Our Plantar Fasciitis Program in Wake Forest

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often developing from repetitive stress, overuse, or changes in foot mechanics. At Chiropractic Pain & Injury Center in Wake Forest, our plantar fasciitis program is designed to address the underlying factors contributing to pain and support tissue recovery using evidence-informed, non-surgical approaches.

This program may include a combination of soft tissue treatment, shockwave therapy, taping, and guided exercises based on your individual presentation.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Symptoms commonly include:

• Heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning
• Pain after prolonged standing or walking
• Tenderness along the bottom of the foot
• Stiffness that improves with movement but returns with activity

A proper evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and identify contributing factors such as foot mechanics, calf tightness, or load intolerance.

Our Approach to Treatment

At Chiropractic Pain & Injury Center in Wake Forest, treatment is focused on reducing pain while improving the function and load tolerance of the plantar fascia.

Your care plan may include:

Graston Technique®

As a certified provider of the Graston Technique, Dr. Atkinson uses specialized instruments to address soft tissue restrictions and areas of chronic irritation within the plantar fascia and surrounding structures.

This technique may help:
• Improve tissue mobility
• Reduce localized restrictions
• Support the healing process in chronic conditions

Shockwave Therapy

We utilize the advanced CuraMedix UltraPulse Shockwave system to deliver controlled acoustic pulses into the affected tissue.

Shockwave therapy may help:
• Stimulate local circulation
• Activate tissue repair processes
• Address chronic tendon and fascial irritation

This treatment is often considered when plantar fasciitis has persisted despite rest or other conservative care.

Taping Techniques

Supportive taping may be used to offload stress from the plantar fascia and provide short-term relief during daily activities.

Taping can help:
• Reduce strain on the plantar fascia
• Improve foot support during movement
• Allow irritated tissue to calm down

Corrective Exercises

Targeted exercises are used to improve flexibility, strength, and load tolerance of the foot and lower leg.

These may include:
• Calf stretching
• Plantar fascia-specific loading exercises
• Foot intrinsic muscle strengthening
• Movement and gait-related corrections

Exercises are progressed based on your tolerance and response to care.

What to Expect

Each visit is focused and efficient. Treatment sessions vary depending on the techniques used but are typically brief and targeted.

Care plans are individualized based on:
• Severity and duration of symptoms
• Tissue sensitivity
• Functional limitations
• Response to initial treatment

Some patients notice early improvement, while others require a series of visits to see meaningful change.

Why Evaluation Matters

Heel pain can have multiple contributing factors, including joint mechanics, muscle tightness, nerve involvement, and tissue overload.

A structured evaluation performed by Dr. Atkinson helps determine:
• Whether the plantar fascia is the primary source of pain
• What contributing factors need to be addressed
• Which treatments are appropriate for your condition

This ensures care is targeted, appropriate, and based on your specific presentation.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Wake Forest

Our plantar fasciitis program at Chiropractic Pain & Injury Center in Wake Forest is designed for patients experiencing persistent heel pain that has not improved with basic home care or rest.

The goal is to reduce irritation, improve tissue function, and support a return to normal activity.

Schedule an Evaluation

Persistent heel pain should be properly evaluated. If your symptoms have not improved with stretching, rest, or other conservative approaches, an evaluation can help determine the next step.

Contact Chiropractic Pain & Injury Center in Wake Forest to schedule an appointment and find out whether this plantar fasciitis program is appropriate for you.