SUCCESS STORY OF HEEL PAIN

Success Story of Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

53 year old female patient came with complaints in right foot.
Pain was worst in morning & aggravates by standing & walking for longer duration.
Professor by profession; standing for longer is the demand of occupation.

She has already consulted with many doctors. Tried medication & therapy but no long term relief. "Medicines will help to reduce the symptoms (pain & discomfort) which will help temporarily in this cases. Long term help will be to find out the root cause & manage it better way."
She was allergic to few anti-inflammatory medicines.

Bio-Mechanical Examination-

Static Examination:

• Transverse Arch- Reduced Bilaterally
• Medial Arch- Pronounced Bilaterally
• Sub-talar Joint- Supinated Bilaterally (More on right side compare to left side)
• Knee- Genu valgus (Right knee is slightly lower than left knee)
• Calf & Hamstring muscles was moderately tight bilaterally.

Dynamic Examination:

• Gait Pattern- Poor heel to toe pattern
• Heel Strike- Lateral heel strike bilaterally
• Stance Phase- Supinated at sub-talar joint bilaterally
• Toe Off- From the 2nd Meatatarso-phalangeal joint bilaterally

Foot Size:

• Right Foot- US 5 1/2 wide
• Left Foot- US 6 wide

Investigations:

• X-rays reveals Calcaneal spur right side.

Diagnosis:

• Right Calcaneal Spur

"Root cause of her right heel pain was stiffness of plantar fascia due to her high arch foot type. This resulted in spur formation at its origin.This spur developed because of repetitive pull of the plantar fascia which lies underneath of our foot sole. Appropriate arch support will stop this pulling of ligament will help her eventually."

For more details watch this video (Click the link)- Heel Pain diagnosis & Treatment

Or to read click this link- Heel Pain

Treatment & Advice:

1. Cold Pack 3-4 times a day 20 minutes each time
2. Prescribed Strive ready to wear orthotic footwear.

• Follow up: After 2 week

1. 80-90% pain relief
2. Prescribed wide width sport shoe US 6 1/2 wide
3. Bio-Advance Orthotic medium density insole along with lateral raise
4. Customized exercise regime was given.

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HOW PODIATRY: AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO ANKLE, FOOT AND LOWER LIMB PROBLEMS

Podiatry must definitely be a new word for many people among us. But before we get into the details of Podiatry, let's answer the question that why is there a need to gain knowledge about foot or problem related to it ??? As we have commonly known that while constructing any structure it is essential for the basement to be strong and sturdy. Taking this fact into consideration, we infer that when it comes to the Human body, the Foot is that important base which is needed to perform the human functions of mobility and stability. There are 26 bones, 33 Joints, 107 Ligament & 19 Muscles which are intricately connected to each other to complete the anatomy of foot.  Hence, if the alignment of the base i.e. the foot is affected it will have repercussion that will affect our postural alignment. But unfortunately, most often, this amazing structure is neglected & not given the care & attention it needs.

Standing and walking are integral part of our daily routine. However, people do not give heed to foot problems until it hampers their standing or walking routine severely. This is the fundamental reason foot problems are not easily treated and hence are ignored. However, ignorance is not always bliss. Since our feet & the ability to move is what demarcates the difference between INDEPENDENCE & DEPENDENCE.

Podiatrist is a doctor who specialized in treating conditions related to foot, ankle and lower limb. Consequently, the medical science of diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower limb related problems called Podiatry. Although still an alien term, Podiatry has been in practice since early 1900s in America, Australia & Europe.

FOOT SCREENING

Now that we are acquainted to & agree on the importance of foot. Let’s get an insight on some common signs which will help you to identify any foot related problem and screen yourself. So you can check for yourself for following signs.

Other Toes

Great Toe Deviation (Bunion)

Flat Feet

Corn & Callus

Heel

Shoe Wear Out

LOW BACK PAIN AND KNEE PAIN

 

The human musculoskeletal system can be considered facsimile to a chain link. If the position of any one end is changed or if anyone links, is broken, then it will damage the entire chain link.  Thus, altered foot alignment can result in knee pain & back pain. Therefore, there is an interconnectivity between the foot, knee and spine.

