Posted on 01/23/2024 8:14:06 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common musculoskeletal, inflammatory condition, characterized by severe pain in the heel, to the extent that it limits day-to-day activities. The plantar fascia ligament, a fibrous connective tissue, supports the arch of the foot and functions as a shock absorber. With increased activity, the ligament can experience tears and damage, leading to the development of PF.
Treatment for PF includes pain management through anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching exercises, night-splint therapy, steroidal medications, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). While ESWT has proven to be beneficial and effective in reducing heel pain, it is expensive and has adverse effects such as increased pain sensitivity, especially in chronic cases of PF.
To this end, a team of researchers led by Dr. JongEun Yim explored the use of local vibration (LV) in combination with ESWT to treat PF.
Prof. Yim says, "PF is a common and painful orthopedic ailment affecting many individuals. However, there are limited therapy options available at present."
Interestingly, their study revealed the combination of local vibration and extracorporeal shock therapy as an effective approach for treating chronic plantar fasciitis.
The team conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 34 participants who were divided into two treatment groups. One group received a combination of local vibration (LV) and ESWT, while the other group underwent ESWT alone.
Parameters were assessed at the beginning and end of a 5-week treatment period, including ultrasonography to track plantar fascia thickness and a questionnaire to evaluate plantar-heel pain and foot function. The results indicated that using the LV and ESWT combination was more effective and significant in reducing the thickness of the plantar fascia and heel pain.
"LV devices are portable, inexpensive, and reduce pain after PF treatment. This may help to establish a treatment protocol for the PF condition," concludes Prof. Yim.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Which model?
Ah-ha! I had a suspicion that falling asleep in a recliner with my toes tilted forward was aggravating my PF.
By the way, did you use an off-the-shelf brace to hold your foot while sleeping? And it wasn’t
A good arch support in shoes will deal with it.
I used Spenco Arch supports and they helped incredibly. I still use them in my slippers which I wear around the house almost constantly.
RX Orthotic Arch Insole
https://www.spenco.com/physician-s-insoles/rx-orthotic-arch-insole-women-s-9-10-5-men-s-8-9-5.html
The shoes that work best for my feet for the same kind of support are Brooks Adrenalin. My son uses those, too, or Hokas.
Since everyone’s foot is different, you just have to try different shoes until you find something that works for you.
When I first started on the arch supports, my feet hurt so bad, I could hardly walk. It took almost a month of constant use before I started noticing that my feet were hurting less.
After many years, I can now go barefoot or wear dress shows or sandals for short periods of time if I need to without any discomfort.
Yes. I can't remember the brand though. I got it from a medical supply house.
Ugh, spell check doesn’t catch it if it’s spelled right.
Dress SHOES.
I wear the Arahi
I have high arches though.
Good to know,,,,,thanks.
…….o
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