Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions seen in my practice. This is characterized by pain on the bottom of the heel. Pain can be quite significant with the first few steps of the day and then decrease as the foot warms up. As activity persists throughout the day, pain in the heel will usually increase.
It is important to be evaluated by a qualified medical professional when you experience heel pain because it may not necessarily be plantar fasciitis. Other possible causes of heel pain include a stress fracture, infection, rheumatoid arthritis, bone tumors and nerve issues (like sciatica).
Most cases of plantar fasciitis will resolve with conservative management. Approximately 10% will not.
In more chronic cases, if you look at the plantar fascia under a microscope, you will see thickening, degeneration and tearing. Typically inflammation is not seen in chronic cases.
Regenerative medicine is an option to address the degenerated tissue and could potentially help you avoid surgery.
With regenerative medicine, you can stimulate tissue repair, help prevent further tissue degeneration, eliminate pain and increase function.
Placental Tissues
Human placental grafts offer a rich source of cells, growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins and cell signaling molecules.
This tissue is well known for their ability to be anti-inflammatory, anti-scarring, and stimulate new blood vessel formation.
Radial Shockwave Treatment
This is a treatment option that is also regenerative. A handheld wand is used to send high energy pressure waves into the diseased tissue (like the plantar fascia). This can lead to an increase in blood flow, new blood vessel formation, decrease pain, and increase tissue healing.
Cortisone injections can be helpful but they are not regenerative. This injection will simply decrease inflammation (which may not even exist in chronic cases).
At District Foot and Ankle, a multi-faceted approach to the treatment of plantar fasciitis is recommended and could include a combination of activity modification, pain medications, physical therapy, orthotics and possibly a regenerative medicine option like a placental injection and/or radial shockwave treatment.
If you have been suffering with chronic plantar fasciitis and you have not responded to the typical treatment options then regenerative medicine might be the answer for you.
Call District Foot and Ankle to request a consultation with Dr. Nodelman today.