Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of painful heels, and it can make walking a problem. However, with rapid, targeted treatment, patients have an excellent chance of healing and regaining full mobility. At Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC – which serves the Denver metropolitan area – Kevin O’Donnell, DO, and the team use a range of innovative and effective treatments to reduce inflammation and heal the affected tissues in patients with plantar fasciitis. If you’re experiencing heel pain, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition originating in the plantar fascia. This thick band of fibrous tissue connects your heels to your toes along the sole of your foot, supporting the arch. 

If the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes intense pain that's most noticeable at the bottom of the heel.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The most distinctive plantar fasciitis symptom is pain in the bottom of your heel that may spread into the arch. Plantar fasciitis pain often worsens after a rest period and is usually worse when getting out of bed.

Some patients find that plantar fasciitis pain subsides once they‘ve been using their feet for a few minutes. However, the pain can return after more extended periods of exercise, and walking can become most uncomfortable. You may also notice swelling in the heel and possibly the arch.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis develops due to excessive strain on the plantar fascia. In some cases, this is due to the conformation of your feet, so people with high arches or flat feet are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. The condition is also brought on by:

• Ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear
• Excess body weight
• Standing up for long periods
• Walking on hard ground

If you have plantar fasciitis risk factors, looking after your feet and supporting them adequately is even more important. You should also rest your feet regularly, as overstraining them can cause other painful foot problems.

What treatments are available for plantar fasciitis?

Simple self-care treatments that ease pain and inflammation in the early stages include:

• Ice packs or cooling gels to reduce inflammation
• Arch supports or orthotic insoles 
• Resting your heel to encourage healing
• Wearing shoes with a slight heel to relieve pressure
• Avoiding walking barefoot

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC uses the most up-to-date treatments to reduce plantar fasciitis pain and inflammation, including:

• Prolotherapy 
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Bone and fat stem cell therapy 
• Focused shockwave therapy 
• Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT®) therapy 

Don’t delay seeking help for plantar fasciitis; the earlier you receive appropriate treatment, the better your prognosis.

If you experience plantar fasciitis symptoms, call Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC or book an appointment online today.