If you’ve been dealing with stubborn heel pain, you’ve probably heard the term plantar fasciitis more than once. Most people assume that all heel pain comes from inflammation—but that’s not always true. In fact, many patients are dealing with something different: plantar fasciosis, a condition that looks similar but behaves very differently. Understanding the difference can be the key to finally getting relief.
Plantar Fasciitis: When the Tissue Is Inflamed
Plantar fasciitis happens when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed.
How it feels: You may notice sharp pain in your heel when you get out of bed or after sitting for a while. The pain often eases once you start moving.
Common triggers include:
- Overuse or sudden increases in activity
- Wearing shoes without proper support
- Tight calf muscles
Because inflammation is the main problem, treatments like rest, ice, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications often help.
Plantar Fasciosis: When the Tissue Is Worn Down, Not Inflamed
Plantar fasciosis is different. Instead of inflammation, the issue is gradual breakdown of the plantar fascia. The tissue becomes weakened and struggles to heal properly.
How it feels: Long-lasting heel pain that doesn’t improve with typical plantar fasciitis treatments. Many patients say, “I’ve tried everything, and nothing has worked.”
Why it happens:
- Long-term stress on the foot
- Poor walking mechanics
- Weak stabilizing muscles
- Reduced blood flow to the area
Because the issue is degeneration, not inflammation, things like anti-inflammatories or steroid injections often fail to bring relief. The tissue needs repair, not suppression.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
If fasciosis is treated as fasciitis, healing often stalls. The wrong treatment approach can prolong your pain. An accurate diagnosis ensures you get a care plan that matches what’s actually happening inside your foot.
Finding the Root Cause: Biomechanical Assessment
A biomechanical assessment helps determine why your plantar fascia is under stress. This evaluation may look at:
- How you walk, stand, or run
- The shape and height of your arches
- How your hips, knees, and ankles work together
- Muscle imbalances or weaknesses
These insights help your provider create a personalized plan with exercises, footwear recommendations, and targeted therapies that reduce strain and support healing.
Regenerative Treatments That Help Fasciosis Heal
Since fasciosis involves tissue breakdown, regenerative therapies focus on rebuilding and restoring the fascia.
- Class IV Laser Therapy: Improves circulation, reduces pain, and promotes tissue repair.
- Peptide Therapy: Supports your body’s natural healing processes.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Helps repair and regenerate damaged tissue.
- Lifestyle Support: Proper nutrition, sleep, stress management, and activity adjustments help the fascia recover more effectively.
The Bottom Line
If your heel pain won’t go away—or keeps returning—it may be more than plantar fasciitis. You could be dealing with plantar fasciosis, which requires a different treatment approach. Healing begins with the right diagnosis, a deeper look at your body mechanics, and therapies designed to restore tissue health. You don’t have to live with chronic heel pain—there are effective solutions once you know what you’re dealing with. Contact us today to make an appointment.