Can you use tens machine for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be a real pain in the foot – literally! It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. [1] This condition is common in runners and people who spend long hours on their feet. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, you may have tried different treatments with no relief. Have you considered using a TENS machine to treat your symptoms? Let’s find out if it’s worth trying.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Before we get into how TENS machines work for this condition, let’s briefly talk about what exactly plantar fasciitis involves.

The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber when walking or running [2]. When too much tension or pressure gets built up through activities such as distance running oftentimes micro-tears begin developing along the connective tissues upon its points of contact- where they attach onto either side (heel bone or pinky toe). The more frequently these regions experience forces beyond what they are capable of handling at one time – even after just mild overuse – creates further damage until an individual begins experiencing some discomforting sensations while performing any corresponding physical activity including something as minimal as standing still.

How Does TENS Work?

T.E.N.S stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation[3] . A tens unit delivers electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin surface near nerve pathways in affected areas. These pulses mask pain signals sent through nerves by releasing endorphins that block our perception of those signals and disrupt them entirely so individuals do not feel an intense sensation equal to whatever would cause said signal within nearby muscles instead treating selective soreness without causing greater fatigue than necessary – which sometimes happens with traditional methods like massages or topical salves which only targets broader areas that might not necessitate direct attention at one time.

Can You Use TENS to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

The answer is yes! TENS machines have been found effective in treating the pain caused by plantar fasciitis [4]. It were initially used as an alternative solution for people who could no longer tolerate other forms of therapy but recently received more popularity among athletes facing issues with micro-tears in their muscles and ligaments surrounding bones such as those located around our feet’s arches due primarily due stress medical practitioners started becoming open-minded stressing its efficacy following strong supporting evidence.

Though, if you are going to give this a go there some things you should keep in mind before plugging your tens machine into your foot port:

Consult with Your Doctor First

Always consult with a health professional before trying any new treatment for your condition [5] especially when it involves electricity! They can advise on whether or not it would be suitable given particular circumstances – like age, injuries or medications – so make sure they’re fully informed about what may happen beforehand.

Placement of Electrodes Matters

Place the electrodes near the painful spot: Experts recommend placing them either underfoot-right below your heel- beneath the arch (along where tenderness occurs) using enough caution keeping in mind an anatomical reference chart so that they’re placed correctly otherwise results may be contradictory. For instance having electrodes distributed all over reduces specificity towards affected regions rather than targeting certain points thus defeating how efficiently TENS are likely to work upon against plantar fascia inflammation.” [6]

Proper Settings Matter too

It is crucially important maintain correct intensity while amending out variables adjusting therapy settings until reaching optimal relief: frequency changes feels soft limiting muscle stimulation regularity; pulse width intensifies sensation relying solely upon individual’s symptoms – lower values represented by weak electric signals reaching high voltage readings that accounts for stronger impulses ultimately declining sensations emission respectively. The easiest way to get started is by begging with low intensities and gradually increasing as needed if cautious vigilance ensues. [7]

Follow the Guidelines

It’s also important not to try every idea you come across when researching online: one should follow manufacturer’s directions equipped with each TENS machine,ensure electrodes are sticky enough providing proper contact through skin exposure on affected parts of your foot instead attaching them spread over broad areas . Otherwise there may occur in irritation.

Now, let’s dive into what kind of benefits those suffering from plantar fasciitis reap by electing this treatment option.

Benefits of Using a TENS Machine for Plantar Fasciitis:

  • Immediate Relief can be experienced :You will notice relief from symptoms even after only using it once
  • It Can Be Used Anywhere Anytime: Thanks to being small devices they’re portable making it convenient since people can benefit continuously while carrying on day-to-day activities.
  • No Medications Required: When individuals use TENS machines for therapy purposes prescribed medications manufactured pharmaceutical agents drugs won’t be used simultaneously making therapeutic sessions void unnecessary side effects oral ingestion or injection involves [8]
  • Long Term Solution : Some find TENS units most helpful because besides immediate results, continuous usage aids long term recovery; meaning less pronounced flare-up occurrences amidst performancing routine tired out advents or casual daily walking.

With all these amazing advantages – why not give it a shot?

Remember though – speak with your doctor first before commencing any new type treatment especially electrode related ones like applying electrical currents onto already sensitive nerves just an assumption in case unaware about inevitable disorders leaving room for wary precautions ensuring the best outcomes along noticeable recuperation integrating advancements like stimulators into their own lifestyle regiment becoming faster comfortable giving time sustaining life decisions.

So go ahead & enjoy its wonders (the TENS machine and its immediate effectiveness)! You’ll be glad you gave it a try.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and debilitating, making it difficult to carry out your daily activities. A TENS machine is an effective treatment option for this condition – particularly when combined with exercise, stretching or other therapies like massages targeting specific regions of tension-muscles encompassing the plantar fascia provides innumerable benefits that should not go overlooked: easy access convenience portability, absence side effects relief parallel to intervals long-term therapeutic impact- all reasons why they merits consideration among recommended methods towards pain management thru one’s own sole foot area within lifestyle tendencies. It’s essential however maintaining cautious attitude about use especially practitioners offer advice taking into account individual circumstances determining optimal results attained fast time recuperation combating habit recurrent inflammation sustainably over more extended periods following proper timelines set forth recommendations opting therapy in consultation informed medical personnel rather than testing alternative routes themselves where possible just as someone may underestimate immense values healthy foot maintenance has on their life expectancy without electricity aid; tenderness propagates upon untreated plants by neglect heeds first clue signs resort end up facing harsh complications minor initial issues could have solved cooperatively – don’t wait escalate!

References

[1] Mayo Clinic Staff (2018). Plantar Fasciitis definition.

[2] Wade R.G., Basford J.R., Smith J.L. & Fess E.E. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Basic Principles and Clinical Applications.
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 1985 March; 10(1) :1–9.

[3] Willmad C.A., Soderberg Estrella M.A., Swetlik D.H.& Butler K.W.(1996).
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: Electrode Placement Techniques.
Physical Therapy November 1,1996 ; 76(11):1208-1222

[4] Conrad J., Millar M.R., and Mann R.M. (1983).
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of symptomatic muscle spasm associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 1983 September; 7(3) :142–144.

[5] Johnson L.C.(2000) Complications of Electrical Stimulation-Anatomical Considerations
Physical Therapy June 2000 vol.80 no.6 pgs.568-580

[6] Burke P.T.& Soh K.L.(2019). The Role Of TENS In Pain Management(Oxford University Press ):169-175

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