Treating Plantar Fascitis: What Works

Plantar fascitis is a problem related to chronic heel pain.  The pain is usually first steps in the morning or after a period of rest and
decreases after a few minutes of walking.  The pain is in the heel region and is a dull aching. We are experts at treating achilles heel spur pains.

Patients will present with the following complaints:

• Pain with first steps
• Aching of the heel region
• Difficulty with running or long walks
• Stiffness in the morning in the heel region

The treatment of plantar fascitis has evolved over the past several years.  What was once thought to be an inflamatory process is now considered to be more of a scar tissue formation issue.  During the first 3 months of pain, there is inflammation from the initial injury.  After about 6 months, the inflammation is gone and there is chronic scar tissue that the body does not respond to.  Treatment options differ for early versus late plantar fascia cases.

The following are treatment options for plantar fascia pain that is less than 3 months old:

• Ice massage with a cold water bottle from the heel to the ball of the foot.
• Achilles stretching exercises
• Over the counter insoles
• Custom orthotics
• Night splint
• Physical therapy

As noted, the problem changes after about 6 months from inflammatory to non-inflammatory.  For the body to heal the plantar fascia, it needs to supply blood to the area.  In order to do this, there needs to be mold trauma or irritation of the plantar fascia scar area to increase blood supply and allow healing.

The following treatments are used for treating plantar fascitis cases that have not resolved for over 6 months:

• Physical therapy with cross fiber massage
• Laser therapy
• Shockwave therapy
• Platelet rich plasma injection
• Topaz micro plantar fasciotomy

If all else fails, a plantar fascia release may be necessary.  This is a simple procedure, but University Foot and Ankle Institute strives to save the plantar fascia and avoid fascia release surgery.

University Foot and Ankle Institute treats over 2000 plantar fascitis cases per year.  Our rate of fascia release is less than 5%. We provide all the above noted therapies and pride ourselves on being cutting edge in the care of foot and ankle ailments including a specialty in plantar fascitis treatment options.

Read more about plantar fascitis or call 877-677-0011 for an appointment with a doctor.