The Latest Way to Treat Your Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in your heel, particularly if you engage in activities that place repetitive stress on the foot, such as running or prolonged standing. However it can affect any of us, and you are more likely to suffer with plantar fasciitis as you get older. With over 40 different conditions presenting as heel pain and classified as plantar fasciitis it is key to get the correct diagnosis so you know you are really treating plantar fasciitis!

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by inflammation when it is new and for around the first 6 weeks. It then becomes degeneration of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot running from your heel bone right up to the knuckles of your toes. People suffering from plantar fasciitis often experience significant pain that limits their daily activities and reduces their quality of life. So, how can you treat it?

Conventional Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Traditionally, treatments like orthotic insoles, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections have been used to manage plantar fasciitis. 

Strengthening exercises are a key component of treatment, aiming to improve the muscles that support the foot and reduce stress on the plantar fascia but these exercises on their own may only offer temporary relief.

Orthotic insoles are commonly recommended because they help redistribute pressure and load across the foot, alleviating strain on the plantar fascia. Depending on your biomechanics these insoles can be quite simple or very complex requiring them to be custom made for you.

Corticosteroid injections are another common treatment, offering powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce pain quickly. However, while these injections may be effective in the short term, their benefits can diminish over as little as 12 weeks, and repeated use carries potential side effects damaging the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles & tendons.

Photizo Near-Infrared Therapy – A New Approach

At BxClinic we also offer Photizo therapy for your plantar fasciitis, an emerging treatment for plantar fasciitis, which uses light therapy to promote healing at the cellular level. This therapy delivers specific wavelengths of near-infrared light that penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. Photizo therapy has been shown to accelerate healing and relieve pain in various musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis.

One of the main advantages of Photizo therapy is that it is non-invasive, painless, and can be applied at home, making it a convenient option for long-term management of plantar fasciitis. It works by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes rather than simply masking pain or reducing inflammation temporarily.

Comparing Orthotic Insoles and Photizo Near-Infrared Therapy

While orthotic insoles are effective for managing plantar fasciitis, they primarily focus on providing structural support and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Insoles help with symptom relief by supporting foot posture and redistributing pressure, which can be especially beneficial for those who spend long hours on their feet.

However, using orthotic insoles alone to treat your plantar fasciitis you will have to allow time for your body to heal the underlying inflammation and tissue damage. This is where Photizo shines; By promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation, Photizo therapy targets the damaged tissue directly, which could lead to improved healing time getting you back on your feet much faster.

Studies have shown that near-infrared therapy can reduce pain and improve function in plantar fasciitis patients, with noticeable improvements in daily activities such as walking and standing. Additionally, the regenerative nature of Photizo therapy may help speed up recovery and prevent future flare-ups, making it a more holistic approach compared to traditional approaches alone.

The Benefits of Combining Both Therapies

While both orthotic insoles and Photizo therapy are beneficial on their own, combining these two treatments could offer the best of both worlds. Insoles provide mechanical support to reduce strain on the plantar fascia giving you long term protection from plantar fasciitis, while Photizo therapy works in the background to heal tissues and reduce inflammation. For individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis who have not found relief with insoles alone, adding Photizo therapy could enhance their recovery and lead to longer-lasting results.

Conclusion

Both orthotic insoles and Photizo Near-Infrared Therapy offer valuable benefits for managing plantar fasciitis. Orthotics provide much-needed long term support and relief from pain, while Photizo therapy promotes tissue healing and addresses injured tissue directly. For those struggling with persistent plantar fasciitis, the combination of these two treatments could be a game-changer, helping to not only alleviate symptoms but also accelerate recovery and prevent future issues.

What to do if you have heel pain

If you are suffering from heel pain book an appointment to get a diagnosis then we can work on a treatment plan. If you already have orthotic insoles, for example from the NHS, and your heel pain is persisting give us a call on 01603 327999 to get a Photizo to speed your recovery. Photizo are available on a ‘try before you buy’ rental option also.

References and further reading

Plantar Fasciitis Overview:

• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Plantar fasciitis. Mayo Clinic. Link

Orthotic Insole Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis:

• Landorf, K. B., & Keenan, A. M. (2007). Efficacy of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis: A randomized trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 167(7), 676–682. DOI:10.1001/archinte.167.7.676

Strengthening Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis:

• Rathleff, M. S., Moelgaard, C., Lykkegaard Olesen, J. L., & Kersting, U. G. (2015). High-load strength training improves outcome in patients with plantar fasciitis. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 25(1), 124–130. DOI:10.1111/sms.12196

Photizo Near-Infrared Therapy:

• Tuner, J., & Hode, L. (2004). The Laser Therapy Handbook. Prima Books AB. Link (Provides details on light therapy and NIR benefits.)

Effectiveness of Near-Infrared Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis:

• Baxter, G. D., Liu, L., Petrich, J., & George, K. (2007). The clinical effectiveness of laser therapy in the management of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomised controlled trial. The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 37(1), 40–47. DOI:10.2519/jospt.2007.37.1.40

Combination Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis:

• McPoil, T. G., & Martin, R. L. (2007). Plantar fasciitis: Joint and soft tissue mobility techniques for rehabilitation. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 37(12), 823-827. DOI:10.2519/jospt.2007.2490