The Best Solutions for Treating Plantar Fasciitis Pain

The heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis is sharp and jarring. Affecting 2 million Americans, it oftens strikes when you take your first few steps upon waking, after you’ve stood for a period of time, and after exercising.

Pain, however, isn’t the only unpleasant symptom that can go along with plantar fasciitis. You can experience throbbing, inflammation, burning, and tingling in your heel and arch, and even tightness in your calf.

The podiatry team at Premier Foot & Ankle are experts at treating plantar fasciitis. In this blog, they explain what causes plantar fasciitis and how it can be treated.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Your plantar fascia is a band of shock-absorbing tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. This tissue can get inflamed due to repeated stretching and tearing.

You’re more likely to be affected with the condition if you’re over age 40, participate in certain sports — such as long-distance running — are overweight, or have anatomical issues with your feet. 

You’re also at a higher risk for developing it if your type of work requires you to stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time. These jobs could include construction, teaching, and medical work. 

Long-term consequences of plantar fasciitis

If you have plantar fasciitis, the foremost thing on your mind may be the pain. However, the condition can lead to long-term consequences, too.

You may change the way you walk — either consciously or unconsciously — to relieve the pain. This could throw your body out of alignment, which could lead to back, hip, knee, and foot problems in the future. 

Treating plantar fasciitis

Your provider will first give you a thorough examination. After diagnosing your condition, your provider may recommend any of the following therapies:

Initial treatments

• Minimizing risk factors, such as losing weight if needed, wearing supportive shoes, and using matts if you spend a lot of time standing on hard surfaces
• Using assistive devices, such as custom orthotics, braces, splints, and shoes made to accommodate for plantar fasciitis
• Taking part in in-office physical therapy and at-home exercises
• Using over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications

If it turns out that you need slightly more aggressive treatment, your doctor may recommend steroid injections or one of the following advanced treatments:

PodiaTherm

PodiaThermⓇ radiofrequency (RF) therapy uses RF waves to disrupt pain the signals in the affected nerves in your foot. First, the treatment area is numbed. Then your doctor gently inserts a needle near the point of pain. The radiofrequency energy then makes the affected nerve unable to send pain signals. 

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment, commonly known as EPATⓇ, is a noninvasive therapy that uses acoustic pressure waves. When they’re directed at your area of pain, the energy fuels healing and repair by energizing your metabolism and improving blood circulation.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a type of regenerative medicine that uses properties in your own blood to help spur healing. The platelets in your blood contain growth factors, and when some of these platelets are extracted and then injected into injured areas, they can help boost the healing process.  

First, a sample of your blood is drawn. Then it’s placed in a centrifuge where the platelets are separated from the other components in your blood. Then the platelet serum is injected into the area that needs healing.

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy uses laser energy to promote faster cell turnover and help hasten the healing process.

If you have plantar fasciitis — or want to see if you do — and want to learn more about your treatment options, book an appointment online or over the phone with Premier Foot & Ankle today.