Plantar Fasciitis Treatment & Relief in Brighton, MI

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and one of the most frequently treated conditions at Brighton Foot & Ankle. It results from inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. Think of it like a bow and arrow: the bony structure of the foot forms the bow, and the plantar fascia acts as the bowstring, keeping the arch intact as you step and preventing the bones from flattening out completely.

Individuals with a high or low foot arch may be more prone to plantar fasciitis since abnormal foot structure changes how pressure is distributed throughout the foot. Tight calf muscles are also a common contributing factor — when the muscles in the back of the leg are too tight, the foot cannot extend upward properly during walking, creating excess strain on the plantar fascia.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatments are effective for about 90% of patients. Dr. Castelein typically begins with a combination of the following:

Custom Orthotics:

Custom orthotics reduce tension on the plantar fascia by holding the foot in its neutral position and providing proper arch support. Less stress on the fascia means faster recovery and reduced risk of future damage.

Home Stretching Exercises:

Tight calf muscles are a major contributor to plantar fasciitis pain. Dr. Castelein prescribes specific at-home stretches to relieve tension and prevent recurrence — stretching is one of the most important parts of the treatment plan.

Physical Therapy:

In some cases, Dr. Castelein may suggest the use of formal physical therapy up to three times per week for a period of six weeks. During this time, a physical therapist will focus on stretching and strengthening the calf muscles. They will also incorporate other specialized methods to decrease swelling and inflammation in the plantar fascia.

Cortisone Injections:

When needed, cortisone injections are administered directly into the plantar fascia to rapidly reduce inflammation and pain. Typically done in a series of three, they provide fast relief while orthotics and stretching work on long-term support and healing.

In rare cases where conservative treatment has not provided relief after an appropriate course of care, Dr. Castelein offers two minimally invasive surgical options. Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and aim to reduce tension on the plantar fascia and calf muscles, allowing the foot and ankle to achieve full range of motion and return to pre-injury activities.

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF):

During an EPF small incisions are made to the side of the foot to allow a camera and specialized instrument to be inserted. A small cut is then made across the medial band of the plantar fascia to release it from its insertion point while leaving the lateral band intact so the fascia can continue to function. This procedure reduces mechanical stress and tension across the plantar fascia. Most patients report significant improvement shortly after surgery and are left weight bearing in a CAM boot or short leg cast before transitioning to normal shoe wear. The procedure has a 90% success rate.

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession (EGR):

The EGR lengthens the tight calf muscles that contribute to plantar fascia pain and can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with an EPF. Through small incisions in the back of the leg, Dr. Castelein uses a camera to locate and release the outermost layer of the gastrocnemius muscle. This additional length to the calf muscles allows the foot to adequately dorsiflex during normal gait, reducing plantar pressure that can contribute to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other forefoot conditions. Recovery involves wearing a surgical boot for approximately four weeks. Physical therapy may be used as needed to regain flexibility and restore pre-injury strength and range of motion.

Related Services

Plantar fasciitis is very treatable — most patients find relief without surgery. Book online or call us today for an evaluation.

Julie

I'm so happy to have found Brighton Foot And Ankle in Brighton. The office staff and assistant are very pleasant. Dr. Bryant Castelein is a great knowledgeable Dr. Who has eased my worry over my medical condition. Plus he's handsome. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone needing podiatry help.

Amy

What great people to help you! From receptionist to doctor, they are top notch! You would not regret going here for any of your foot/ankle problems, they will fix you up with the utmost care and compassion.

Yo K

Dr. Castelein and staff were friendly, knowledgeable , efficient and took the time to get to know me and understand my medical needs. I would not hesitate to go to Brighton Foot & Ankle. They go out of their way to treat their patients like family.

Robert

Dr. Castelein is great; he is very nice, patient, and professional. His staff is also excellent and friendly. It's only been about three hours since having my big toenail removed and, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, there is very little pain(sometimes I completely forget about it); he did an excellent job. Overall, I am very impressed with Dr. Casteleins Practice and I would highly recommend his office.

Joseph

Doctor & staff were so professional, friendly & efficient. I had a high risk condition that they expertly guided me through 5 months of healing. Thankfully a full recovery. I give them my best recommendation.

Lexi

Very friendly and accommodating front desk staff. Dr. Castelein and Jennifer always take their time and do an amazing job! Great variety of quick pick up over the counter products that are always affordable too. Best experience I have had at an office.

Christena

Dr. Castelein is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his field. During my visit he did a great job explaining my situation and was very encouraging of any questions. I never felt rushed and I believe to have received the best care possible. Highly recommend this doctor and this facility.

Nicole C

Excellent staff and exceptional doctor. I went in with Bunion issues. Dr. Castelein listened to my concerns and addressed my options. 4 days post-op bunion surgery I can say he did an amazing job. Best experience I have ever had. I would definitely recommend; I promise you won't look further.

Ashley

The staff and Dr. Castelein are all amazing. They are polite and very respectful. I came to see them in 2019 for bunion and hammer toe issues among some others. Dr. Castelein and his assistant listened to my concerns and gave me my options. He explained everything to me in detail and all my questions were answered.. I have seen other podiatrists and he is beyond the best. I would recommend him to anyone.

Alex

Friendly staff and intelligent doctor! I went in for some ankle X-rays and was given a great strategy on the different ways to heal my ankle, and how to progress forward if less invasive treatment doesn't help. I would highly recommend them to anyone with foot or ankle problems!