Plantar Fasciitis

Regenerative medicine & pain doctor for lake oswego & greater portland

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Lake Oswego, OR

Plantar fasciitis can make the first steps of the day feel sharp, stiff, or painful. For some patients, the pain eases once they start moving. For others, it returns after standing, walking, exercising, traveling, or spending time on hard surfaces.

At Maple Medical in Lake Oswego, we help patients explore thoughtful, non-surgical options for plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain. Your symptoms may be related to irritation of the plantar fascia, tissue thickening, overuse, calf tightness, foot mechanics, activity demands, footwear, heel spurs, or another non-spine musculoskeletal issue.

The goal is to understand why your heel pain keeps returning and whether shockwave therapy, PRP therapy, EMTT, image-guided care, recovery guidance, or another non-surgical option may be appropriate.

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Why Plantar Fasciitis Can Be So Frustrating

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot and helps absorb stress during walking, standing, and activity. When this tissue becomes irritated or overloaded, it can cause pain near the heel or along the bottom of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is especially frustrating because it affects something you cannot easily avoid: walking. Rest may help for a short time, but symptoms can return as soon as normal activity increases again.

For active adults, heel pain can interfere with hiking, running, golf, pickleball, workouts, work, travel, errands, and everyday movement. When symptoms last for weeks or months, a more targeted plan may be needed.

 

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

You may want to schedule a consultation if heel pain is affecting:

  • First steps in the morning
  • Walking after sitting or resting
  • Standing for long periods
  • Exercise, running, hiking, golf, or sports
  • Work that requires time on your feet
  • Travel or daily errands
  • Walking barefoot or on hard surfaces
  • Comfort in certain shoes
  • Activity that feels fine at first but causes pain later
  • Symptoms that have not improved as expected with stretching, inserts, rest, medication, or basic care

Some patients come to Maple Medical with a clear plantar fasciitis diagnosis. Others are not sure whether their heel pain is coming from the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, heel spur, calf tightness, foot mechanics, or another issue. A consultation can help clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms.

 

Why Heel Pain Keeps Coming Back

Heel pain can persist when the plantar fascia is repeatedly stressed without enough recovery. Over time, the tissue may become irritated, thickened, or less tolerant of normal activity.

Several factors may contribute to recurring plantar fasciitis, including:

  • Sudden increases in walking, running, or training
  • Long periods of standing
  • Calf tightness or limited ankle mobility
  • Footwear that does not support your activity needs
  • Changes in foot mechanics
  • Heel spurs or bony irritation
  • Prior injury or incomplete recovery
  • Activity patterns that continue to overload the tissue
  • Pain that improves temporarily but returns with movement

The right plan should look beyond the painful spot alone. It should consider the tissue, the activity demands, the foot and ankle mechanics, and what you need to get back to doing.

 

Plantar Fascia, Achilles, and Calf Tightness

Heel pain is not always isolated to the plantar fascia. The calf, Achilles tendon, ankle mobility, and foot mechanics can all influence how much stress is placed on the bottom of the foot.

Some patients feel pain directly under the heel. Others notice arch discomfort, Achilles tightness, or pain that changes with activity. These overlapping patterns can make it difficult to know what is actually driving the problem.

At Maple Medical, Dr. Blatz can help evaluate whether your symptoms appear consistent with plantar fasciitis, another tendon or soft tissue concern, or a condition that may require a different type of care.

 

How Maple Medical Evaluates Plantar Fasciitis

At Maple Medical, plantar fasciitis care begins with understanding the pattern of your heel pain.

Dr. Blatz will review your symptoms, activity level, footwear history, previous care, imaging history, medical history, and goals. He may also evaluate areas of tenderness, ankle mobility, calf tightness, gait patterns, and how your symptoms respond to certain activities or positions.

When appropriate, ultrasound may be used to support evaluation, treatment planning, or image-guided care. If you already have imaging, reports, records, or notes from previous treatment, those materials can help support a more complete conversation.

The goal is to determine whether your plantar fasciitis may fit a regenerative medicine, energy-based therapy, minimally invasive treatment, or coordinated recovery plan.

 

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

Your treatment plan depends on your consultation and evaluation. Maple Medical may recommend one therapy or a coordinated plan depending on your condition, goals, and clinical needs.

 

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic energy to stimulate tissue response in targeted areas. It may be considered for certain plantar fascia, tendon, or soft tissue concerns, especially when symptoms have not improved as expected with basic care.

 

PRP Therapy

PRP therapy uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood. It may be considered for certain plantar fascia or soft tissue concerns when a targeted regenerative option is appropriate.

 

EMTT

EMTT, or electromagnetic transduction therapy, is a non-invasive energy-based treatment that may be used as part of a broader musculoskeletal recovery plan.

 

Tenex / TenJet

For select chronic soft tissue or tendon-related concerns, Dr. Blatz may discuss minimally invasive options such as Tenex or TenJet when appropriate. The right recommendation depends on the tissue involved and your evaluation.

