapy will stop the development of the degenerative-inflammatory process and prevent possible consequences.

Diagnostics

Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed and treated by an orthopedic surgeon. The specialist will conduct an examination, prescribe an additional examination and, based on the results obtained, select the most effective treatment.

The following examination methods are used to diagnose plantar fasciitis:

Name	Description
X-ray	A diagnostic method that allows you to determine the boundaries of the inflammatory process and confirm the preliminary diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)	The most informative method of examination, with the help of which the doctor identifies the degenerative-inflammatory process.
General blood analysis	The results allow us to determine the development of the inflammatory process in the human body.

It is important to differentiate the inflammatory-degenerative process in the foot area, since many diseases are accompanied by similar clinical symptoms (metatarsalgia, necrotizing fasciitis).

Drug therapy

Plantar fasciitis of the foot (it is important to start treatment in the early stages of the disease, because the likelihood of serious consequences) without fail requires a comprehensive fight against inflammation. The therapy is selected by an orthopedic doctor after an accurate diagnosis has been made, taking into account the results of a comprehensive examination and the individual characteristics of the human body.

Drug therapy involves the use of the following drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Indomethacin Ointment). Medicines reduce inflammation of the arched ligament and eliminate painful sensations. Adults are prescribed 200-800 mg 2-3 times a day, taking into account the patient's condition. A contraindication is peptic ulcer, the period of bearing the baby, individual sensitivity to the active ingredients.
• Corticosteroid drugs (Diprospan, Flosteron).
• Chondroprotectors (Artiflex, Chondrocerin). Medicines help restore and nourish cartilage tissue. The drug is taken orally with plenty of water. The recommended adult dosage is 1 tablet 1-3 times a day. The course of therapy lasts 6 weeks.

Local treatment is carried out using gels or ointments. The medicine is rubbed 2-3 times a day with massage movements into the affected area of ​​the foot (Hydrocortisone, Nise, Voltaren). The funds have a general anti-inflammatory effect and reduce pain.

Surgical interventions

In the absence of a positive result after drug therapy or in the event of serious complications, surgery is indicated to patients. During medical procedures, the surgeon removes part of the damaged ligaments, thereby completely eliminating the inflammatory process.

The operation is carried out by the following methods:

• open;
• endoscopic;
• minimally invasive.

Surgical treatment provides contraindications, since after the procedure, serious complications (neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, secondary infection and the occurrence of acute painful sensations).

Physiotherapy

Treatment of plantar fasciitis of the foot is carried out using complex methods.

Additionally, physiotherapy procedures are used:

Name	Description
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy	Sound waves are used during the treatment. They relax the muscles in the injured area of ​​the leg. The blood circulation process improves, inflammation, pain and discomfort decrease.
Magnetic therapy	The impact of a magnetic field on the affected area of ​​the foot can reduce soft tissue edema. Magnetotherapy has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, has a tonic effect.
Phonophoresis	During the procedure, due to ultrasonic waves, the active components of the drug used penetrate into the focus of the inflammatory process. Edema and soreness are reduced.
Thermotherapy	Heat treatment reduces inflammation and soreness. Patients are advised to visit the thermal mineral baths while relaxing in the resorts.
X-rays	The therapeutic effect is to reduce the sensitivity of the affected ligaments without the use of medications.

In the fight against plantar fasciitis, drug electrophoresis and laser therapy are also used. Physiotherapy helps to activate metabolic processes in the affected area of ​​the lower limb, improve blood circulation. The positive effect reduces swelling, inflammation, painful sensations.

Massage

Complex therapy of plantar fasciitis of the foot involves visiting by patients of massage procedures and performing various actions to warm up the muscles of the sole:

1. Take any round object. Put it on the floor and roll it with a sore leg for 5-10 minutes.
2. Tighten and stretch the sole. Press on the affected area with your fingers and rub it slowly in a circular motion. It is recommended to perform a point effect for 5 minutes.

Massage will not help get rid of inflammatory and degenerative processes, but after each procedure, blood circulation and metabolic processes in the affected area improve. The sessions are recommended to be combined with traditional treatment and folk remedies.

