First, we want to define plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. This condition can present as heel pain.

Some possible causes

Faulty structure of the foot.

1. Overly flat feet

2. High-arched feet

Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis.

Contributing factors:

1. Long hours on the feet

2. Obesity

Symptom

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Pain that is usually worse upon arising
• Pain that increases over a period of months

People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they’ve been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking, the pain decreases, because walking stretches the fascia. For some people the pain subsides, but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.

Diagnosis and treatment

To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot doctor will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process the doctor rules out all the possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis.

In addition, diagnostic-imaging studies such as x-rays to distinguish the different types of heel pain.

The condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and/or physical therapy.
The non-invasive (EPAT) Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment can also be used to treat plantar fasciitis.
EPAT®, a non-invasive treatment, enhances blood circulation, accelerates the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate and heal. Specifically, the machine delivers low frequency (8-12 Hz) acoustic sound waves into the damaged area. The sound waves act as pressure, and penetrate deep through the soft tissue. The energy triggers the cells in the soft tissue to release certain biochemicals that stimulate and literally intensify the body’s natural healing process – in part by increasing the nutrient flow to the chronically injured area.

Benefits of an EPAT treatment:

1. Short treatment time…About 10 minutes time is needed for the treatment.
2. No downtime…following treatment, you can get on with your daily routine.

Contact our offices Laurel Foot & Ankle Center or Northern Virginia Foot & Ankle Associates and schedule an appointment today.

To learn more about (EPAT) Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis, go to Heel Pain Institute of America and Laurel Foot & Ankle Center or Northern Virginia Foot & Ankle Associates