 

Image-Guided Care

When appropriate, imaging guidance may be used to help support treatment planning or guide certain procedures with greater precision.

 

Physical Therapy Coordination

Plantar fasciitis recovery may involve more than treating the painful area. Strength, mobility, calf flexibility, foot mechanics, and gradual return to activity can all play a role. Maple Medical may coordinate with physical therapists or work alongside your current provider when appropriate.

 

Footwear, Orthotics, and Activity Guidance

Depending on your symptoms and history, your plan may include guidance around footwear, orthotics, stretching, activity modification, or return-to-activity pacing. These details can help reduce repeated irritation while your treatment plan is underway.

 

At-Home Support

Depending on your treatment plan, Dr. Blatz may recommend at-home red light therapy, activity guidance, follow-up care, or maintenance recommendations to support your overall recovery plan.

 

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your consultation is designed to help you better understand your heel pain and the options that may fit your needs.

Dr. Blatz will discuss your symptoms, prior care, activity goals, medical history, footwear history, and any imaging or records you provide. If shockwave therapy, PRP therapy, EMTT, Tenex, TenJet, or another non-surgical option may be appropriate, he will explain why that treatment may fit your condition and what the process may involve.

If another type of care is a better fit, he will guide you honestly.

Many regenerative medicine treatments are not covered by insurance. Our team will review expected costs before treatment begins.

 

Plantar Fasciitis Care in Lake Oswego and the Portland Area

Maple Medical is located in Lake Oswego and serves patients from Portland and nearby communities who are looking for a more personalized, non-surgical approach to heel pain.

Patients often come to Maple Medical because plantar fasciitis is keeping them from walking comfortably, staying active, exercising, working, traveling, or enjoying everyday movement without thinking about every step.

 

Take the Next Step

If plantar fasciitis or chronic heel pain is limiting your movement, activity, work, or quality of life, Maple Medical can help you explore your options with a personalized consultation.

Our Lake Oswego team will help you better understand what may be contributing to your heel pain and whether shockwave therapy, PRP therapy, EMTT, image-guided care, or another non-surgical option may be appropriate for your needs.

answers to your Questions

FAQs About Plantar Fasciitis

What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis may be related to irritation or overload of the plantar fascia. Contributing factors may include calf tightness, footwear, foot mechanics, increased activity, long periods of standing, heel spurs, prior injury, or incomplete recovery.
Many patients feel the most pain with their first steps after rest because the plantar fascia can become stiff and sensitive when it has not been loaded for several hours. The pain may ease with movement, then return after activity or prolonged standing.
You may want to schedule a consultation if heel pain has lasted for weeks, keeps returning, affects walking or standing, limits exercise, or has not improved as expected with stretching, inserts, rest, medication, or basic care.
Depending on your evaluation, treatment options may include shockwave therapy, PRP therapy, EMTT, image-guided care, physical therapy coordination, at-home red light therapy, footwear or orthotic guidance, activity modification, follow-up care, or other supportive recommendations.
If you already have imaging, reports, records, or notes from previous care, please bring them with you or ask our team how to share them before your visit. If you do not have imaging, Dr. Blatz can help you understand what next steps may make sense after learning more about your symptoms.

Moving You Toward Pain Relief & Recovery

get back to doing what you love. Our Role Is to Guide You There.

01

Book a Consultation

Schedule a convenient time to visit our Lake Oswego, OR office, just 15-min South of Portland, to meet with Dr. Blatz and our care team.

02

Understanding Your Needs

Dr. Blatz takes the time to listen and understand your goals, ensuring that your care begins with a clear picture of your health and desired outcomes.

03

Comprehensive Planning

Your treatment goes beyond a single procedure. Combining orthobiologic and shockwave therapies, Dr. Blatz addresses your pain and promotes recovery holistically.

04

Supportive Partnerships

In collaboration with physical therapists and other specialists, your plan includes ongoing support to strengthen your recovery and optimize results.

05

Lasting Results

Your care doesn’t end with treatment. Through follow-ups and maintenance, Dr. Blatz ensures you continue to thrive, supporting long-term wellness with a focus on prevention and strength.
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Meet the doctor

DR. BRICE BLATZ

Dr. Brice Blatz is a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine with more than a decade of experience in non-surgical pain relief, regenerative medicine, and musculoskeletal care. He serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Sports Medicine at Stanford University, where he helps train the next generation of physicians in advanced ultrasound, orthobiologics, and image-guided treatment techniques.

As President of the American Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment and core faculty for The Orthobiologic Institute, Dr. Blatz is recognized as a leader in regenerative and energy-based therapies, including focused and radial shockwave, PRP, stem cell treatments, and ultrasound-guided procedures.

Inspired by a long-held dream to bring personalized, innovative care to Lake Oswego, he founded Maple Medical as a boutique medical experience where advanced medicine, compassion, and patient empowerment come together to address pain, restore function, and support lasting wellness.

