Foot & Ankle Pain: Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Your feet and ankles bear the full weight of your body with every step - making pain in this area particularly disruptive to daily life, exercise and mobility. With 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 tendons, the foot and ankle are highly susceptible to overuse injury, degeneration and chronic inflammation.
At CellOrtho Marbella, patients with foot and ankle pain receive a specialist orthopaedic assessment, and the options, both surgical and non-surgical, are explained individually. Some patients come for a second opinion after surgery has been suggested. PRP is not a proven way to prevent surgery and is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is indicated.
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting runners, active individuals and those who spend long periods on their feet. The plantar fascia - a thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot - becomes inflamed and degenerated, causing sharp, stabbing pain with the first steps of the morning or after periods of rest.
Management may include stretching, physiotherapy, footwear changes, orthotics, medication or injections. PRP has been studied for chronic plantar fasciitis, but the evidence is mixed; suitability is decided after assessment.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendon Degeneration
Achilles tendinopathy involves chronic degeneration of the Achilles tendon - the largest tendon in the body - causing pain, stiffness and swelling at the back of the ankle and lower leg. It is common in runners, cyclists and anyone who increases activity levels rapidly. Tendinopathy involves structural changes that require assessment of loading and tendon function.
Management usually includes exercise-based rehabilitation and activity modification. Mid-portion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy are distinct forms, and evidence for PRP differs between them. A randomised trial found no benefit over placebo for chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy; suitability depends on the specific diagnosis.
Ankle Arthritis
Degenerative Joint Disease
Ankle osteoarthritis involves progressive cartilage loss in the ankle joint, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced range of motion. It frequently develops following previous ankle injuries, fractures or chronic instability. Management depends on symptoms, joint degeneration and stability, and may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medication, injections or surgery. Evidence for PRP in ankle osteoarthritis is limited; suitability requires assessment.
Ankle Sprains & Instability
Ligament Damage
Repeated ankle sprains can stretch or partially tear the lateral ankle ligaments, leading to chronic instability, persistent pain and a feeling that the ankle gives way during activity. Management may include rehabilitation, bracing, activity modification or surgery, depending on ligament damage and stability. Evidence for PRP in chronic ankle instability is limited; options are explained after assessment.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Inflammation
Flat Foot Deformity
Inflammation or degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon - the main tendon supporting the arch of the foot - leads to progressive flat foot deformity, pain along the inner ankle and difficulty standing on tiptoe. If left untreated, it can progress to significant structural foot deformity. Management depends on the stage and may include footwear changes, orthotics, rehabilitation or surgery. Evidence for PRP in this condition is limited; suitability is decided after assessment.
Peroneal Tendinopathy
Lateral Ankle Tendon Degeneration
Peroneal tendinopathy involves degeneration or inflammation of the peroneal tendons on the outer side of the ankle, causing pain, swelling and weakness - particularly during walking, running or when pushing off the foot. It is common following ankle sprains and in athletes involved in running or jumping sports. Management may include activity modification, physiotherapy, footwear changes or medication. Evidence for PRP in peroneal tendinopathy is limited; suitability is decided after assessment.
Non-Surgical Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition assessed at CellOrtho Marbella, including cases that have been resistant to conventional treatment for months or years.
Standard treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves rest, stretching, orthotics and cortisone injections. Assessment considers symptoms, footwear, activity and previous treatment. Stretching, rehabilitation and orthotics are usual first-line options. Cortisone injections may be discussed, including their risks; repeated use has been associated with plantar fascia rupture.
PRP therapy delivers concentrated platelets, prepared from your own blood, into the plantar fascia. Research on PRP for plantar fasciitis is ongoing, the evidence varies, and suitability should be assessed individually.
Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment at CellOrtho Marbella
CellOrtho treats foot and ankle conditions in Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. We see patients from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands who want a specialist assessment and second opinion. The consultation reviews symptoms, previous investigations and treatments, and the options appropriate to the diagnosis.
All treatments are performed by Dr. Arvin Yarollahi, a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology, with additional training in sports medicine and a clinical interest in regenerative medicine, licensed in Sweden, the United Kingdom and Spain. Each patient is assessed individually, and the doctor explains the treatment options.
We offer a free video consultation so you can discuss your foot or ankle condition with our medical team before committing to travel or treatment.
Options That May Be Discussed
After assessment, the doctor explains the options considered appropriate for your situation. Depending on the diagnosis, these may include:
Physiotherapy and exercise-based rehabilitation
Exercises and rehabilitation tailored to the diagnosis and individual assessment, with partner providers where appropriate.
Pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication
Medication options and their risks are discussed in relation to your medical history.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
A preparation made from a small sample of your own blood. It may be considered for some conditions after assessment; the evidence differs between conditions.
Learn moreReferral for a surgical opinion where surgery is indicated.
Surgical options may be discussed according to symptoms, examination and imaging findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment
Other conditions we treat: Back Pain · Neck Pain · Shoulder Pain · Elbow Pain · Hand & Wrist Pain · Hip Pain · Knee Pain
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Book a free video consultation with our specialist team to discuss your condition and find the right treatment plan for you.
Book a Free ConsultationMedically reviewed by Dr. Arvin Yarollahi, Specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. Last reviewed .