They’re easy to ignore when all is well, but the part of our body we dearly depend on in everyday life are those thankless appendages we call feet. When something’s amiss with our feet, everything stops, including us. One foot ailment that stops us in our tracks is Plantar Fasciitis, a common but painful condition. Treatment has come a long way in offering innovative approaches to healing Plantar Fasciitis.

We depend on our feet for more than just standing up. Feet take us where we want to go, allow us to hike new trails, get our exercise in, whether through weight-lifting, yoga, or sports, and feet let us enjoy ourselves, whether by dancing or simply walking museums. When our feet aren’t at their best, it’s hard for us to be too.

We often come to appreciate our feet the most when they’re not at their usual level of health. One common foot ailment is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition that causes sharp pain and makes everyday movement a challenge. If you’re wondering whether your foot pain is caused by Plantar Fasciitis or you’re searching for treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis, read on for the latest information.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

We all experience foot pain from time to time, especially in our fast-paced lives that often keep us on our feet. Yet, Plantar Fasciitis is not your average foot pain. For those struggling with this condition, the pain feels like a sharp, pointed sensation at the heel. People with this condition often find their pain flares up the most in the mornings and after having been seated for extended amounts of time.

Named after the part of your foot in which the pain is felt, the plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot and acts as an impact-absorber when you’re in motion. When the plantar fascia sustains too much stress, tiny tears can form throughout that cause the inflammation and irritation you feel as pain.

Some people are more at risk of developing this painful condition than others. You’re more likely to develop Plantar Fasciitis if you:

• Are between 40 and 60 years old
• Are obese
• Are on your feet each day for many hours at a time
• Do exercise that puts stress on your heel, such as running
• Have foot issues such as flat feet or an abnormal walking pattern

Plantar Fasciitis is by no means rare, with over 3 million cases in the United States each year alone. Luckily, treatment options abound, including improved methods that can have you back on your feet in no time—literally.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

If you’re struggling to manage Plantar Fasciitis, don’t worry, your options have expanded more than before. Whereas an injury like foot pain was once dealt with using simple bed rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, medicine has long since found better ways to get us moving once again.

One common treatment for Plantar Fasciitis is the use of corticosteroid injections. This option is meant to reduce the inflammation in your foot and alleviate some pain. However, while this option can help manage discomfort, it ultimately doesn’t promote healing overall. For this reason, other options are sought by those who want longer lasting healing.

Using Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Another treatment option that’s rapidly gaining popularity is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. What makes this treatment standout is the organic way it alleviates pain while also expediting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

This treatment method works by drawing your own blood and then passing it through a machine to separate the plasma, red blood cells, and platelets. From there, a mixture of plasma and platelets is created, called platelet-rich plasma. This mixture is then injected to promote tissue healing by using your own cells to remove damaged cells and promote tissue healing through creating new healthy, collagen-based tissue.

Many people prefer opting for PRP therapy simply because the procedure is quick, effective, and improves the body’s own healing processes rather than relying on medications and external treatments. Plus, after getting PRP therapy, you can go right home with no interruption to your usual day.

Where to Receive PRP Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

The pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis can derail your day. For many people, the goal isn’t simply pain management, but healing and doing away with this condition once and for all. If you’re seeking a treatment option to heal and alleviate Plantar Fasciitis, MidAmerica Orthopaedics is here to get you back on your feet and back to your everyday life. Contact us online or give us a call at 708-237-7200 to talk to a specialist about your treatment options.