A plantar fasciitis is an inflammation and pain condition that affects the bottom of the heel. It affects people of all ages and activity levels, but it can be especially frustrating for runners, walkers, and other active individuals. In addition to making your daily life difficult, plantar fasciitis can interfere with your everyday activities as well.
It is possible that you have tried ice, rest, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, orthotics, or cortisone injections to treat plantar fasciitis. These treatments, however, may not provide lasting relief or address the root cause of your condition. If you use the traditional fee-for-service model, you may also experience long wait times, high deductibles, copays, or coinsurance, as well as limited time with your doctor.
Plantar fasciitis can be managed better with direct primary care (DPC). Direct primary care is a health care model that allows you to deal directly with your primary care provider, rather than going through an insurance company.
DPC is a service where you get unlimited access to your doctor, personalized care, and lower costs in exchange for paying a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee. Here are some of its benefits for plantar fasciitis patients:
You get more time with your doctor with DPC because your doctor has fewer patients and has more time to spend with you. You get longer appointments, same-day or next-day visits, and 24-hour access to your doctor via phone, email, or video chat. As a result, you will receive more attention, education, and guidance from your doctor, who will help you understand your condition, monitor your progress, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
The doctor will be able to customize your care based on your specific needs and preferences in DPC. Whether it is physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, or another modality, you can work with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for plantar fasciitis. The health and wellness of your body can also be improved through preventive care, lifestyle counseling, and chronic disease management.
In DPC, you won't have to pay any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for primary care services. Therefore, you can save money on your health care expenses. Additional services, such as labs, imaging, and medications, are priced transparently and affordably. You can use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for your DPC membership fee, which is tax deductible. To cover major medical expenses outside of your primary care, you can pair your DPC membership with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or a health care sharing ministry (HCSM).
If you are interested in joining a DPC practice, you can search for one near you on the DPCare website. You can also ask your current doctor if they offer DPC or are willing to switch to this model. Once you find a DPC practice that suits your needs, you can sign up for a membership and enjoy the benefits of DPC.
Your doctor will evaluate your condition thoroughly, including your medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests, as a DPC member. You will receive personalized plantar fasciitis management from your doctor. You will then work with your doctor to create a customized treatment plan, which may include some or all of the following:
Exercises and stretches to strengthen and stretch your plantar fascia, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon
Massage, acupuncture, or other therapies to reduce pain and inflammation and improve blood flow and healing
Orthotics, night splints, or other devices to support your arch and reduce stress on your plantar fascia
Medications, such as anti-inflammatories, analgesics, or corticosteroids, to relieve pain and inflammation
Injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells, to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair
Surgery, in rare cases, to release the plantar fascia from the heel bone
Your doctor will also provide you with preventive care and lifestyle advice to help you avoid future episodes of plantar fasciitis. This may include:
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet
Wearing shoes that fit well and provide adequate cushioning and support for your feet
Avoiding walking or running on hard or uneven surfaces
Warming up and cooling down before and after exercise
Resting and icing your feet when they are sore or swollen
In addition to monitoring your symptoms and evaluating your response to treatment, your doctor will also be your advocate if you have any questions or concerns about your condition. Your doctor will be your partner and advocate throughout your plantar fasciitis journey.
Although plantar fasciitis can be debilitating and painful, it doesn't have to stop you from living your life. With DPC, you can get the care you need and deserve to manage your plantar fasciitis and improve your quality of life. With DPC, you can spend more time with your doctor, receive more personalized care, and save money.
As Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said,
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”
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