In this solo episode, Dr. Emily Splichal breaks down one of the most stubborn and misunderstood conditions in foot health — plantar fasciitis.
If you've ever woken up with stabbing heel pain or felt defeated by chronic inflammation that won't go away, this episode is your roadmap to lasting relief. Dr. Emily reveals how plantar fasciitis develops, what's actually happening in your fascia on a microscopic level, and why most treatment approaches miss the root cause.
You'll learn her step-by-step, regenerative approach to getting patients out of pain for good — from the "Put Out the Fire" protocol to cutting-edge growth factor injections — all grounded in functional movement, tissue science, and self-recovery.
This is more than a conversation about heel pain. It's a masterclass in understanding your body's intelligence to heal itself — when you know how to support it.
Key Takeaways
- The anatomy decoded: What your plantar fascia actually does — and how microtears lead to pain.
- "Put Out the Fire" Protocol: Dr. Emily's four-step system for healing acute and chronic heel pain.
- Regenerative Medicine 101: How growth factor injections repair damaged tissue from the inside out.
- Tissue Stress Theory: Why overuse, not inflammation, is the real driver of chronic injury.
- 💪 The Functional Foot Protocol: How to rebuild foot strength, circulation, and resilience — for life.
Episode Highlights
- The real science of plantar fasciitis — collagen types, tissue remodeling, and why scar tissue isn't strength.
- How teachers, nurses, and runners can manage high daily stress loads on their feet.
- Why your fascia's "stickiness" after rest causes that sharp morning pain.
- When to know it's time for regenerative treatment — and how it heals tissue naturally.
- The role of red light therapy, systemic enzymes, and sensory stimulation in the recovery process.
- Why surgery should always be the last resort — and what to do instead.
Resources & Links
- Website: thefunctionalfootdoc.com
- Instagram: @thefunctionalfootdoc
- NOBOSO Sensory Tools: noboso.com
- Red Light Therapy: redlighttherapy.com
- Functional Foot Consultation: dremilysplichal.com/contact
