“I wish government funding and other programs covered more of these types of treatments. It’s frustrating that drugs and surgery are often the only options people have,” says Toronto resident Michelle Crispe.
The 45-year-old mother and athlete sought treatment at Eterna Health in Mississauga, Ontario, for chronic foot pain.
“I work in construction, so I’m on my feet all the time. Between my job and competitive sports—I compete in javelin at the world level in the masters division—it became increasingly difficult to do my work without experiencing debilitating pain afterward,” she explains.
Michelle’s struggle with plantar fasciitis dates back more than 20 years, stemming from her time playing basketball in university. While she managed the condition for years through mobility exercises, strength training, and rehabilitation, her symptoms became unmanageable about a year and a half ago.
“When you’re involved in competitive sports, injuries are part of the game,” says Michelle. “But trying so many treatments without success felt hopeless and incredibly frustrating.”
At her trainer’s recommendation, Michelle sought care at Eterna Health. Dr. David Smith, Eterna’s lead regenerative physician at the Mississauga clinic, performed a comprehensive ultrasound examination. He discovered that Michelle’s left plantar fascia was three times thicker than the right and had multiple tears.
“Michelle underwent a targeted regenerative treatment plan for severe plantar fasciitis. This included advanced PRP (platelet-rich plasma) formulations, adjunct therapies, and focused follow-up care,” explains Dr. Smith.
Three months after completing her rehabilitation, Michelle was pain-free.
“Not being in pain 24/7 is amazing. I have so much more confidence now,” she says. “In my training and during ball throws, I feel no pain. I’m incredibly happy with the results.”
“This case highlights the effectiveness of high-dose PRP combined with specialized adjunct therapies in treating chronic musculoskeletal conditions,” adds Dr. Smith.
“It’s a shame that most people don’t know about these treatments. I’ve already told everyone I know,” says Michelle.
Thank you Michelle for trusting us on your health journey!
