Ongoing heel pain can make it difficult to stay active and enjoy your normal routine. In your search for answers, you may be wondering: can plantar fasciitis be cured permanently?
In many cases, plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated, and the pain can completely resolve. However, symptoms may return if the underlying causes, such as poor footwear or repetitive stress, are not addressed.
Understanding what causes plantar fasciitis and the treatment options available can help you take the right steps toward lasting relief.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, known as the fascia, becomes overstretched or experiences excessive strain caused by repetitive stress from activities like running.
This constant stretching and strain of the plantar fascia can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis, small tears in the fascia, particularly where the fascia connects to the heel bone. These tears result in pain and inflammation.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Often, plantar fasciitis is a repetitive strain injury. Some causes of plantar fasciitis include:
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Shoes with inadequate arch support
- Abrupt changes in activity levels
- Too much running or walking
- Excess weight, including pregnancy
- Having flat feet or high arches
- Having a tight Achilles tendon
Conservative Treatment Options
Many patients find relief from plantar fasciitis with conservative treatment. Common treatment options include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Stretching exercises
- Ice on the affected area
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Supportive shoes with proper arch support
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
- Walking boots
Advanced Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
For chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t improved with conservative treatment, advanced treatments offer another path to relief. These FDA-approved therapies are designed to promote healing and help patients return to their daily activities.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses sound waves to safely and effectively heal plantar fasciitis.
Once arriving at your podiatrist’s office for treatment, here is what you can typically expect from the procedure. You’ll lie flat on your stomach on a cushioned table, with your legs supported by a pillow. Local anesthesia will be placed in the heel to prevent you from feeling pain. The podiatrist will direct sonic waves to the heel, stimulating your body’s healing response.
At The Foot & Ankle Center, this alternative therapy for heel pain only lasts about 30 minutes, and our experts see a short recovery time associated with it.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells, commonly found in bone marrow and body fat, help build and repair damaged tissue. At The Foot & Ankle Center, stem cell therapy involves AmnioFix, a human-derived tissue allograft that is processed to preserve natural growth factors and proteins.
During treatment, the allograft is injected into the affected area to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. As your body begins to heal, you’ll notice less swelling and discomfort in your feet or ankles. Within a few short weeks, you will notice a great reduction or complete resolution in your pain.
MLS Laser Therapy
Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy uses a patented robotic laser to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting soft tissue repair. Two wavelengths work in unison to provide optimal results.
A continuous laser at 808 nanometers reduces inflammation and swelling, while a pulsing laser at 905 nanometers reaches deep into the tissue and nerves for pain relief.
As a result of exposure to the MLS Laser, the cells of your tendons, ligaments, and muscles will repair themselves faster.
Explore Treatment Options at The Foot & Ankle Center
When you experience continued discomfort in your feet or ankles, don’t think that it has to stay that way. The knowledgeable podiatrists at The Foot & Ankle Center have decades of experience in correcting conditions and injuries via advanced non-surgical and surgical options.
Our treatments are safe, effective, and provide fast relief. To get started, call 314-487-9300 or request an appointment online!