Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Cured? We Take a Closer Look at This Disease

The alarm wakes you, and you slowly pull the covers off yourself as you move to the edge of the bed. 

But when you stand up, a searing, stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot jolts you fully awake. The first few steps of the morning are difficult and painful.

If you’ve had a stabbing pain near your heel, you could have a disease called plantar fasciitis.

In plantar fasciitis, the band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. This tissue connects your heel bone to your toes, and it’s called the plantar fascia.

At the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, our leading orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh offer their expertise and guidance for those who are facing the challenge of the discomfort and pain caused by plantar fasciitis. We’ve shown many patients that recovery is possible. If you’re experiencing heel pain that you believe could be caused by plantar fasciitis, please schedule an appointment with us. We would welcome the opportunity to help you. 

Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Cured?

Good news: most of those with plantar fasciitis can make a full recovery in several months. The most effective plantar fasciitis treatment methods include:

• Icing the area
• Modifying your activities
• Stretching
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Customized arch supports
• Splints
• Avoiding activities that cause pain

We’ll work closely with you to determine which treatment—or combination of treatments—will provide long-lasting relief.

Is Plantar Fasciitis Truly Curable?

It is, but the longer you have had symptoms, the longer treatment will take. If the pain is very severe, it may also make recovery more difficult. 

If you are a long-distance runner or professional athlete, you may even need a course of treatment that is much longer than what is considered average. 

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

There are several potential causes. They include:

• Issues with the shape or structure of your foot
• Suddenly starting a running program
• A sharp increase in activity level
• The surface on which you’re running or standing
• The kind of shoes you’re wearing
• How much you weigh

In certain, less common cases, plantar fasciitis may be the result of another medical condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease.

When Should I See an Orthopedic Foot Specialist for My Plantar Fasciitis?

If you’re having pain to the extent that it interferes with your daily activities, and ice and rest don’t resolve the issue, then please contact us to schedule an appointment. 

Our leading orthopedic physicians in Raleigh are ready to help you. Because physical therapy is often an effective treatment, we work closely with our team of in-house physical therapists to create a plan that is specifically tailored for you. 

We believe in conservative medicine. This means that we will always explore non-surgical options before considering surgery. 

Fortunately, treatment for plantar fasciitis would rarely require surgery. 

Are Advanced Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis Available?

As we mentioned earlier, a conservative course of treatment will typically resolve any issues with plantar fasciitis. However, if this is not successful, we offer more advanced treatments for plantar fasciitis, including:

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

This type of plasma is derived from your own blood and helps stimulate healing and regeneration when injected into an injured area.

Shock Wave Therapy

In this course of treatment, sound waves are directed at the heel to stimulate healing. This is most appropriate for those who have chronic problems with plantar fasciitis. 

Statistics: Plantar Fasciitis By the Numbers

Research has shown that plantar fasciitis is the most common presenting cause of heel pain for outpatients, manifesting itself in 1 million patient visits each year. 

In addition, according to the National Library of Medicine, plantar fasciitis:

• Accounts for 10% of runner-related injuries. 
• It occurs in 10% of the general population.
• 83% of patients are typically working adults between 25 and 65 years old, with higher incidents in those between 40 and 60 years of age. 
• Up to 22% of runners may experience plantar fasciitis at some point. 
• It is more common in women and those between the ages of 45 and 64
• It makes up 11–15% of foot problems that need medical treatment

You Don’t Have to Live With Chronic Heel Pain: Schedule an Appointment With the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic Today

Plantar fasciitis is a widespread condition that causes heel pain for millions of Americans each year. Fortunately, conservative treatments are often incredibly effective when under the guidance of our board-certified orthopedists in Raleigh.

For decades, we’ve proudly served the Triangle community as one of the region’s most trusted orthopedic practices. Combining advanced treatment with compassionate care, we help patients find relief from painful conditions. If you’re dealing with heel pain, we invite you to schedule an appointment and experience the difference firsthand.