Day: September 26, 2015

Rupture the plantar fascia to treat plantar fasciitis

Posted on by Staff

This is something of a legend that happened in Australia where a footballer with a chronic plantar fasciitis allegedly jumped from a height in order to rupture his plantar fascia to facilitate healing. A surgical cutting of the plantar fascia is often used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis. It apparently worked.

Most Useful Resources:
Deliberate Rupture of Plantar Fascia to Treat Plantar Fasciitis (PodiaPaedia)
Rupture the plantar fascitis to help? (Podiatry Experts)
Deliberate rupture of plantar fasica to treat plantar fasciitis (Podiatry Arena)

Treatment for a plantar fascia rupture typically involves a combination of conservative measures and, in some cases, surgical intervention:

Rest and immobilization: Initially, it’s important to rest the affected foot and avoid activities that worsen the pain. Immobilization through the use of a walking boot, cast, or crutches may be necessary to allow the plantar fascia to heal.

Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area as soon as it happend can help reduce pain and inflammation. Ice packs or frozen water bottles can be used for 15-20 minutes several times a day.

Pain management: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.

Physical therapy: A physical therapist may provide specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues surrounding the foot and ankle. These exercises can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing.

Orthotic devices: Wearing orthotic devices, such as arch supports or custom-made shoe inserts, can help alleviate stress on the plantar fascia and provide support during the healing process.

Night splints: Night splints are devices worn while sleeping to keep the foot and ankle in a stretched position, which can help prevent the plantar fascia from tightening and promote healing.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): In some cases, ESWT may be recommended. This treatment involves using shock waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain.

Surgical: If thee above conservative measure do not help, then surgery is an option.

Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections may be considered if conservative treatments are not effective. However, these injections are generally used sparingly due to potential risks.

Surgical intervention: Surgery is typically considered only when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. Surgical options may include plantar fascia release, where the tight or damaged portion of the plantar fascia is surgically cut or detached to relieve tension.

Gabapentin

Posted on by Staff

Gabapentin’s connection to podiatry is that it can be used to treat chronic regional pain syndrome and restless leg syndrome which is common among patients seen in podiatry clinical practice. It is mainly used to treat epilepsy, but its use in conditions such as restless leg syndrome and other has increased over time due to clinical experience in its use.

Gabapentin is a prescription medication originally developed to treat epilepsy, but it has since become more widely used for managing neuropathic (nerve-related) pain and certain mood disorders. It works by affecting the way nerves send signals to the brain, calming overactive electrical activity. While not chemically related to benzodiazepines or opioids, gabapentin influences neurotransmitters in a way that can help stabilize nerve firing and reduce sensations of pain, burning, or tingling often caused by conditions like diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles), and fibromyalgia.

In clinical practice, gabapentin is valued for its versatility. Beyond its primary role in seizure control and nerve pain relief, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for conditions like anxiety, restless legs syndrome, or migraine prevention. Dosing typically starts low and is gradually increased, since the body needs time to adjust and the drug’s effectiveness depends on steady levels in the bloodstream. Unlike some stronger pain medications, gabapentin does not carry the same high risk of addiction, though misuse and dependence have been reported, especially when combined with other sedatives.

Like most medications, gabapentin comes with potential side effects. Common ones include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and coordination problems, which can make activities like driving more hazardous until the body adapts. Some people also experience swelling in the extremities or mood changes. Serious side effects are less common but may involve severe allergic reactions or suicidal thoughts, which require immediate medical attention. Because gabapentin is processed by the kidneys, people with impaired kidney function usually need adjusted doses. Overall, gabapentin can be very effective when used appropriately under medical supervision, but careful monitoring is important to balance its benefits with its risks.

Most Useful Resources:
Gabapentin (PodiaPaedia)
NEURONTIN Prescribing Information (Pfizer)
Gabapentin (Wikipedia)