How to Treat Your Plantar Fasciitis Pain When Conservative Options Fail

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, and it’s the most common cause of heel pain in adults over 40. That pain usually shows up as a sharp, stabbing ache at the bottom of your heel, worst with your first steps in the morning or after a long day on your feet. The fascia supports your arch and absorbs stress every time you walk, so years of wear and tear can leave it irritated and inflamed. Most cases settle down with rest, stretching, and supportive footwear. This article is for the ones that don’t, when the pain hangs on despite months of home care and you need to know what comes next.

At Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists, heel pain is one of the most common problems we treat. If you’re feeling that burning or aching on the bottom of your foot, don’t wait it out. Early diagnosis and treatment protect the fascia from further damage and get you back on your feet sooner. You can schedule with a board-certified podiatrist in Tampa at one of our Florida locations, or learn more on our plantar fasciitis treatment page.

Now, let’s explore the treatment options in greater detail.

When is Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Necessary?

If you’re shifting your weight when you walk to avoid plantar fasciitis pain, it’s time to see a doctor. Favoring one foot over the other may ameliorate the pain, but putting an unnecessary amount of strain on other parts of your body can also lead to several other complications.

There are a few different plantar fasciitis treatment methods available to provide you with relief. Depending on your situation, a doctor may at first recommend rest and some pain medication to reduce inflammation. You may also want to consider physical therapy, icing the area, and installing arch supports in your shoes to help reduce the pressure on the ligament.

Foot Injections for Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis Pain

If your condition is not responding to conservative options, your podiatrist may recommend foot injections to reduce your plantar fasciitis pain. These injections can drastically decrease inflammation while reducing the formation of scar tissue and accelerating the healing process. There are different types of foot injections available to treat your plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist can help determine which is best for your case.

A steroid injection can help patients suffering from plantar fasciitis when prescribed medications aren’t working. This method involves injecting the steroid into the part of your foot responsible for the most pain. Steroid injections not only relieve pain, but they also can help reduce inflammation.

PRP and stem cell therapy involve injecting your own platelet-rich plasma or stem cells into the damaged part of your foot to encourage your body’s natural healing process.

Plantar Fasciitis Pain Treatment with Surgery

If the above methods are not suitable, you may be recommended for surgery as a last resort. This surgery is generally less invasive than many other kinds, rarely requiring you to maintain medical supervision overnight. However, it would require you to avoid putting stress on your foot during recovery.

Though foot injections can help your plantar fasciitis improve or ease your pain, you need to consult a doctor to properly diagnose your condition and recommend the right plan of action. A board-certified specialist can help you determine whether an injection is a good fit for your condition.

If your plantar fasciitis is not improving there may be a cyst in the calcaneus. New minimally invasive treatment techniques are available to fill the cyst, which results in relief of pain right away.

If you’re experiencing pain in the arch of your foot and want plantar fasciitis treatment, you should schedule an appointment with the board-certified podiatrists at Certified Foot & Ankle Specialists today. Additionally, another cause of heel pain that can mimic plantar fasciitis is tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is important to see a physician such as Dr. Kinmon or Dr. Bowles who specializes in peripheral nerve surgery to properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Give us a call at 1-855-550-FEET.