Plantar aponeurosis is a disease that occurs in the heel region. Has painful sensations of a fairly strong character. With a similar condition in the foot, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.
Timely diagnosis of plantar aponeurosis leads to conservative treatment. Moreover, the diagnosis is easy to determine. The launched version of the disease requires surgical intervention.
Plantar aponeurosis - what is it?
Plantar aponeurosis, or as it is also called fasciitis, originates in the foot. The fascia extending from the metatarsal bones to the end of the foot becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes micro tears in the fascia.
A dystrophic change appears in the form of a tuberous growth. Deformation and inflammation are manifested by strong painful sensations, causing discomfort and reducing the quality of life.
Causes of the disease
Plantar aponeurosis often affects women due to the wearing of high-heeled shoes. Doctors make this diagnosis mainly for women who have crossed the 50-year mark. Also, the fair sex is more likely to do aerobics.
Plantar aponeurosis in men is mostly caused by overload during training, can be a consequence of hard work and is considered an occupational disease, as in sports.
Causes of plantar aponeurosis:
- Wearing shoes with high soles, stiletto heels.
- Significant excess weight.
- Physical overload, hard work.
- Intense sports, especially jogging.
- Age over 45.
- Work that involves walking all day.
- Thin soles, poor quality shoes.
- Wearing the same shoe for more than five years.
Symptoms of the disease
The main manifestation of plantar aponeurosis is pain in the heel and foot. The pain syndrome is especially strong during movement and in the morning. Subsequently, the disease progresses to the development of bone growth.
The foot is deformed. The lower limb loses its former mobility, lameness appears. Plantar aponeurosis - the end of a sports career. And the patient will not be able to do fitness.
Signs of the disease:
- painful spasm, inability to step on a sore limb;
- crackle or crunch during movement;
- the appearance of edema;
- redness of the skin;
- sensitive, painful touch;
- increased body temperature.
Diagnosis of the disease
The plantar aponeurosis is diagnosed quite quickly and easily.
For this, the doctor carries out the following set of measures:
- Visual examination of the diseased limb.
- Palpation of the affected area.
- Anamnesis collection (patient survey, description of symptoms, data).
- Computer diagnostics.
- X-ray.
The last two examinations are done to clarify the condition and course of the disease. You can additionally appoint an MRI for the final confirmation of the diagnosis.
Such procedures will help identify the cause of the inflammation: a pinched nerve or an injury to the heel. A check is carried out for coordination of movement, reflexes of muscle tone, as well as a reaction to sensitivity.
Features of the treatment of plantar aponeurosis
Initial therapy is to keep the legs at rest (bed rest). The limb should be immobilized. Then you need to stop the pain. Then start the treatment prescribed by the doctor. Types of treatment: drug therapy, the use of folk remedies.
Procedures such as:
- physiotherapy - a procedure aimed at warming the foot;
- laser therapy, ultrasound exposure;
- shock wave therapy - used when the above treatment fails. Aimed at getting rid of the heel spur.
In the case of ineffectiveness of all types of treatment, the surgeon prescribes surgery, which is not such a rare solution to plantar aponeurosis.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy is the main treatment for the first stage of plantar aponeurosis.
The doctor selects the following drugs:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs from the NSAID group. Prescribed as injections, tablets or ointments. Such as Diclofenac, Voltaren, Ibuprofen. They are usually taken within five days, extended only by a doctor if necessary. Ointments act locally, tablets and injections have side effects, therefore they are carried out under the supervision of a doctor. All these drugs have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effects. Also, when using them, puffiness is removed, the microcirculation of the blood of the affected area improves.
- If drugs from the NSAID group do not have the desired effect, the doctor will prescribe Hydrocortisone or drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids.
Traditional methods
Folk remedies are effective at the onset of the disease. They are especially effective in combination with drug therapy. One of the methods is a compress. You need to make a decoction of one or more medicinal herbs, moisten the gauze and put it on the sore spot. The action is noticeable throughout the day.
Compresses are applied for at least a week. Such procedures can relieve inflammation, remove growth. The burning sensation and pain goes away.
There are several recipes for making compresses:
- Garlic ointment is made by vigorously grinding the cloves of garlic and lard. The compress is put on at night. It is necessary to wrap the sore spot with polyethylene for the best effect. Then put on a sock;
- a mixture of potatoes (peel) and flax seeds, pour 200 ml of water. Boil until a jelly-like mass. Spread the healing gruel on the heel, leave for half an hour. Remove the compress, wash your foot and do a light massage.
Complications of the disease
In case of untimely seeking medical help, the plantar aponeurosis gives complications:
- Manifestation of a heel spur. Timely therapy can remove the build-up. In a patient, this disease is manifested by severe pain. Pain relievers do not always relieve spasms completely.
- After a while, the sick person begins to have problems with the joints of the lower extremities. You can also identify the beginning pathological processes in the spine.
- A serious complication is ligament calcification. The disorder goes to the site of attachment of the Achilles tendon.
- Old age is one of the reasons for immediate, urgent treatment. Then several diseases can be prevented. For example, chronic pain during movement, lameness, the development of gonorrhea, and rheumatism.
The most serious complications:
- rheumatoid arthritis, which develops in the hip joint, as well as the knee;
- chronic spasm, periodically exacerbated after prolonged walking and exertion;
- lifelong lameness;
- gonorrhea.
Forecast and preventive measures
If the treatment is started on time and the complex therapy is carried out correctly, the pain goes away. Even the appearing heel spur disappears.
When the condition is neglected, doctors often predict an operation that is simply necessary to cure. Otherwise, the patient is in danger of acquiring complications in the form of incurable conditions and diseases.
Preventive measures:
- It is necessary to monitor the condition of the skin of the foot, prevent coarsening, take care of the feet in time.
- Perform regular massage of the lower extremities. You can use special creams, make baths.
- Choose high-quality shoes for socks that need to be changed. Do not use worn-out shoes.
- Avoid walking for too long and often in high heels, platforms, or shoes that have too thin a sole or insole.
- Take periodic breaks if work involves constant walking.
- Do not overload the lower extremities while running, playing sports or professional work. Rest your legs.
- Try to avoid injuries, falls. Choose a flat road when driving.
- If you are overweight, start fighting those extra pounds.
Plantar aponeurosis is considered an occupational disease in runners. But other people are also susceptible to this disease. If the symptoms described appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. After all, timely started treatment heals the plantar aponeurosis completely.
Also, there will be no risks of complications and surgery, disability and other problems. And best of all, you should take care of your health, avoid overloading and take preventive measures to avoid an unpleasant illness.
