Treatment
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Within our foot clinic, we offer an extensive range of treatment options, helping patients to find relief from their foot complaints. Some of the treatments we offer are listed below.
Orthotic Therapy
Orthotic therapy can be an effective treatment for a range of issues. However, it’s essential to obtain the right type of orthotic, as the wrong type can worsen problems rather than alleviating them. For instance, the wrong orthotic can cause the plantar fascia to experience increased pressure, resulting in pain and inflammation.
If an orthotic is required for excessive pronation, it’s crucial to ensure it is inverted so the sub talor pronation is reduced. If a patient has high arches, it’s also important that the orthotics support them without being too rigid. If you’re unsure about the type of orthotic you need for your complaint, our podiatrists can provide assistance.
Advancements are constantly being made in the field of orthotics. One such advancement is Dynoflange, which offers a particularly effective treatment for heel pain. This innovative orthotic cushions the heel while providing stability, promoting normal biomechanical motion. In addition to supporting the heel, Dynoflange can be an ideal treatment for knee, hip and back pain, allowing for fluent movement.
Technology
At our clinic, we use the following technology to help identify issues and determine what orthotics should be used:
- A Tog Gaitscan machine that’s capable of capturing weight distribution occurring during the gait cycle
- A Langer three dimensional scan, which takes scans of feet in weight bearing and semi-weight bearing positions
- A Dartfish scanning system, as well as a treadmill
Using this technology, we can identify problems with help from some of the largest orthotic labs in the world. The labs are then able to manufacture an orthotic that’s right for the patient’s specific needs.
CALF STRETCHING
Many heel problems are caused by tight calf muscles. That’s why it’s vital to ensure the muscle is stretched regularly, reducing tension and pressure that can affect the plantar fascia. Here are three stretches that can benefit our patients:
- Stand with your body facing a wall, placing both hands upon it. Place the leg you wish to stretch behind your other leg. Making sure your back heel stays on the floor, bend the front knee of your front leg until you feel your back leg being stretched. Hold the stretch for approximately 15 to 20 seconds, and repeat four times.
- Towel Stretch: Roll up a towel and place it underneath the ball of the foot, making sure to hold the towel at both ends. While keeping your knees straight, pull the towel towards you. Hold the position for approximately 20 seconds, and then repeat four times.
- Achilles Tendon Stretch: Find a step to stand on. Slowly lower your heels over the edge – this will cause you to feel a strong pull in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Hold the stretch for roughly 20 seconds before bringing your heels back up to the level of the step. Repeat this stretch four times.
Ice and anti inflammatory medication
If swelling or inflammation is present, it’s important to keep this to a minimum. This can be achieved through ice, rest and medication. Twice daily, an ice pack should be applied directly to the heel area, where it should be held for ten minutes. A useful tip is to use a frozen drink bottle to massage the heel, using it like a rolling pin. Anti-inflammatory medication (such as Voltaren) can also be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the fascia. Finally, reducing activity and resting will give your body the best chance to heal itself. Running sports, walking up and down hills, and standing for long periods of time should be avoided for a minimum of one month.
Ultrasound Electrotherapy
This innovative technique sendshigh-frequency acoustic vibrations through tissues, producing a soothing heat sensation. This type of diathermy is particularly useful in providing heat to the plantar fascia, with warmth delivered to the muscles as the apparatus is slowly moved across the treatment area.
Compression Socks
Immobilisation and massage are both beneficial for foot function, helping to facilitate free movement without any restriction. While night splints are suitable for relieving tension in the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon during the night, they often can’t be worn during the day. Fortunately, compression socks provide an ideal daytime solution, gently lifting and stretching the plantar ligament without placing pressure on it.
How do Compression Socks Work?
FS6 compression socks use patent pending Compression Zones to raise the plantar fascia. This moves excess fluids out of the foot and heel, reducing the amount of swelling and pain. FS6 also gently stretches the fascia, increasing blood flow to the foot and heel which helps to repair damaged tissues. FS6 socks have six separate zones of compression, each built into a sleeve. These zones are designed to support the structure of the foot while promoting blood flow to areas that require healing.
Compression socks can be worn at night to reduce heel pain that’s experienced in the morning. They’re also ideal for stabilising muscle tissue, providing light compression, and reducing inflammation. Constructed from hi-tech spandex, they also feature low dye strapping which helps to support the plantar fascia.
Extra Corporal Shock Wave therapy
Shock wave therapy is a type of treatment that uses high energy shock waves. These are applied to the tissue through the skin, and have the potential to activate the body’s self-healing process to reduce levels of pain. The treatment can also increase metabolic activity, improving blood circulation and enabling the formation of new blood vessels. This can then accelerate the body’s healing process and promote cell regeneration.
Other Treatments
In severe cases, a cortisone-steroid injection may be delivered to the plantar fascia to reduce inflammation. If this fails to alleviate the condition, surgery may be recommended, where a small incision is made within the fascia to reduce tension.