DIABETES

 

Diabetes is a multi system metabolic disorder which even has its implications on the normal functioning of foot. However, the treatment of foot complications related to diabetes is an entirely different domain (elaborated in previous article)

    It causes two major problems in feet

• Poor blood flow (PVD)
• Damaged nerves (Diabetic Neuropathy)

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

In case you have incurred any of the above enlisted problems, who do you approach for the same. The answer is a Podiatrist.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Before starting the treatment it is essential to identify the root cause, which can only be known after a thorough assessment. This assessment involves the following-

•       Understanding the patient’s complaints & lifestyle.

•       Visual inspection of FEET- Skin Condition, Colour, Corn/Callus/Ulcer

•       Foot Alignment & Posture.

•       Gait Analysis.

•       Foot sensation.

•       Measure foot size- Length & width.

•       Inspection of the patient’s footwear.

THE INNOVATIVE SOLUTION

Once you understand the main reason of the problem, Podiatry line of treatment includes following-

1. Shoes: Appropriate shoes as per patients problem &  lifestyle demand, Doctor will guide you about sports shoe specifications, size & other details.
2. Prescribe corrective Orthotics:

The main solution is corrective Orthotics (also known as insoles). Use of such orthotics helps re-align the body in a corrected posture & thus provides a long-term solution without any side effects.

COMMON FOOT RELATED CONDITIONS WHERE PODIATRY CAN HELP:

Flat Feet Plantarfascitis/Calcaneal spur(Heel Pain) Calcaneal Apophyasitis High Arch Bunion Metatarsalgia Morton’s Neuroma Hammer toes

Ankle sprain Achilles Tendinitis Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfuncion Knee pain Back Pain, Leg length Discrapancy Accessory Navicular Bone Corn & Calluses Diabetic Neuropathy

HEEL PAIN

If you are waking up with acute pain at your heel, then mostly you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. This is one of the most common foot problems. Many times pain is very severe & disabling.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis (plantar fasciosis) is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The planar fascia is a strong bowstring like ligament that runs from the calcaneus (Heel Bone) to the tip of the foot. When the plantar fascia is stretched too far its soft tissue fibers become inflamed, usually where it attaches to the heel bone. Sometimes the problem may occur in the middle of the foot. The patient experiences pain under the foot, especially after long period of rest. If inflammation persists for longer duration it can lead to calcaneal spur.

Causes: Plantar Fasciitis is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or fall, but rather the result of repetitive stress and pounding of the heel. Still following factors play important role in increasing severity of plantar fasciitis.

1. Arch Type: Flat feet, High arch or in between.
2. Footwear: Wearing too flat or too high heel footwear.
3. Lifestyle: Continuous standing, walking  or running.
4. Body weight: Overweight results in more stress on platar fascia.
5. Osteoporosis: Weak bones will aggravate pain.

Symptoms

• Pain at the heel when standing.
• Throbbing or piercing type of pain.
• Pain in the first few steps in the morning after a period of inactivity.
• Pain while walking barefoot, on toes or while climbing stairs.
• Tenderness along the inferior surface of the heel

Causes: Plantar Fasciitis is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or fall, but rather the result of repetitive stress and pounding of the heel. Still following factors play important role in increasing severity of plantar fasciitis.

Treatment:

• Rest: Temporary rest is important to allow plantar fascia to heal
• Cold pack: Helps to reduce inflammation. Recommended 3-4 times a day, 20 minutes each time (Not recommended for diabetic patient)

• Taping
• Right orthotics: To support your plantar fascia & correct your faulty alignment
• Supportive shoes: Orthotics with proper supportive shoe gives long term relief
• Exercises: Generally higher arched feet require a strict stretching program and flat feet require a gradual strengthening program and more support.  One should not do stretching in acute pain.

What to avoid:

1. Barefeet walking on hard surfaces 
2. Wearing too flat or too high heeled footwear
3. Heel Cushions: Silicone or foam heel cushions commonly available from pharmacies do nothing to actually cure this condition and at best provide temporary comfort.

Success Story- Click this link 

https://youtu.be/YfOE5jx5HVM

For more details visit- www.vcarerehab.in