Plantar Fasciitis is one of the many conditions that Summit Health Group can treat with regenerative therapy.  This condition is characterized by inflammation that can occur in the plantar fascia; a thick, web-like band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, as the ligaments near your heels can experience wear and tear with your daily routine. While the plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber that supports the arch of your feet and help you support yourself, exerting too much pressure on your feet can cause the ligament to become damaged, torn or inflamed. When the condition surfaces, it results in a stabbing pain that starts with your first steps in the morning and persists throughout the day until you can get adjusted to moving around in short increments.

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While a primary cause for plantar fasciitis is unclear, it is dependent on the amount of pressure and tension that is placed on your feet. If there is too much stress on the fascial ligaments, small tears can arise. Repetitive stretching and tearing in the fascia can lead to irritation and inflammation. You are at greater risk of developing the condition if you are overweight or experience sudden weight gain due to the increased pressure on your heels. Long distance runners, people in professions where they are on their feet often and active people between the ages of 40 and 70 are also at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Structurally, issues with high arches, flat feet, tight Achilles tendons or simply wearing shoes with soft soles and poor arch support can also increase your risk of ligament damage.

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Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Dull or sharp aches in the bottom mid-foot area

• Soreness in the bottom of the heel

• Difficulty walking or climbing

• Burning and inflammation

• Pain felt after beginning or stopping activity

 

Typically, conservative treatments such as resting, applying ice and stretching throughout several months have been used in the recovery process as have the use of OTC pain relievers. Physical therapy, orthotics and splints can be implemented to stabilize the ankle and heel to place less pressure on the fascia. If those don’t work, your doctor might recommend a surgical procedure or injection to correct the damage done in the lower heel.

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At Summit Health Group, there is a better solution for the treatment of plantar fasciitis: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP therapy is a non-invasive method of treatment that utilizes the platelets derived from the plasma of the patient’s blood. The concentrated platelet solution is injected back into the plantar fascia. Because the PRP derived from the plasma has a high concentration of platelets, it has the ability to effectively reduce inflammation, provide pain relief and encourage tissue growth in the afflicted area. Using PRP to treat plantar fasciitis can undo the damage done from tears in the ligaments, increase the body’s natural healing properties to revitalize the fascia and improve function at an accelerated pace.