Nonsurgical Plantar Fasciitis Program

For many patients living with the pain of plantar fasciitis, by the time they see a doctor, they have already tried various shoe inserts or other over-the-counter treatments, to no avail.

At Core Medical Center, we use a combination of approaches to treat patients with plantar fasciitis. We begin with a thorough exam and diagnostic testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your foot or heel pain. For example, gait evaluation and training is paramount as this could help us determine the root cause of the pain you are experiencing. A pelvic tilt or low back, hip, knee, or ankle issues can all affect the mechanics of your gait leading to problems in other areas – such as in the feet.

These assessments can guide us toward specific types of treatments. If your underlying issue is back- or pelvis-related, for example, chiropractic services and physical therapy are almost always indicated.

Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis aims to increase flexibility in your leg muscles — such as the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf. When allowed to become overly tight, these muscles put tension on the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to your heel bone. This ultimately pulls on the plantar fascia, the thick connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. When the condition becomes chronic, it results in inflammation of the fascia, or plantar fasciitis.

We also use ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), which are braces and wraps that restrict movement in the foot. This type of bracing is used simultaneously with other treatments, such as physical therapy.

Therapeutic injections may also be used to increase blood flow and relieve tension in the fascia. Injections that may be used to treat patients with plantar fasciitis include guided injections directly into to the plantar fascia using either cortisone or alternative medicine, such as PRP therapy.

Left untreated or if insufficiently treated (as when addressing the pain but not the cause of the pain), heel spurs can develop.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Blue Springs, MO

Find out more about our nonsurgical plantar fasciitis program at Core Medical Center in Blue Springs, Missouri, by calling (816) 427-0201 or request your appointment now.