Diagnosis

The finding of tendon inflammation of the sole of the foot is a so-called clinical diagnosis. The doctor is usually satisfied with a detailed conversation with the patient and a careful physical examination to determine what the patient is suffering from. A typical sign during the examination that indicates plantar fasciitis is, for example, the triggering (provocation) of pain. Pressure on the inside of the heel can trigger pain that then radiates along the entire foot. If the findings are uncertain or if bone involvement is suspected, an X-ray and/or computer tomography examination of the foot is also used.

TherapyTreatment

The top priority in the treatment of tendonitis is and remains absolute silence. Until the tendons have completely recovered, no sports should be done and heavy everyday stress should be avoided. Sports that do not put as much strain on the feet as jogging can be performed under certain circumstances after consultation with the treating physician.

For example, cycling or swimming training are suitable. Especially when cycling, however, you should pay attention to the pressure exerted on the underside of the foot. If this pressure is too strong or if pain is triggered, the load should be stopped immediately and avoided until the final recovery.

In addition to strict protection, regular cooling of the inflamed area helps against pain and reduces the inflammation. Quark compresses are an option for this as well as cooling packs or damp-cold compresses. In some cases massages can bring relaxation to the irritated tissue.

Other patients find massages very unpleasant, the latter should rather avoid them. If there is no improvement even after some time and following the principles explained above, a doctor should be consulted. It is his responsibility to give injections of cortisone into the sole of the foot to reduce the inflammation and/or prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen or diclofenac).

These tablets have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, all medication should only be taken after consultation with an experienced doctor. It is not a permanent solution to the causal problem.

If tendon inflammation in the area of the sole of the foot occurs frequently, it is also advisable to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist who can assess the foot position and perform a shoe check. Under certain circumstances, insoles may be necessary or a modified training load may have to be considered. Physiotherapeutic care by a physiotherapist is also advisable in some cases.

Here, various muscles can be built up to protect against future overloading. In the end, ambitious hobby runners in particular often benefit from a special gait or running school where special running techniques (such as heel running) are practiced. As a supplement to the protection and cooling, which are advisable for any kind of inflammation, some established homeopathic medicines are also available.

They can be used for the therapy of tendon inflammation in general and are also suitable for use in plantar fasciitis. The normal dose – unless otherwise prescribed – is 2×5 globules daily. If stiffness and immobility as a result of inflammation predominate, the use of Causticum or Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy) is possible. In cases of severe redness and swelling with burning pain, Apis mellifica should be used. If the focus is on one-sided stress or overloading, arnica montana (real arnica, mountain hiring) should be used.