Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament in your foot, is a pervasive yet painful condition. Heel pain, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity, is its number one symptom, which means the discomfort is capable of striking with every step, bothering you throughout the day.

Fortunately, you don’t need to simply accept the chronic aches or wait for them to worsen. At Wayne Foot & Ankle Center, we make use of several effective treatment options that can restore your mobility and resolve plantar fasciitis for good. In this blog, we’ll explore three of our most popular approaches: Corticosteroid injections, custom orthotic inserts, and shockwave therapy.

1.) Corticosteroid Injections: Targeted Relief

Corticosteroid injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication for quick and meaningful short-term results.

• Your podiatrist will inject the medication directly into the tender spot on your heel.
• Studies show that corticosteroid injections can be highly effective in reducing plantar fasciitis pain. The relief can be dramatic, although it’s typically temporary, lasting weeks to months.
• Corticosteroid injections are usually limited due to potential side effects, so they’re often used alongside other therapies.

2.) Custom Orthotic Inserts: Addressing the Root Cause

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed specifically for your feet.

• A podiatrist will assess your foot structure, gait, and pressure points to create orthotics that provide optimal support and correct any biomechanical imbalances.
• By distributing pressure more evenly across your foot, orthotics can significantly reduce stress on the plantar fascia and promote healing.
• Orthotics offer a long-term solution and can help prevent future flare-ups.

3.) Shockwave Therapy: A Non-invasive Approach

Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy sound waves through a device placed on your heel.

• Research suggests shockwave therapy can stimulate tissue healing and reduce pain in plantar fasciitis [3].
• Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment with minimal discomfort.
• It typically involves multiple sessions spaced out over several weeks.

Wayne Foot & Ankle emphasizes quality relationships with each and every patient for practical reasons as well as personal ones! We hope that the information above helps you understand the cause of your discomfort and the options available to you.

Do your heels hurt? Dr. Lindsey Calligaro at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is happy to help. We’ve got the top tools, modern techniques, and proven expertise to treat your feet. Contact us today!