How MLS Laser Therapy Helps Heal Achilles Tendon Injuries
If you’re living with pain in your heel or calf because of an Achilles tendon problem, treatment with a multiwave locked system (MLS) laser gives you a medication-free way to address it.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. That makes it particularly prone to problems, since every step you take puts pressure on it.
If you wind up with inflammation in this tissue, it usually feels like a sharp, stabbing pain. You might notice it most when you first get out of bed in the morning.
Sound familiar? That means it’s time to come see Christopher Vittori, DPM, and Ameet Thakrar, DPM, who both specialize in heel pain. At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois, we can help you figure out if you have plantar fasciitis and, if so, how to heal it. That usually means addressing whatever caused it in the first place.
With that in mind, let’s look at the two major contributors that are often in play when people have plantar fasciitis.
Overuse
Overuse is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. It’s exactly what it sounds like: your plantar fascia gets irritated because it’s under too much pressure too much of the time.
That can feel tricky when each step you take applies literal pressure to this part of your body. But certain choices during the day can make that worse. That means you have the power to adjust those choices and help your plantar fascia heal.
How to treat plantar fasciitis that comes from overuse
First and foremost, choose comfortable, supportive shoes. Extra cushioning can help to alleviate pressure on that band of tissue. You might also want to find shoes with a higher heel-toe drop. This encourages your heel to hit the ground first, rather than your midfoot, which can help reduce strain on your plantar fascia.
Also, sit when you can. Rest allows your body to work on healing the inflammation. If you need to stand for work, it becomes even more important to choose the right footwear.
Finally, consider your physical activity. Not wearing the right shoes can create more work for your plantar fascia. Get the right footwear and consider taking a couple of weeks off to let your plantar fascia heal.
The shape of your foot
The arch of your foot functions as a shock absorber. When that arch doesn’t work like it should, it can put extra strain on other parts of your feet, including your plantar fascia.
As a result, high arches and flat feet both increase your risk for plantar fasciitis.
How to treat plantar fasciitis that comes from high arches/flat feet
If your issue comes from a foot shape problem, you’ll benefit from orthotics. These are custom inserts you put in your shoes. If you have flat feet, they help to create the arch you’re lacking. If you have a high arch, they provide extra support.
Whether you need orthotics, recommendations on the right shoes, or help developing a treatment plan to heal your plantar fascia, we’re here. Call us at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, or schedule an appointment online today.
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