What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation or injury of the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. This ligament is called the plantar fascia and it supports the arch of the foot. When the plantar fascia is inflamed, weak, swollen, or torn, it can cause pain in the foot and heel. Plantar fasciitis pain can flare up while walking or running, as pressure increases when you push off of your toes and the ball of your foot. Many people with plantar fasciitis feel the worst pain when they stand after a period of being sedentary, such as when getting up in the morning.
The Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The most apparent symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain specifically:
- Increased pain after periods of being sedentary
- Increased heel pain after exercise
- A swollen heel that is tender to the touch
- A tight Achilles tendon
When heel pain persists for months or years and does not respond to conservative treatment your foot doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure such as TOPAZ Coblation.
What Is TOPAZ Coblation?
TOPAZ Coblation is an innovative and effective way to treat plantar fasciitis without the need for invasive, open plantar fasciitis surgery. TOPAZ Coblation Therapy is a 20-30 minute outpatient procedure that uses a special needle-like wand to gently release the plantar fascia. TOPAZ leverages radiofrequency waves to create small micro-tears in a grid pattern about a half-centimeter apart to break up scar tissue and increase blood flow to the affected area. TOPAZ does not require incisions or stitches and although you may be required to wear a surgical boot for up to one week, walking during recovery is permitted.
After TOPAZ Coblation therapy you may experience increased pain or discomfort. Stretching and icing can alleviate this pain and hasten recovery. TOPAZ Coblation for plantar fasciitis boasts a success rate of about 80%.
TOPAZ Coblation To Address Plantar Fasciitis in NYC
Often heel pain from plantar fasciitis can be treated at home with ice therapy and stretching or by your podiatrist with physical therapy, orthotics, splinting, injections, or a combined treatment strategy. But when plantar fasciitis pain persists and does not respond to conservative treatments, TOPAZ Coblation is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatment option. Explore your options for heel pain relief at To Healthy Feet today.
The team of foot doctors at To Healthy Feet in Manhattan can expertly assess your heel pain, diagnose plantar fasciitis, determine if you have high arches, and develop a personalized treatment strategy based on the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your goals for treatment. We provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive foot and ankle care and have the tools and technologies necessary to provide a variety of tailored treatment approaches including regenerative medicine, conservative interventions, and even minimally invasive surgery (when needed) at each of our Manhattan Podiatry Clinics. If you are experiencing heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or any other foot or ankle condition pain, call To Healthy Feet Podiatry at 1-917-398-3668 or fill out the contact form to book your appointment at our Upper East Side, Times Square, Midtown Grand Central, or Downtown Wall Street locations today.
FAQ
Q: Can I treat plantar fasciitis by myself?
A: It is best to go see a podiatrist, even if you think your case is minor. You can, however, do some things to reduce heel pain including wearing more supportive shoes, stretching your arches, and frequent ice treatment to the affected area.
Q: How long does it take to heal from plantar fasciitis microsurgery?
A: For TENEX, TOPAZ Coblation Therapy, or EPF, there will be a 1 week recovery period that will require a walking boot. After this, normal activity can resume.
Q: Why does my plantar fasciitis seem to flare up in the morning?
A: When your foot is in a relaxed position while you sleep, it causes the tissues of the plantar fascia to contract and when you wake up and take those first steps the tissue stretches and this causes the pain you feel.
