Relief for Plantar Fasciitis and Chronic Heel Pain

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when a thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed.

This inflammation can cause stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot, near the heel, and is typically more pronounced first thing in the morning and after periods of rest.

How It Affects Your Daily Life

Planar fasciitis can lead to limitations in physical activity, altered gait, difficulty sleeping, stress, irritability, and even depression.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

• Foot structure issues
  Overpronation (inward rolling of the foot and ankle), underpronation (outward rolling of the foot and ankle), high arches, and flat feet can place increased strain on the plantar fascia.
• Repetitive stress or overuse
  Running, dancing, prolonged standing, or increasing activity levels too quickly can cause microtears and inflammation.
• Improper footwear
  Ill-fitting shoes, shoes with inadequate arch support, or shoes that offset your balance can place increased stress on the plantar fascia.
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles
  Muscle tightness in the calves and Achilles tendon can limit flexibility, leading to or worsening plantar fasciitis.
• Excess weight and pressure on feet
  Obesity and excess weight can lead to microtears and inflammation.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Common plantar fasciitis symptoms include:

• Morning heel pain, particularly on the bottom of the heel, near the inside edge.
• Pain after weight-bearing activities (e.g., standing for long periods, walking, running, dancing, etc.)
• Stiffness after periods of inactivity.
• Mild swelling around the heel.
• Arch pain.

Conservative Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

• Stretching and strengthening exercises.
• Orthotic insoles and footwear changes.
• Night splints.
• Ice, NSAIDs, and rest.
• Massage.
• Physical therapy.
• Activity modification.

When to Consider Advanced Treatment

Chronic Cases Not Responding to Conservative Care

If you or a loved one continues to struggle with pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis after 6-12 months of conservative heel pain treatments (e.g., stretching, orthotics, physical therapy, etc.), it may be time to consider advanced treatments, such as:

• Corticosteroid injections.
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
• Botulinum toxin injections.
• Surgical fasciotomy (surgical release of the plantar fascia and often a last resort).

Minimally Invasive Relief With Plantar Fasciitis Embolization

Plantar fasciitis embolization is a safe and effective procedure that offers lasting relief from chronic plantar fasciitis pain by blocking abnormal blood vessels that contribute to inflammation.

This minimally invasive surgical alternative is reserved for those who haven’t found relief through other, less invasive treatments.

Why Choose Georgia Endovascular for Heel Pain

Georgia Endovascular provides expert care for chronic heel pain, led by board-certified interventional radiology specialists. Our compassionate team offers highly personalized, non-surgical plantar fasciitis treatments using the latest minimally invasive techniques.

If you or a loved one is struggling with heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, our skilled team can help you find relief fast at a location nearest you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis

What are the first signs of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis begins as a subtle discomfort but often worsens over time. The first signs include:

• Sharp heel pain with your first morning steps or foot pain after rest.
• Pain after long periods of standing or physical activity.
• Tenderness in the heel when touched.
• Aching or tenderness in the arch of the foot.
• General foot stiffness or sensitivity that may feel like nerve irritation.

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

Yes, many cases of plantar fasciitis are temporary and can resolve within 3 to 12 months without medical treatment. However, recovery time depends on several factors, such as:

• Severity of plantar fascia inflammation.
• Overall health and wellness.
• Weight and activity levels.

Note: If the pain is severe or does not improve with home remedies, consult a physician.

What’s the fastest way to relieve heel pain?

Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers are the fastest ways to alleviate heel pain. Additional home remedies may include:

• Calf and Achilles tendon stretches.
• Well-fitting, supportive shoes with adequate arch support.
• Over-the-counter orthotics.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your primary care can diagnose plantar fasciitis and rule out other conditions with a physical exam and imaging tests (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound, MRI).

Do I need surgery for plantar fasciitis?

Surgery is very rare and only considered as a last resort after other, less invasive methods have not provided adequate or sustained plantar fasciitis relief.

Do you treat plantar fasciitis without surgery?

There are several non-surgical ways to treat plantar fasciitis. They include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription support orthotics to correct foot structure issues.
• Physical therapy to strengthen lower leg muscles.
• Night splints to promote overnight stretching.
• Massage and muscle scraping to release muscle tightness.
• Steroid injections to provide temporary relief.
• Shock wave therapy to stimulate healing.