Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain in adults. Typically found in individuals who put a lot of strain on their feet, this condition occurs when the body’s plantar fascia (string of tissues in the sole of the foot) become inflamed.  These strands of tissue connect the ball of the foot to the heel and toes. The strain may be caused by excessive running or walking, inadequate footwear or repetitive  jumping.

While in many cases Plantar Fasciitis can develop without a clear cause, certain factors may increase the risk of developing the condition:

  • Age – Plantar fasciitis is most commonly found in those aged 40-60.
  • Body mechanics – Low arches (flat feet) or high arches impact the way weight is distributed when you’re standing, and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.
  • Weight – An excess of weight can increase the strain put on your plantar fascia.
  • Occupation – Those who spend all or most of the day walking or standing on hard surfaces are at a higher risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis causes a sharp pain in the sole or heal of the foot while greatly reducing the ability to move the toes upward.  A common sign of Plantar Fasciitis is that the worst pain occurs with the individual’s first few steps in the morning. Patient with Plantar Fasciitis often report pain at the beginning of an activity which tends to lessen or resolve entirely as they warm up. Pain may also occur with prolonged standing and can be accompanied by notable stiffness. In more severe cases, the pain of Plantar Fasciitis will worsen towards the end of the day. Left untreated, Plantar Fasciitis can also aggravate other orthopedic conditions impacting the knee, shin and foot.

Traditional methods of plantar fasciitis treatment:

  • Pain- killers
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Stretching and rehabilitation therapy
  • Orthotics and night splints
  • Steroid injections
  •  Plantar fasciotomy (surgery)

Plantar Fasciitis occurs frequently among athletes, and can have a significant negative impact on their careers. Avoiding surgery is imperative to performing at the same level of ability prior to the condition. While some instances may not be amenable to cell therapy, there are various cases where the issue can be successfully resolved with stem cell therapy. We will evaluate all facets of your case before providing a custom treatment plan. Stem cell therapy can be particularly effective at repairing tissues and cartilage in degenerated joints and presents an exciting alternative to invasive surgery and steroid injections.  These procedures may alleviate pain by improving the body’s ability to regenerate the damaged tissue. 

Not all cases or patients respond to stem cell therapy and outcomes will vary from patient to patient.

Would you like to be contacted regarding potential regenerative medicine pilot studies? If so please fill out our Contact Form.