If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's time to schedule a consultation with one of our Idaho podiatrists. We use advanced diagnostic techniques to confirm plantar fasciitis and rule out other potential causes of heel pain runners often experience, such as bone spurs or Achilles tendinitis.
7 Recommendations for Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Addressing this condition effectively requires a multifaceted approach. We offer a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs, such as:
- The R.I.C.E. protocol. You probably do this already, but rest, icing, compression, and elevation within the first few hours of noticing pain help reduce inflammation and encourage healing. Depending on the nature of your condition, we’ll explain why this might work for your needs or when heat and movement might be a better approach.
- Custom orthotics. Instead of using one-size-fits-all inserts from the drug store, we design customized orthotics—either accommodative or functional—based on the nature of your condition to provide crucial support and correct biomechanical issues.
- Physical therapy. Targeted exercises strengthen the foot and improve flexibility.
- Night splints. These devices keep the plantar fascia tendon stretched overnight, reducing morning pain.
- MLS Laser Therapy. MLS technology delivers therapeutic wavelengths This non-invasive treatment can stimulate healing in chronic cases.
- Corticosteroid injections. For severe pain, these injections can provide temporary relief.
- PRP therapy. Platelet-rich plasma injections harness your body's natural healing abilities. One of our clients said that PRP therapy increased her mobility and function by 75 percent.
Remember, recovery times vary, but with proper care, most runners can return to their passion within a few months.
Preventing Plantar Fasciitis: Strategies for Longevity in Running
It may be a cliché, but it’s true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to this potentially recurring problem. While you’re recovering, we’ll help you by performing a professional gait assessment to identify and correct form issues that often contribute to plantar fascia issues.
We also suggest trying these methods to keep your feet healthy and pain-free:
- Proper footwear. Invest in high-quality running shoes that match your foot type and running style.
- Run-walk method. Alternate between running and walking to reduce continuous impact.
- Surface selection. Choose softer surfaces like trails or grass when possible.
- Stride adjustment. Work on landing midfoot rather than on your heel to distribute impact.
- Gradual progression. Increase your mileage and intensity slowly, allowing your body to adapt.
- Cross training. Incorporate low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, to reduce stress on your feet and maintain cardiovascular fitness.
- Regular stretching. Calf and foot stretches can improve flexibility and reduce tension.
- Strength training. Focus on exercises that target your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Let the podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle be your partner in wellness with a treatment plan that balances healing with your running goals.