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Pocket NCO · 08-22-2010, 20:36

To Axe:

I will assume that the MD's have properly diagnosed you. With that said, there are a couple of different treatments that you should talk to your PT and MD about. The first is graston. It is a deep tissue technique that encourages the inflammatory process (which your body need to heal). Info can be found here: http://www.grastontechnique.com/

Sometimes the anti-inflammatory drugs that you take prohibit the body from healing on its own leading to increased dysfunction and weakness of a tendon or ligament (or fascia). The ultrasound worked because it was providing heat to the area which allowed the connective tissue to become more elastic and have increased blood flow (which helps the inflammatory process). There is a complex balancing act between beneficial and harmful inflammation, but the bottom line is your body needs it to repair.

The second treatment I would suggest discussing is barefoot walking progressing into very limited barefoot running. Barefoot walking/running allows you foot to move naturally so it self stretches (and self corrects). It also strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the foot and allows for a stronger arch. Some orthotics cause more of a problems than they solve because they allow the arch to weaken due to over support and create an unnatural gait. Again, discuss this with your PT and/or MD. Overdoing it without specific guidance on amount and technique can just exacerbate the problem.

The last thing I would discuss is self stretching and massage. It seems that you are doing the right things with the night splint and stretches but one of the biggest relief techniques I've seen with plantar fasciitis is to stretch and massage "wide". What I mean by this is that you should try to stretch/massage the foot medial to lateral especially along the arch. you will probably feel adhesions along the tissue on the bottom of your foot. The goal is to break those up allowing the fascia to expand some.

I have seen many different athletes and Soldiers achieve lasting relief with these techniques so don't be afraid to ask your PT and/or MD about them and get a second opinion if they want to keep pumping you full of meds without effective therapy. I've never heard of a pill that can truly correct an orthopedic problem.

08-22-2010, 20:36	#7
Pocket NCO Asset Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 5	Assumptions To Axe: I will assume that the MD's have properly diagnosed you. With that said, there are a couple of different treatments that you should talk to your PT and MD about. The first is graston. It is a deep tissue technique that encourages the inflammatory process (which your body need to heal). Info can be found here: http://www.grastontechnique.com/ Sometimes the anti-inflammatory drugs that you take prohibit the body from healing on its own leading to increased dysfunction and weakness of a tendon or ligament (or fascia). The ultrasound worked because it was providing heat to the area which allowed the connective tissue to become more elastic and have increased blood flow (which helps the inflammatory process). There is a complex balancing act between beneficial and harmful inflammation, but the bottom line is your body needs it to repair. The second treatment I would suggest discussing is barefoot walking progressing into very limited barefoot running. Barefoot walking/running allows you foot to move naturally so it self stretches (and self corrects). It also strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the foot and allows for a stronger arch. Some orthotics cause more of a problems than they solve because they allow the arch to weaken due to over support and create an unnatural gait. Again, discuss this with your PT and/or MD. Overdoing it without specific guidance on amount and technique can just exacerbate the problem. The last thing I would discuss is self stretching and massage. It seems that you are doing the right things with the night splint and stretches but one of the biggest relief techniques I've seen with plantar fasciitis is to stretch and massage "wide". What I mean by this is that you should try to stretch/massage the foot medial to lateral especially along the arch. you will probably feel adhesions along the tissue on the bottom of your foot. The goal is to break those up allowing the fascia to expand some. I have seen many different athletes and Soldiers achieve lasting relief with these techniques so don't be afraid to ask your PT and/or MD about them and get a second opinion if they want to keep pumping you full of meds without effective therapy. I've never heard of a pill that can truly correct an orthopedic problem.
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