Heel Pain

Introduction to Heel Pain

Conservative Care for Heel Pain

Heel Pain PRP Therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma)

Heel Pain Stem Cell Therapy

Heel Pain Shockwave Therapy

Heel Pain Topaz Micro Fasciotomy

Heel Pain Plantar Fascia Surgery

Introduction of Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Syndrome

The plantar fascia is a celery like structure that connects the heel to the ball of the foot. It is much like a band that connects a tripod, the tripod being the heel and the bones of the ball of the foot. The goal of the plantar fascia is to stabilize and support the arch, assist with pressure distribution across the foot and to transfer the strength of the Achilles tendon to the forefoot by helping propulse the foot from heel to toe motion.

The plantar fascia will become strained with excess force mainly in the heel attachment site but also sometimes in the central arch portion. This strain is mainly due to excess pull or force on the plantar fascia resulting in microscopic small tears and swelling. After a period of rest the fascia will get stretched with initial standing which results in excess strain on the structure and continued small tears and swelling. Over the course of weeks and months there is scar tissue formation resulting in chronic pain.

Image of the plantar fascia showing the tight band of fascia.

During the initial phase, relief of inflammation and support are the most common treatments. Rest and decrease in inflammation allow the fascia to heal and added support decreases chronic strain on the fascia. In the chronic phase known as plantar fasciosis the treatment is inflammatory or healing in nature in order to increase blood to the damaged tissue and restart the body's healing response to return to the damaged tissue and heal the region. Addition of suport in the shape of an orthotic or boot is used to decrease strain on the fascia and allow the body to respond and heal the damaged region.

Treatments in the initial 3-6 month plantar fascia phase include:

• Arch support or orthotic
• Physical therapy
• Corstisone injection (rarely first step)
• Non steroidal anti-inflammation medication

Mild heel spur	Moderate heel spur

Thickening of the plantar fascia on utlrasound

Treatment for the chronic phase of plantar fascia pain usually after 3-6 months include:

• Arch support or orthotic support
• Shockwave Therapy
• Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
• Stem Cell Therapy (most chronic cases)
• Topaz Therapy
• Plantar Fascia Surgery

The University Foot & Ankle Institute Advantage

The University Foot & Ankle Institute is a renowned center for plantar fasciitis. We are involved in research and journal publications on plantar fasciitis, and aim to stay at the forefront of advanced therapies in treating the most severe chronic forms of plantar fasciitis.