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When was the last time that you changed your brand or type of contact lens? If you have been using the same brand and type of contact lenses for several years, it may be time for you to learn about the newer versions that are on the market today. You may find that there is no longer the need to struggle with putting your lenses in each day, cleaning them, and messing around with those little storage containers. Extended wear contact lenses may be an option for you like they are for me. After being told five years ago that I could not wear extended wear lenses, the design of them have changed and I now wear them for an entire week before removing them! Learn more about the various contact lenses on the market today to help yourself, find some that are perfectly comfortable and less of an inconvenience!

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what are your options in contact lenses?

Recognizing the Signs: When Do You Need Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis?

by Elmer Perry

Dealing with chronic foot pain can be frustrating and debilitating, especially when it's due to a condition like plantar fasciitis. This common foot ailment affects the plantar fascia. While most cases can be treated using conservative methods, some may require surgical intervention. This blog will discuss the signs that it might be time for you to consider surgery for plantar fasciitis.

Persistent Pain

The most obvious sign that you might need surgery is persistent pain. If you've been experiencing severe foot pain for many months despite trying conservative treatments, it could be time to discuss surgical options with your doctor. This kind of persistent pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday tasks difficult and uncomfortable.

Limited Mobility

If your plantar fasciitis is limiting your mobility to the extent that it's affecting your daily routine or preventing you from participating in activities you enjoy, it's a strong indicator that surgery might be necessary. When non-surgical treatments fail to improve your condition, and your mobility continues to be restricted, surgery can offer a solution.

Lack of Response to Non-Surgical Treatments

Before considering surgery, your healthcare provider will likely recommend a variety of non-surgical treatments. These could include physical therapy exercises, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or shock wave therapy. However, if your symptoms have not improved after consistent use of these treatments over an extended period, surgery might be the next step.

Nerve Damage

In severe cases of plantar fasciitis, prolonged inflammation can lead to nerve damage. If you're experiencing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your foot, it could indicate nerve involvement. In such cases, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

Structural Foot Problems

Sometimes, structural issues in the foot, such as a high arch or flat feet, can contribute to plantar fasciitis. If these structural problems are causing your plantar fasciitis and haven't responded to non-surgical treatments, corrective surgery may be recommended.

The Decision to Undergo Surgery

The decision to undergo surgery should never be taken lightly. It's important to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits. While surgery can provide relief from persistent pain and improve mobility, it also carries risks, such as infection, nerve damage, and complications from anesthesia.

Furthermore, recovery from plantar fasciitis surgery can take several weeks or even months and may require you to wear a boot or cast and limit weight-bearing activities. Physical therapy is typically needed post-surgery to restore strength and mobility to the foot.

Plantar fasciitis can be a challenging condition to live with, so contact a local podiatrist to learn more about how to manage this condition. 

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