Plantar fasciitis and frequency therapy

Introduction

Plantar fasciitis is a widespread and often painful condition that can significantly affect the quality of life of many people .

It particularly affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes and plays an essential role in supporting the arch of the foot and in absorbing shock during walking and running.

The importance of this problem is illustrated by the high number of people affected; it is estimated that around 10% of the population will suffer from plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, with the condition being particularly common in people aged between 40 and 60 years.

The consequences are not limited to physical discomfort, but can also have a significant social and economic impact.

Many patients struggle with chronic pain, which severely limits their mobility and ability to carry out everyday activities .

In addition, the resulting absence from work and the cost of medical treatment can lead to a significant financial burden.

In view of these far-reaching effects, it is of great importance to develop and research effective treatment strategies in order to improve the quality of life of those affected and minimise the social costs.

in this context, frequency therapy is coming into focus as a promising alternative treatment method, which is analysed in more detail in the remainder of this report.

Definition and anatomy:

What is plantar fasciitis? Anatomical description of the plantar fascia and its function in the foot

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia.

The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that extends from the heel to the toes and plays a central role in stabilising the arch of the foot .

In anatomical terms, the plantar fascia consists of three main parts: the medial, central and lateral ligaments, with the central ligament being the most prominent and bearing the greatest load.

This structure acts like a shock absorber that distributes the forces generated during walking and running and simultaneously supports the longitudinal arch of the foot.

Overloading, repeated microtraumatisation or biomechanical misalignments can overstretch and irritate the plantar fascia, leading to microtears and ultimately to inflammation.

This inflammation often manifests itself as severe heel pain, which is particularly intense in the morning after getting up or after long periods of rest.

The function of the plantar fascia is therefore essential for maintaining the foot structure and cushioning the loads to which the foot is exposed on a daily basis.

An understanding of the anatomy and function of the plantar fascia is therefore essential in order to understand the mechanisms and causes of plantar fasciitis and to develop suitable therapeutic measures.

Causes:

Main causes and risk factors for the development of plantar fasciitis, including overuse, incorrect footwear and biomechanical factors

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, and its development can be attributed to a variety of factors.

The main causes include overuse, incorrect footwear and biomechanical factors.

Overuse often occurs in athletes who place repetitive, intense loads on their feet, particularly during activities such as running or jumping.

These repetitive stresses can lead to micro-injuries in the plantar fascia, which can develop into painful inflammation over time.

Another significant risk factor is the wearing of unsuitable footwear. Shoes without sufficient arch support or with hard, unyielding soles can increase the strain on the plantar fascia and lead to it overstretching.

Shoes with high heels or flat ballet shoes in particular often do not provide the necessary support and cushioning.

Finally, biomechanical factors play an important role in the development of plantar fasciitis. Misalignments of the feet such as flat feet (pes planus) or a high arch (pes cavus) can put excessive strain on the plantar fascia.

An abnormal gait or an inadequate leg position can also increase the mechanical load on the plantar fascia .

These factors can occur in isolation or in combination and significantly increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms:

Description of the typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis, such as heel pain, foot stiffness and pain progression during the day

A central and often very distressing symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in the heel, which is particularly severe in the morning after getting up or after long periods of rest.

This morning pain is often described as "start-up pain" and can be so intense that it is difficult to get up.

During the course of the day, the pain can subside as the plantar fascia warms up through movement and stretching, but it tends to increase again during prolonged periods of standing or walking.

In addition to heel pain, sufferers often report a general stiffness in the foot, which also occurs mainly after periods of rest and can hinder the rolling of the foot. This stiffness can radiate into the arch of the foot and the toes and lead to a noticeable impairment of foot function .

Another common symptom is the so-called "bad posture pain", in which those affected unconsciously adopt a protective posture in order to relieve the painful area, but this can lead to further discomfort in the long term .

These symptoms can have a considerable impact on everyday life and significantly reduce quality of life, which is why early and targeted treatment is of great importance.

Diagnosis:

Methods for diagnosing plantar fasciitis, including clinical examination, imaging and differential diagnostic considerations

The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination by a specialist, during which a detailed medical history is taken. The doctor will ask about the specific symptoms, such as the typical heel pain, which is often particularly severe in the morning when it first occurs or after long periods of rest .

A physical examination of the foot follows, with the doctor looking for tenderness along the plantar fascia and checking for possible swelling or changes in the foot structure. In addition to the clinical examination, imaging techniques such as x-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other causes of pain, such as bone fractures or soft tissue changes, and to visualise the inflammation or thickening of the plantar fascia.

In some cases, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can also be helpful, especially if the symptoms are not clear or a more complicated diagnosis is suspected.

A crucial part of the diagnosis is the differential diagnostic consideration, in which the doctor excludes other possible causes for the heel pain, such as the heel spur, Achilles tendinitis or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. By combining these diagnostic methods, a precise and comprehensive diagnosis can be made, which forms the basis for an effective treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Conventional treatment options:

Overview of traditional treatment methods such as rest, physiotherapy, painkillers, orthopaedic insoles and surgical options

Conventional treatment options for plantar fasciitis include a variety of proven methods aimed at alleviating symptoms and promoting healing.

One of the first and most basic measures is rest to reduce stress on the inflamed plantar fascia and give the tissue time to regenerate.

This is often supplemented by physiotherapy, in which targeted stretching and strengthening exercises are performed to strengthen the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles and tendons and improve flexibility. Painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve acute pain and inflammation.

In addition, orthopaedic insoles can play an important role by supporting the arches of the foot and improving pressure distribution, which reduces stress on the plantar fascia.

In severe or chronic cases where conservative measures do not provide sufficient relief, surgical intervention may be considered . This may include various techniques such as partial transection of the plantar fascia or removal of inflamed tissue to reduce tension and promote healing.

All of these conventional treatment options aim to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and restore function to the foot, with the choice of method being individualised to the patient and the severity of the condition.

Frequency therapy for plantar fasciitis:

Explanation of frequency therapy, how it works and its specific benefits in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

Frequency therapy is an innovative and increasingly popular method of treating plantar fasciitis. This form of therapy uses electromagnetic waves or sound waves to penetrate deep into the tissue and achieve positive biological effects.

The way frequency therapy works is based on the application of specific frequencies that target the affected tissue in order to stimulate healing processes and relieve pain.

The application of frequencies can improve blood circulation in the plantar fascia and promote cell regeneration.

This leads to faster healing and a reduction in inflammation. A particular advantage of frequency therapy in the treatment of plantar fasciitis is its non-invasive nature, which means that no surgical interventions are required, thus minimising the risk of complications.

In addition, frequency therapy can be applied specifically to the area of pain without damaging surrounding tissue.

Clinical studies and field reports have shown that many patients experience significant pain relief and an improvement in foot function after several sessions.

In addition, frequency therapy allows for individualised treatment, as the frequencies and duration of therapy can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

This versatility and effectiveness make frequency therapy a promising option for patients suffering from the painful and often debilitating symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Studies and scientific evidence:

Presentation of current research findings and clinical studies that support the effectiveness of frequency therapy in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: