How Does a Podiatrist Treat Arch Pain?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick, fibrous ligament in the arch of the foot called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia attaches into the heel bone and fans toward the ball of the foot, attaching into the base of the toes. If this ligament is stretched excessively it will become inflamed and begin to cause pain.

Cortisone injections, used in the treatment of heel pain, are not commonly used for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The main emphasis of treatment is to reduce the forces that are causing the plantar fascia to stress excessively. This includes calf muscle stretching, over the counter arch supports, orthotics, and sub-talar implants. Oral anti-inflammatory medications may be useful in controlling the pain. Alternative treatments for arch and heel pain that have had great success in relieving pain without surgery include APC blood platelet injections and ESWT shockwave therapy.