Medically reviewed by Derek Wimmer, PA Updated
Plantar fasciitis is irritation and degeneration of the plantar fascia — the band of tissue supporting the arch — and is the most common cause of heel pain, classically worst with the first steps of the morning. At Wimmer it is treated non-surgically using Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, and image-guided injections among the options, and focused shockwave therapy, which is among the best-studied non-surgical choices for the heel.
| What it is | Irritation of the arch's support band |
|---|---|
| Classic sign | First-step morning heel pain |
| Key options | Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, injections |
| Also used | Focused shockwave therapy |
Common causes & symptoms
- Stabbing heel pain with the first steps of the morning
- Pain that eases as you warm up, then returns after rest
- Heel and arch soreness after walking the beach, golf, or pickleball
- Tenderness where the heel meets the arch
- Months of stretching, inserts, and ice without lasting relief
When to seek care
If heel pain is limiting your activity, lingering for more than a couple of weeks, waking you at night, or causing swelling or instability, it's worth a proper evaluation. Early, accurate assessment often opens up more — and less invasive — options.
How we evaluate it
Your visit begins with an in-office evaluation, with imaging — ultrasound or fluoroscopy — when it's needed, so we can see the area clearly. Occasionally we'll arrange additional imaging elsewhere. From there, Derek builds a personalized, honest plan — and walks you through the options for your situation.
Non-surgical options we may consider
- Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells — an umbilical-derived allograft for the affected fascia or tendon, an emerging non-surgical option offered with honest counsel
- PRP — image-guided platelet-rich plasma for persistent cases
- Peptides — targeted peptides such as BPC-157 to support recovery and tissue resilience
- Injections — precision when targeted relief is appropriate
- Focused shockwave therapy — among the best-studied non-surgical options for the heel, targeting the fascia directly
- Footwear & activity guidance — to protect the result long-term
Keeping you active
For golfers, pickleball and tennis players, boaters, and active retirees, the goal isn't just less pain — it's getting back to the life you love and staying there. That's the heart of how we plan your care.
Terms to know
- PRP
- Platelet-rich plasma, prepared from a patient's own blood to concentrate platelets for an injection.
- Focused shockwave
- A non-surgical treatment that directs acoustic waves to a selected tissue area.
- Ultrasound
- Imaging that uses sound waves to show soft tissue and guide selected procedures.
