The short answer
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury of the plantar fascia causing sharp, stabbing heel pain that is typically worst on waking. Treatment ranges from conservative approaches like physical therapy and stretching to advanced procedures such as PRP and the Tenex procedure, which are roughly 80% effective for healing these tendons.
Written by Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK
Sports medicine physician, Mayo Clinic fellowship
Pain from the fascia is caused by overuse of the plantar fascia inserting on to the heel bone. Symptoms include a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel of the foot, typically more painful upon waking first thing in the morning. Non-surgical treatment options include physical therapy, bracing, shockwave therapy, and nitroglycerin patches. When those treatments fail, a diagnostic ultrasound of the plantar facia could be warranted.
An ultrasound allows me to look at the plantar fascia and see if this is the cause of the pain. We have new treatment options to get patients back to work and exercising. Treatment options into the fascia include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Tenex. These are new treatments have been shown to 80% effective for healing these tendons.
During PRP therapy, we draw some blood from your arm and get the buffy coat and then inject the platelets back into the injured area. The platelets have growth factors to help the plantar fascia heal.
Tenex is a cutting edge technology developed at Mayo Clinic. During this procedure, we use a device to remove some of the degenerated tissue while preserving healthy tissue. This allows your body to heal the tendon.
Tags: Tenex, Platelet-Rich Plasma, heel, Mayo Clinic, plantar fascia strain, heel pain, plantar fascitis, PRP.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is plantar fasciitis worse in the morning?
- The fascia tightens overnight, so the first steps in the morning stretch the damaged tissue and hurt the most before it warms up with activity.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified clinician about your specific condition.