Understanding Chronic Plantar Fasciitis and How We Treat It
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain—and for many people, it goes away with rest, stretching, and supportive footwear. But what if it doesn’t?
If your heel pain has persisted for more than 6 months, or if it flares up with even mild activity, you may be dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis—a more advanced and stubborn condition that often needs more than basic treatment.
Let’s take a closer look at why plantar fasciitis becomes chronic, how we diagnose it, and a cutting-edge regenerative therapy we offer in our office to help you finally get lasting relief.
Why Does Plantar Fasciitis Become Chronic?
In its early stages, plantar fasciitis is simply inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of connective tissue that supports your arch and absorbs shock. But over time, that inflammation can turn into degeneration.
Here’s how it happens:
- Repetitive stress from walking, running, or standing pulls on the fascia where it attaches to the heel.
- Microtears form in the tissue, especially if the foot mechanics are faulty or the fascia is overloaded.
- The fascia fails to heal properly, leading to breakdown of collagen, disorganized tissue, and loss of elasticity.
- To make matters worse, as we age, we naturally lose collagen, which contributes to slower healing and weaker connective tissue—making chronic fasciitis more common in adults over 40.
At this point, the condition becomes less about inflammation and more about tissue degeneration—a process called fasciosis. And that’s why traditional treatments like rest or steroid shots may no longer work.
Diagnosing Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
If heel pain persists despite months of treatment, we may recommend an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of chronic heel pain.
MRI imaging helps us evaluate:
- Plantar fascia thickening (usually > 4 mm)
- Degenerative changes in the tissue
- Fluid buildup or bone marrow edema
- Partial tears in the fascia
This information allows us to create a more precise treatment plan tailored to the severity of your condition.
Advanced Regenerative Treatment: DPMx Injection
For patients with degenerative fasciosis, we offer a cutting-edge regenerative treatment: the DPMx injection. This is a minimally manipulated, DMSO-free human birth tissue allograft derived from the umbilical cord.
DPMx contains naturally occurring structural and biological components that help restore and support damaged tissue, including:
- Extracellular matrix for structural repair
- Elastin and hyaluronan to restore flexibility and hydration
- Acid mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans to aid in collagen rebuilding
- Growth factors and cytokines that encourage tissue regeneration
Unlike cortisone, which only reduces inflammation, DPMx helps support true healing at the cellular level.
Immobilization: Supporting the Healing Process
To maximize the effects of the injection, we often recommend a period of immobilization in a walking boot following treatment. This helps reduce mechanical strain on the fascia and allows the allograft to integrate more effectively into the tissue.
Ready for a New Approach?
Chronic heel pain isn’t something you just have to “live with.” At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we offer solutions that go beyond the basics—addressing the root cause of degeneration and supporting true tissue repair.
Call 207-774-0028 or book online to schedule a consultation. If you’re struggling with long-term heel pain, regenerative treatment with DPMx might be the step forward your feet have been waiting for.
