Plantar Fasciitis can be debilitating. It is a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot. It is caused by inflamed tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot (this tissue is called the plantar fascia). Both athletes and the general public can suffer from the condition, though it is more common in runners and those who engage in running regularly. The American Association of Family Physicians estimates that approximately one million Americans are affected per year. Thankfully, several treatment options are available for those suffering from the condition, including a promising new therapy, that just might be your best treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Treatment Options
Shoe inserts & AFO Brace
There are a wide variety of treatment options available, each with its specific benefits and shortcomings. The most basic treatment option is shoe inserts and an AFO Brace (that holds your foot in a dorsiflexed position at night). These can provide a small amount of relief at a low cost, but they don’t address the underlying causes and are not curative. Furthermore, these inserts can slip, degrade, and just generally become more uncomfortable as they are worn regularly–and the user is left looking for another solution to their foot pain. If you’re looking for a permanent solution, this might not be the best treatment for your plantar fasciitis.
Physical Therapy
Another commonly-prescribed option is physical therapy. 
While this is more targeted than shoe inserts and in some cases quite effective, it is time-consuming, expensive, and often does not actually solve the issue long term. Weekly appointments become an unwelcome chore, and there are few people who enjoy spending an hour or two every week doing targeted exercise of a muscle that is causing them intense pain.
Orthotic Devices
In conjunction with physical therapy, many sufferers are often prescribed and fitted with orthotic devices, but these are bulky, plastic braces that are uncomfortable and very expensive. They are uncomfortable to wear in many situations (nights out on the town, the beach, etc). Further, the orthotic device may crack, lose a screw, or become increasingly uncomfortable for the user to wear over time–because as with any long-term use of such a device, problems can arise that were not immediately evident when initially prescribed.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are available, but these are often only temporary relief measures and are ineffective once the impact of the injection wears off. Additionally, this measure requires repeated appointments and quite a bit of time off work or away from the activities enjoyed by the patient.
Acoustic Wave Therapy
Unequivocally, the most promising plantar fasciitis therapy on the market today is acoustic wave therapy (AWT), a breakthrough. Flagstone Medical Health Group can be your best place to find it.
What is Acoustic Wave Therapy?
Flagstone Medical’s AWT breakthrough therapy is truly a game-changer. It could be your best treatment for plantar fasciitis if you’re suffering from severe foot pain. Though the terminology may be somewhat intimidating to the first-time patient, it is truly not something to fear. Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) utilizes low-intensity, non-invasive acoustic waves to address the problem.These waves encourage increased blood flow, break up the inflammation of blood vessels, and creates neovascularization. Neovascularization is the formation of new blood vessels, which leads to the ability of the foot to increase blood flow and thus reduce the blockage and pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Why is it the Best Option on the Market Today?
Not only is this therapy non-invasive, but it is also usually permanent. Patients routinely report no more symptoms after treatment. Additionally, it requires virtually no downtime–aside from the time off work for the treatment itself, patients can return to their jobs immediately. Finally, as it does not require surgery, extensive time spent in physical therapy, or fitting and/or adjustment of orthotics, it avoids nearly all of the potential side effects associated with other treatment options. It is truly the cutting-edge treatment for those suffering from plantar fasciitis and seeking a “silver bullet” for permanent and non-invasive results.
How Can You Find Out More?
Flagstone Medical Health Group has two locations, which makes scheduling an appointment very easy. You can visit the Arizona (Tucson) or the California (Long Beach) office. Relief from plantar fasciitis starts with a simple phone call.On the site, you can also find extensive research, patient testimonials, frequently asked questions, and company history–all designed to allow you to make an informed decision in your quest for pain relief. The road to relief starts with an appointment with Flagstone Medical Health Group–so what are you waiting for? Choose the best treatment for plantar fasciitis. Choose Flagstone Medical.