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John Swan
10 days ago
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Dr. Blatz listens to his patients and is thorough in his analysis. Those are hard to find qualities in my experience with healthcare.
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dorine bright
49 days ago
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I have used Dr. Blatz several times since 2021 for knee, SI joint, and most recently for tears in my shoulder. I have had PRP with stem cell injections, shock wave and EMTT therapy. I live in SW Washington yet the drive to Lake Oswego is not a problem for me since I have full trust in Dr. Blatz's work. The team at Maple Medical is excellent in my opinion. Cole is responsive to every message- Annee is superb at shockwave therapy focusing on patient comfort yet accomplishing goals specific to therapy needs. Lexi also put me at ease with my procedure and works seamlessly with Dr. Blatz. I consider Dr. Blatz to be an important part of my medical care team along with his staff. In conversations with other people, I have heard various results about experiences in offices that would be closer to my area that provide these services. It has been my experience that Dr. Blatz spends the time with you to answer your questions even throughout the procedure! His knowledge of PRP and his love of his work is evident. I have had excellent results from Dr. Blatz and his team and will continue to use them if the need arises.
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Debbie Lampson
58 days ago
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Mary Fox
106 days ago
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Dr. Blatz has given me the best chance to live my life pain free and with the ability to physically do the things I haven’t been able to. He is extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind. I am grateful for all the information he provided when asked, from literature to detailed explanations. I felt so grateful to have found a provider for my condition who is such an expert in his field along with an attentive, caring bedside manner. His entire office staff is just as caring. They are all knowledgeable and excellent at what they do. The connections with each felt personal and the level of communication so reassuring.
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Charlene McCarthy
121 days ago
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I had a stem cell procedure done by Dr. Blatz on one of my knees. Long story short, I had a long history of degenerative issues. I had done lots of PT, am too young for certain other interventions, but it still continued to worsen. After the procedure done by Dr. Blatz, I was able to do simple things like sit and stand and walk on stairs with no pain in my knee (this was after having nearly 10 years of pain). Not only that, but he knew my goals of keeping up certain activities and I progressed back into those activities as he said I would. Having Dr. Blatz do that procedure was 100% the best decision. He and his staff also closely monitored my recovery and rehab. Also, at this point, I think I have interacted with everyone at his office. They are all great. His office is very responsive. He fit me in same day recently on very short notice for an unrelated new injury, and he got the MRI I needed very quickly and the appropriate referrals that I needed. Also, the shockwave treatment they do was great at reducing pain levels for me during recovery.
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Amy Fleming
164 days ago
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I’ve had a great experience with Maple Medical and Dr. Blatz. He is extremely thorough in his assessments and takes the time to really understand the root cause of injuries rather than just treating symptoms. I have used shockwave and EMTT treatments and have had excellent results for recovery and pain improvement. His knowledge, attention to detail, and personalized approach really stands out. Highly recommend for anyone looking for thoughtful, cutting-edge care focused on recovery and long-term healing.
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Mike Doolin
183 days ago
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I am a professional guitarist. I was unable to play guitar for 15 months due to an injury to my left wrist. I had seen many other doctors and therapists, from chiropractors to acupuncturists to orthopedic surgeons, and nobody could treat my wrist injury. I found Dr Blatz by searching for PRP therapy. He treated my wrist, and in 4 weeks the injury was healed. It's been 2-1/2 years now and I've been playing guitar regularly again all that time without pain. Dr Blatz restored my music career!
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tracy coultas
183 days ago
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Maple Medical is the definition of concierge patient care. Cutting edge science meets Every member of the team truly cares about your wellness and treats you with compassion. I had stem cell treatment with Dr Blatz and continue my care with Annee for ESWT and EMTT. I have increased mobility, decreased pain, and improved posture. I cannot say enough nice things about the whole team. Schedule a consultation and see for yourself. It’s evident from the first meeting that you made the right choice.
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Tyler King
259 days ago
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Brice and his team are outstanding. They've helped me get clarity on several injury related issues and provided shockwave therapy that noticeably improved my recovery. Professional, knowledgeable, and results driven. I'm very grateful for their care.
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Bob Lewicki
281 days ago
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My experience with Maple Medical has been great. The front desk folks, Cole & Lexi, are uniformly helpful.......Dr Blatz has been a wonderful ally. He doesn't over-promise and is realistic in our conversations. He has explained that my condition is a stubborn one (Don't I know it!) but from the start told me he believed they could help me and they have. He also is very positive and good humored. The condition has been with me for years so you don't get overnight success and I have had to be patient and now am seeing positive results....... Annee is my clinician and performs the shockwave treatment. She has been very professional and approachable at the same time. Some days it's not a walk in the park but the discomfort is fleeting. For instance, I drive to and from my appointments with no problem and the condition is in my foot. Professional, smart, honest, people is a great place to start. I am now back walking at a pace and distances that is very satisfying and am encouraged that it will continue on a positive trajectory.