With time and age, the fat pad on the bottom of our feet begins to atrophy, losing its thickness and resilience. This is termed “plantar fat pad atrophy.” It is a normal, albeit unfortunate, aging process and can contribute to considerable pain and deformity on the bottom of the foot.

Sadly, stylish and trendy women’s shoes don’t always take their wearer into consideration. Because many people are slaves to fashion and will sacrifice comfort and their feet for the sake of looking good in the short term, accelerated damage is done to balls of the feet.

Occasionally, fractures and soft tissue injuries occur, but most of the time it is just pain at the ball of the foot from loss of natural padding and/or the shift in this padding coupled with the increased pressure placed on the metatarsal heads from high heeled shoes. This condition is termed metatarsalgia.

Treatment of this painful condition is performed with the use of Dermal-Fillers (already used by plastic surgeons) which can be safely injected under ultrasound-guidance into the areas of pain under local anesthesia without incisions. Relief can be obtained for 6-12 months depending on the specific product used.

Although conservative options are available such as custom orthotics with metatarsal pads, these are impractical for extremely stylish shoes.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Truth be told, eventually, the process of aging takes its toll on every part of the human body.

This is no doomsday call to action or cause for alarm, but rather a quiet acceptance of the fact that all things need perspective, and this case, consider the alternative to aging.

Our feet take a particular beating, which for the most part, they are meant to effectively withstand as the supporters of our entire bodies.

But feet age as well as everything else, and over the passage of time, the fat pads on the bottom of our feet begins to lose their elasticity and density, causing significant pain on the bottom of the foot. 

What Exactly Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Almost 2 million Americans suffer from chronic heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, making it one of the most common causes of foot pain.

This inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, can wreak havoc with daily life and activities.

It serves as a shock absorber to whatever pressure is placed upon the foot. 

Although the exact causes of this condition are not completely understood, we do know that it most often results from constant and intense pressure from excessive or intense running or walking, inadequate footwear, rapid weight gain, prolonged standing, faulty foot structure (flat or high arched feet) or recent changes in activity.

Due to the fact that there are so many possibilities, a proper evaluation is necessary in order to evaluate the most effective form of treatment.

Even though sometimes, no direct cause can be attributed, there are several risk factors that can generate this painful condition.

They include: age (40-60 years)’ activities that involve much stress on the heels and its attached tissue (ballet dancing, long distance running and aerobics) and occupations like factory workers, which concern long hours standing or walking on a hard surface.

Symptoms And Treatments of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis causes stabling pain, swelling and stiffness at the bottom of the foot, near the front or center of the heel.

Commonly found among runners and in people who are overweight, the pain may return after long period of standing or sitting and sometimes progresses to a state of constancy.

We warn that to do nothing can have long lasting and very unpleasant ramifications. Chronic heel pain can take a serious toll on regular activities and can cause alterations in the mode of walking, which can further lead to knee, hip or back problems.

In many cases, initial recommendations will be limited to at home treatments and exercises that often resolve pain.

These include: heel inserts; tendon stretches; physical therapy; anti-inflammatory medications and icing to reduce inflammation. More on home and lifestyle self-care remedies follows below.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Put quite simply, extra weight places extra pressure on the plantar fascia and there Is no time like the present to get healthier and drop some weight if such action is called for. You feet will thank you later.

Always Choose Supportive Shoes

Buy shoes with low heels, thick soles, extra cushioning and good arch support . Avoid walking barefoot or wearing flats without a strong arch.

Changing A Favorite Sport

Low impact sports are kinder to our feet. Instead of jogging or walking, switch to swimming or bicycling, or at the very least rotate them so your heels get rest.

Introduce Stretch Exercises

Stretch your arches. There are many easy home exercises that can effectively stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and calf muscles.

Use Ice

A cloth-covered ice pack held over a painful spot for 15 minutes three or four times a day can aid in decreasing both pain and inflammation. For a twist, roll a frozen bottle of water under the foot for an ice massage.

Stretch Your Arches

Online sources reveal many easy exercises that can help to stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and calf muscles. That can be performed at home

If ultimately, these approaches fail, we offer in-office, minimally invasive options that can help relieve pain.

They include:shock wave therapy; Tenex; platelet-rich plasma injections and stem cell therapy. Below is more information on each.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections (Needle Fasciotomy)

Also known as PRP, this treatment decreases the thickness of the plantar fascia itself. It consists of an injection of the patient’s own platelets, which triggers the body’s natural processes of repair and regeneration.

This procedure requires a minimal amount of blood containing different densities that are separated by spinning them in a solution around an axis at high speed (centrifugation).

This process allows for the extraction of a concentration of active platelets, which is then injected into the injured tissue.

Ultra sound imagery is used to guide the injection and ensure its accuracy. Generally speaking, only one injection is needed to significantly reduce pain and discomfort.

