Topaz Coblation for Chronic Heel Pain, "Plantar Fasciosis"

 One of the most minimally invasive procedures for plantar fasciosis treatment is Topaz Coblation therapy. This is an outpatient procedure under IV/local sedation. Approximately 24 to 30 needle holes in a square pattern on the medial and central bands of the fascia in the medial calcaneal tubercle region at the area of greatest pain. The Topaz instrument is placed into the needle holes and the plantar fascia is fenestrated with a short burst of electric energy. This results in microscopic cutting of the fascia, increased blood supply and breakup of the scar tissue. There also seems to be an increase in strength to the fascia with this procedure.

   The drawbacks of this procedure are the need for surgery and the potential cost of the surgery. Although scar formation is very rare, there is a need for additional downtime with this procedure and recovery is usually slower and more painful. We typically place patient's in a walking boot for one to two weeks and then transfer into a sneaker. No stitches are required with this procedure. For more information please refer to our website home page and go to Heel pain center.

www.carolinafootspecialists.net

 

 The most effective but also the most invasive of our plantar fasciosis treatment options is Topaz Coblation therapy. Sedation and local anesthesia in the operating room are necessary to perform the procedure. The physician places approximately 24 to 30 needle holes in a square pattern on the medial and central bands of the fascia in the medial calcaneal tubercle region at the area of greatest pain. One would insert the Topaz into the needle holes and fenestrate the fascia with a short burst of electric energy. This results in microscopic cutting of the fascia, increased blood supply and breakup of the scar tissue. There also seems to be an increase in strength to the fascia with this procedure.
   The drawbacks of this procedure are the need for surgery, the cost of surgery and the fact that scar formation from the multiple incisions may be a source of pain. Although scar formation is very rare, there is a need for additional downtime with this procedure and recovery is usually slower and more painful.
- See more at: http://www.podiatrytoday.com/refining-the-treatment-algorithm-for-plantar-fasciitis-and-plantar-fasciosis#sthash.2W3b5fEp.dpuf

Chi Running for Chronic Foot Pain

Are you training for an upcoming race or can't run as long as you want? Is your foot and ankle hurting you after just a few miles? If this is the case then you may consider taking a look at your running style and posture.

Over the past four years I have personally used this running technique rooted in Tai Chi which has helped me avoid foot pain and allowed me to run longer distances. 

ChiRunning focuses on posture, leg swing, the position of the pelvis and a forward lean. Here are the basics:

Run Tall.  When you're standing straight, your joints are in alignment and your skeleton is supporting your weight. When you run, you want to keep this alignment so your skeleton continues to be involved.
It's common, however, for runners to slump the shoulders or bend at the waist, which then requires the leg muscles to support most of the body weight, instead of the stronger skeleton. By maintaining good posture, you lessen the amount of work your legs have to do and move more efficiently.

Lean Forward.  By adding a slight forward lean when you run, your body falls forward and you use gravity for your propulsion instead of your legs. This lean also helps keep your body in alignment, with your foot landing under you.
To do this, lean from your ankles, not your waist, and keep your spine straight. The lean is subtle; don't lean so far forward you are out of control or actually falling.

Land on the Mid-Foot. To keep your posture in alignment--which helps reduce injuries--while you're leaning forward, land with a mid-foot strike when you run. You want your foot to land underneath or slightly behind you, in line with your hips and shoulders.

Run from Your Core. To reduce injuries, it's vital to keep your pelvis level. You do this by engaging your core muscles while you run.To level your pelvis, try this simple exercise: Stand against the wall and try to press your lower back into the wall. Watch what happens to your pelvis. You have to engage your lower abdominal muscles in a vertical crunch movement. Remember that feeling in your body and try to maintain it as you run.

Relax, Relax, Relax. It's common for runners to tighten up their shoulders or other muscles as they get tired. But all that stiffness and tension wastes energy and makes you less efficient. When you feel your technique slipping, ask yourself: Where am I tense, and what can I do about it?
Sense and respond with the correct adjustments, which might be as simple as straightening your arms and shaking them out or reminding yourself to lower your shoulders. In my book, I recommend a series of pre-run body looseners--such as shaking out your arms and legs, ankle rolls and hip and pelvis circles--to help your muscles learn to stay relaxed when you are running and throughout the day.


Danny Dreyer has developed this running technique and if you have time purchase his book callled,
" ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running.