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Treatment Options for Common Foot and Ankle Problems

The Most Common Foot Conditions and How to Treat Them

Heel pain is likely the most common problem most podiatrist treat. Heel pain can happen for many reasons but the most common of these is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This used to be called “heel spur” but we have long ago learned that this terminology is not accurate. Even the term plantar fasciitis isn’t always the most accurate diagnosis for pain in the bottom of the heel especially noticed when you first rise to stand from a seated or rested position.

Plantar fasciiitis is the acute inflammation of a structure on the bottom of the foot which connects the base of your toes to your heel bone. This structure is supposed to be stretchy; but in the case of acute inflammation, it becomes swollen and tight and less forgiving especially when you take your first few steps. But over time, when left untreated for too long, the recurrent inflammatory damage to the fascia starts to break down the fascia causing tiny microscopic tears within the structure… this degenerative process is known as plantar fasciosis.

Traditional Treatments Will Not Always Work

Traditional treatments for plantar fasciiits include stretching, prolonged non-weight bearing, arch supports, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication either by mouth or injected into the heel. But when those modalities fail to improve the symptoms, it’s time to consider either more advanced LASER technology to address the inflammation or consider the possibility of fasciosis. The proper diagnosis will lead to the proper treatment.

Timely Diagnosis and Treatment Is Key

Treatment could include Platelet Rich Plasma Tissue Transfer or Stem Cell technology to address the degenerative process occurring in the fascia. A timely diagnosis and well-executed treatment plan can get you back on your feet in comfort more quickly and get you back to doing those activities you thought you wouldn’t be able to enjoy again.

Non-Surgical Options for Joint Pain

Joint Pain is Very Common

Over 30 million people suffer from joint pain. This pain can make preferred activity levels difficult and daily responsibilities seem impossible. Surgery to address these painful foot joints requires weeks off of work and limited mobility during recovery. Several injection options are available from The Center for Foot Care to address pain and inflammation of a joint resulting in fewer symptoms for months and with much fewer potential complications.

Treatments that Lubricate Joints and Ease Pain

Corticosteroid injections have been around for several decades to reduce joint inflammation and are considered the first line of defense for many painful joint issues.

Hyaluronic Acid injections can be used when corticosteroids don’t work, don’t work long enough, or are not appropriate because of adverse reactions or elevated blood glucose levels that can results (this is especially important in people with diabetes).  Hyaluronic Acid injections are also indicated if there is pain in the joint but no obvious inflammation. This gel injection is similar to the natural fluid found inside of healthy joints and acts as a lubricant or shock absorber.  Symptomatic relief is expected to last 1-3 months in the great toe joint.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood and platelets to promote healing. The growth factors and proteins in your platelets aid in the healing and help reduce inflammation of soft tissue including the lining of your joints that can be damaged from osteoarthritis.

Regenerative Cell technology such as placental tissue matrix injections can significantly decrease the pain related to osteoarthritis. These cells are harvested after the live birth of a healthy child via C-section and the mother donates her placenta for use. The high levels of growth factors in these cells promote tissue healing.

Which injection is right for your individual situation is carefully considered before any treatment decision is made. Each of these injections can be very effective in reducing or eliminating joint pain, but may not keep the pain from recurring. Each can be given more than once if needed, especially if you are looking for options to the expense, potential complications and the recovery time of surgery.