Stem Cell Therapy

The experts at Jaws Podiatry use stem cell therapy as a means to increase the body’s ability to repair itself.

Amniotic stem cells encourage healing by supplying cells to damaged tissues. Extremely effective and safe, there is never any risk of patient rejection.

Stem cells, unlike some other treatments that can demand several months or more to experience significant pain reduction, curtail inflammation, heal soft tissue and allow for the rapid return to normal living activities.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) vs Stem Cell Therapy

Both are helpful procedures, the main difference between them is that Stem Cell Therapy is bit more advanced.

Although they both encourage healing and growth to an affected area, Stem Cell Therapy also intensifies stem cell activity, which aids in regeneration.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy galvanizes healing, but Stem Cell Therapy goes even further due to its remarkable capacity to regenerate damaged tissue.

Shock Wave Therapy

This conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis transmits shockwaves through the heel to reduce inflammation and stimulate the healing of damaged tissue.

It achieves this goal via the utilization of high energy, mechanical sound waves, that by their very nature, improve blood flow to the affected area, which in turn speeds up healing.

It is an effective, non invasive method for addressing soft tissue injuries. Also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT), extracorporeal means “outside the body”.

This process does not destroy tissue; it is a causative agent in promoting tissue regeneration. It is known to reduce pain and sensitivity immediately by over-stimulating pain transmission nerves and initiating repair mechanisms.

Tenex

This minimally invasive alternative to surgical intervention utilizes ultrasound frequency, which is transmitted via a hollow needle that disrupts the scar tissue caused by plantar fasciitis.

We make a small incision that usually requires only a normal bandage rather than stitches.

It is a very precise procedure, requiring just one application. It affects only the targeted area, which helps to speed up the recovery time to 4-6 weeks. 

Other non-surgical treatments include:plantar fascia stretching techniques; anti-inflammatory medication; physical therapy (Graston Technique); special shoe gear and custom orthotic devices.

Physical Therapy (The Graston Technique)

The Graston Technique is a highly specialized form of manual therapy that utilizes 6 stainless steel instruments that have rounded edges.

Their job is twofold; namely, to scan and detect injured tissues and provide treatment.

Our teams always use these tools in tandem with a cross friction massage, the function of which is to rub against the grain of scar tissue, break it down and alter its structure and connective tissue.

This therapy induces a small return of trauma to the damaged tissue, which sometimes causes temporary inflammation.

This, however, is good thing because swelling increases both the amount and rate of blood flow, which in turn marks the onset of healing.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Medications such as: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin etc) and naproxen sodium (Alleve) can reduce the pain and inflammation caused by plant fasciitis. 

Special Shoe Gear (Custom Orthotics)

Custom orthotic devices are created via a cutting edge laser scanner.

They are formulated to specifically accommodate dress or athletic shoes and each patient’s foot type, body form and lifestyle.

Designed to evenly distribute pressure across the feet, they will, at the same time, correct structural deformities.

These devices work because they are designed to conform very closely to the arch of the foot. They decrease tension and prevent the foot from growing flatter and longer.

These especial shoes are usually recommended after a a patient has suffered repeated instances of plantar fasciitis for more than six months, has unsuccessfully tried other treatments or has genetically inferior foot structure. 

In most cases, for those who don’t fit into any of the above mentioned categories, a pre-fabricated orthotic usually works well.

Due to the fact that orthotic therapy is not well-regulated and many providers of these devices are not as well trained as stricter directives would demand, orthotics devices are frequently not made correctly.

Surgery

All professionals surgeons consider surgery only as a last resort, and in this case as well, is only recommended when all other treatments have failed.

The surgery will detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone and it it can be performed either as an open procedure or via a small incision with local anesthesia.

Schedule A Virtual Or In-Person Consultation Today!

We are a cutting edge lower extremity healing center headed by Dr Abraham Wagner, South Florida’s top-rated and highly acclaimed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).

He and our highly trained staff live by the mantra that no one should ever have to live with foot pain or allow it to interfere with all the things that make life worthwhile.

Each and every patient who passes through their portals is treated with dignity and respect.

Situated in Hollywood, Florida, our all inclusive foot and ankle care extends to patients living in the United States and beyond.

General services include: cosmetic foot surgery, podiatric care, treatment and therapy, foot and ankle surgical procedures and regenerative medicine. 

If you are living with the pain of plantar fasciitis, call our teams today and be free of all foot pain tomorrow!

TAKE THE FIRST STEP ON THE PATH TO BETTER FEET

It is not self evident that all feet and all foot surgeons are created equally. The cosmetic and functional procedures we perform require mastery over an extensive set of skills that take years to develop. 

So when you need to keep your best foot forward, make sure that it goes in that direction only and contact our caring, experienced and thoroughly prepared staff at Jaws Podiatry.

Final thought about feet: The human foot  is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art- Leonardo Da Vinci

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