Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot problem caused by inflamed tissue. It often affects the heel area of people who spend a lot of time on their feet. But it can also affect long-distance runners or anyone who takes up an ambitious walking or running program.
Ill-fitting shoes and being overweight can also contribute to painful heel problems like plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, you can address plantar fasciitis pain in many ways without surgery.
Our specialists at Optima Foot and Ankle in Bend, Oregon, can assess your foot pain and make recommendations suitable for your situation. Here, we highlight three nonsurgical options to reduce plantar fasciitis pain.
Stretching exercises and physical therapy
Regular stretching improves your flexibility and builds strength in your foot. You can reduce your risk of injury and foot pain by strengthening your foot and ankle muscles. Our team can show you how to do exercises to ease the effects of plantar fasciitis.
For example, a calf stretch or seated calf stretch are among the most effective exercises we recommend for this condition.
We might also recommend a customized program of exercises with a physical therapist. PT includes stretches that target specific muscle groups, strength training, and massage techniques, which all improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
PRP therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy consists of a series of injections designed to help your body heal itself. The process involves withdrawing a blood sample right here in our office. Then we put the sample into a special centrifuge and spin it to separate the platelets.
We inject the platelets back into your body, where they stimulate cell growth and promote tissue repair. Because it’s your own blood, there’s little risk of allergies or other side effects.
Orthotics
If you’ve tried shoe inserts to relieve your foot pain, you may have found them helpful. The medical community often refers to them as orthotics. For plantar fasciitis, we recommend custom-made options, which are far superior to those you buy in the drugstore.
We can help you find the right type of orthotics for you. The prescription orthotics that we provide at Optima Foot and Ankle are thinner, lighter, and more comfortable than traditional custom orthotics.
Besides stretching, PRP therapy, and special shoe inserts, maintaining a healthy weight, resting, and wearing the right type of supportive shoes for your condition can help.
If you’re looking for ways to treat plantar fasciitis without surgery, contact us to book your appointment with our Optima Foot and Ankle team in Bend, Oregon.