I Have Plantar Fasciitis – Now What

Foot pain can limit your mobility. As the most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is a likely culprit when you feel discomfort in your heel or foot, and it’s one of the first possibilities we explore when diagnosing you at Naples Regenerative Institute in Naples, Florida. 

Glenn M. Flanagan, MD, is no stranger to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal pain due to overstretched or torn tendons and ligaments, including the plantar fascia that runs along the sole of your foot. As a double board-certified pain management physician and orthopedist, he offers unparalleled treatments for musculoskeletal pain, including cutting-edge orthobiologic injections. 

A plantar fasciitis diagnosis means your plantar fascia is inflamed. It can range from mild to severe, and the severity of your condition influences your treatment recommendations. You can trust Dr. Flanagan to provide a thorough evaluation and work with you until your symptoms improve. 

Treatment options

In most cases, Dr. Flanagan starts treatment for plantar fasciitis using mild and noninvasive options. A first-line treatment for plantar fasciitis is a procedure called Multiwave Locked System (MLS®) laser therapy. This robotic treatment combines two energy wavelengths to reduce inflammation and calm nerve pain. 

MLS therapy provides many benefits for plantar fasciitis and other soft tissue injuries, including:

• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced pain
• Increased cell energy production
• Lymphatic drainage
• Reduced tissue scarring

Dr. Flanagan typically recommends 6-10 sessions over 3-4 weeks.

Another option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — an orthobiologic treatment that uses healing components called growth factors from your own blood to repair damaged tissue. PRP injections and other orthobiologics eliminate many risks that come with corticosteroid injections, such as plantar fascia rupture. 

During these plantar fasciitis treatments, Dr. Flanagan offers additional suggestions for home care to improve your healing. He may recommend activity modification, therapeutic exercises, or orthotics for your shoes. 

Your next steps

First-line treatments don’t always resolve plantar fasciitis inflammation or pain. If you have a large tear or significant inflammation, our team offers other advanced options. 

Bone marrow aspiration concentrate (BMAC) with stem cells may be the next step. Bone marrow is a spongy substance that fills the insides of your bones. It produces stem cells that have the capability of becoming blood or tissue cells. 

BMAC can significantly reduce soft tissue inflammation and minimize your pain. 

Regenerative and orthobiologic treatments, like PRP and BMAC, typically work best alongside physical therapy. 

Start with an evaluation today

If you have foot pain, an advanced evaluation at our office can help. Call Naples Regenerative Institute or schedule a treatment consultation online for your plantar fasciitis today.