Gymnastics

Complex treatment of plantar fasciitis also provides for the implementation of therapeutic exercises. A physiotherapist will help you choose a set of exercises and classes, taking into account the person's condition and the individual characteristics of his body.

Special gymnastics for plantar fasciitis:

1. Use your foot to roll a tennis ball or rolling pin on the floor.
2. Throw a towel over the arch of your foot and slowly pull your toes towards you. Hold in this position for a few seconds and return to the starting position.
3. Lay a towel on the floor and try to lift it with your toes. Hold the object for 30 seconds, then slowly lower it, relaxing the leg.
4. Place a ladder in front of you. Lean on the wall with your hands. With your toes, stand on the stairs and raise your heels. Hold in this position for 30 seconds. Then you need to go down, do not bend your knees. Repeat the exercise 10 times.

Regular exercise lengthens the plantar ligaments and reduces the risk of injury. Connective tissue is also strengthened. During the inflammatory process, therapeutic exercises reduce pain. Exercises should be performed slowly for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day.

Traditional treatment

Non-traditional methods of therapy are used in combination with traditional drugs or after surgery for early recovery. The use of recipes from healers and healers should be discussed with the attending physician, since many of the active ingredients can provoke an individual reaction.

Effective folk remedies for plantar fasciitis:

Name	Recipe	Application
Compress	Mix laundry soap and horseradish in equal parts. Grind all components.	Apply the prepared mass to the affected area of ​​the foot, wrap it with cling film and put on a warm sock. The compress is left overnight.
Foot baths	Iodine, sea salt or pine extract are added to the water in certain proportions.	Water procedures are performed every day for 15-20 minutes. They are relaxing and anti-inflammatory.
Mud or paraffin applications	For treatment, special therapeutic mud is used, which contains a large amount of useful minerals.	Each procedure takes 20 minutes. The course of therapy includes 15 sessions.
Walnut foot bath	Grind the green peel of the plant and boil it in hot water for 10 minutes.	Feet should be soared before going to bed. Water procedures take 15 minutes.

For foot baths, you can use medicinal herbs (chamomile, nettle, celandine, burdock).

Comfortable shoes and insoles

Plantar fasciitis of the foot (treatment is carried out by complex methods after complete diagnosis) provides for the use of special orthopedic means:

Name	Description
Orthopedic insoles	The products additionally support the foot. Invest in shoes, reduce inflammation. The ideal option would be if the orthopedic insoles are made to order, taking into account all the recommendations of the orthopedist.
Night tires	Special products are used at night. They help the ligaments to relax, so in the morning a person is not worried about acute pain.
Gel insoles	Placed directly under the heel. Gel insoles reduce the force of impact when walking. Reduces the load on the fascia and the development of the inflammatory process.

Additionally, bandages, bandages are used, which contribute to the speedy healing of the foot and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of the pathological condition.

For plantar fasciitis of the foot, it is important to choose and wear comfortable shoes.

The positive advantages of such products are the following features:

• tight fixation of the lower leg;
• there is an orthopedic insole or stupinator;
• there is a high back to the middle of the lower leg;
• the shoes are equipped with a hard top on both sides;
• the sole provides a stabilizing element.

When walking, the shoes should not cause discomfort or squeeze the sole. The orthopedic surgeon recommends giving preference to products made from soft leather, natural suede. High heels for plantar fasciitis are categorically contraindicated. This is a big load on the foot and prerequisites for the development of flat feet.

Walking barefoot

Walking barefoot with plantar fasciitis is not recommended. This can aggravate health conditions and increase inflammation. At home, the orthopedic surgeon advises the use of special orthopedic slippers.

The products have indentations and supports to support the heel in a certain position. The advice of the attending physician cannot be ignored, since progressive inflammatory and degenerative changes in the foot area can result in disability.

A disease such as plantar fasciitis of the foot is not dangerous if you go to the hospital to see an orthopedist in a timely manner and undergo comprehensive treatment. The advanced stages of the disease require more time to fight it. Therefore, do not ignore the first symptoms of the inflammatory process.

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