There are many treatments available for plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes heel pain. Special exercises and physical therapy have proved helpful. But there is a new treatment that provides relief and promotes healing for patients who suffer from chronic plantar fasciitis pain.
Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) Tape for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
You may have noticed strips of tape on athletes during competition. This special tape is called KT or kinesiology therapeutic tape. It is an elastic sports tape designed to relieve pain while supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
It is believed that KT tape relieves pain by reducing inflammation and swelling caused by the buildup of lymphatic fluids that occurs after injury or overuse of a part of the body. This accumulation of lymphatic fluids may cause increased pressure on muscles and tissue, resulting in significant discomfort or pain.
It is believed that KT tape lifts the skin, decompressing the layers of the fascia. This allows for greater movement of lymphatic fluid, which transports white blood cells throughout the body, removing waste products, bacteria, and cellular debris from the injured area.
The use of KT tape to treat plantar fasciitis may alleviate discomfort or pain by reducing pressure on the tissue. The tape also provides support to muscles and ligaments in the foot’s arch.
Study Shows Laser Therapy Treats Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Pain
A recent study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery suggests that lasers may be among the most effective treatments for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Low-level laser therapy is an FDA-approved form of treatment. It works by placing a light beam on the injured area in an effort to affect cellular metabolism, wound healing, protein synthesis, and immune response.
Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive form of regenerative medicine. It stimulates cellular mitochondria, initiating a low-grade inflammatory response that then stimulates the body to improve blood circulation of the thickened fascia. This promotes healing by causing the immune system to jump in and turn on the inflammatory cascade, starting the repair process.
Low-level laser therapy is effective in treating both acute plantar fasciitis and degenerative fasciopathy, plus it is cost effective compared to other non-surgical forms of treatment.
Researchers have noted that lasers work best when used in concert with other forms of regenerative medical therapies.
Laser Therapy and KT Tape Combine to Offer Superlative Pain Relief and Healing of Plantar Fasciitis
When laser therapy is combined with KT tape, the synergy between the two treatment methods causes what may be the most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. This combined treatment not only relieves the pain of plantar fasciitis – especially chronic plantar fasciitis – but also offers healing for the fascia on the bottom of the foot.
If you are experiencing pain and injury, contact Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers at (302) 730-8848 or request an appointment online to discuss the types of therapy we may offer that can relive your pain and help you heal faster.
