Find Relief from Plantar Fasciitis With Expert Care From Our Skilled Austin Podiatrists
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. This condition affects the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It acts as a cushion that supports your foot’s arch and absorbs shock. When it becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause significant heel pain and discomfort, especially when taking your first steps after waking up or after prolonged periods of rest. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, our Texas podiatrists can provide a variety of effective treatments to help you find relief and get back to living an active, pain-free life.
1. Conservative Treatment Options
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis symptoms, conservative treatments are first recommended and can relieve heel pain. Conservative options include:
- Stretching exercises. Stretching the plantar fascia and strengthening your foot muscles can help with plantar fasciitis. For instance, try gently pulling your toes towards your shin to stretch the affected area.
- Ice therapy. Applying ice to your heel can provide immediate relief by reducing inflammation in the plantar fascia. Roll a frozen water bottle under your foot for 15-20 minutes to ease your heel pain.
- Supportive footwear. Our Austin podiatrists can recommend footwear with proper arch support and cushioning to help relieve pressure on your plantar fascia. You may also want to avoid shoes with high heels, which can strain your arch and put pressure on the heel.
- Custom orthotics. Custom orthotics can relieve pressure on the heel of the foot. They are precisely crafted to fit the unique contours of your feet, providing targeted support for your arch and heel. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we are proud to offer FitStation by HP orthotics. These cutting-edge, 3D-printed orthotics are not only tailored to your individual needs but are also uniquely thin and lightweight, enhancing both comfort and functionality.
2. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT)
If conservative treatments don't provide adequate relief, the Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists team may recommend advanced options such as EPAT to address heel pain from plantar fasciitis. EPAT is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to boost blood flow and promote healing in the affected area. It’s painless and requires no downtime, allowing you to continue with your busy life while experiencing noticeable improvements in just a few sessions.
3. Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, a corticosteroid injection can provide rapid relief from plantar fasciitis pain. These injections help reduce inflammation and manage pain, giving you a window of relief while other treatments start to take effect. While these injections are not a long-term solution, they can be a valuable part of your recovery plan, helping you manage pain more effectively as other treatments begin to work.
4. Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy is another advanced treatment offered at our Austin office. It can help treat plantar fasciitis by using synchronized light wavelengths to reduce inflammation and promote healing. MLS laser therapy targets the deep tissues in your foot, helping to stimulate cellular repair and increase blood flow. The result is less pain and a faster recovery. Unlike more invasive options, MLS laser therapy is non-invasive and can be an alternative to traditional treatments, easing discomfort and enhancing foot function.
5. Perinatal Tissue and Growth Factor Injections
Unlike cortisone injections, which provide a temporary solution, perinatal tissue injections offer a more holistic approach to healing. Perinatal tissue injections stimulate your body’s natural repair processes using biologically active components. This method not only eases symptoms but also helps heal the underlying issue, promoting faster and more effective recovery.
6. Surgical Options
In some cases, plantar fasciitis may persist despite conservative and advanced treatments. When this happens, surgical intervention may be necessary. Our Austin foot doctors offer several surgical options, such as:
- Plantar fascia release. This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions in the plantar fascia to release tension and promote healing. Recovery time is typically shorter than traditional open surgery.
- Gastrocnemius recession. In some cases, the tightness of the calf muscles contributes to plantar fasciitis. Gastrocnemius recession involves lengthening the calf muscles to relieve strain on the plantar fascia. It is performed through a small incision and may be combined with other surgical techniques to enhance overall outcomes.
- Heel spur removal. If a heel spur is causing significant discomfort, surgical removal of the spur might be necessary. This procedure involves excising the bony protrusion while addressing underlying plantar fascia issues. Removing the spur can help reduce irritation and improve overall foot function.
For some patients, a combination of surgical options may be recommended to address multiple factors contributing to plantar fasciitis. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, our Texas foot care team takes a personalized approach to your care. Let our experienced podiatrists evaluate your condition and work with you to determine the best type of treatment tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
