What is Plantar Fasciitis?
It is an inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It leads to pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It may affect both feet.
How does it occur?
The causes of plantar fasciitis are not entirely clear. Risk factors include
- overuse like exercises and standing
- obesity
- heel spurs
- high arched or flat feet
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Pain: The pain is usually most severe with the first steps after getting out of bed or following a period of rest. It reduces in intensity after a few steps.
- Swelling
- Movements are usually not restricted
How do we diagnose it?
Plantar fasciitis is usually a clinical diagnosis.
Ultrasound and X rays are done to rule out heel spur or tendon tear.
What are the treatments available?
Rest: avoid excessive walking and exercising
Hot water fomentation to the heel two to three times a day for 5 minutes.
Soft footwear : Microcellular rubber (MCP/MCR) footwear or Silicon heel cups should be worn at all times to relieve pressure on the heel.
Physiotherapy:
Ultrasound to the heels helps to reduce the inflammation and pain. It is done for a week.
Intrinsic foot exercises, plantar fascia stretching exercises and calf muscle strengthening exercises.
Medications: NSAIDs(Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) help reduce the pain and swelling around the heel.
Low dose steroids : In refractory patients, a low dose steroid in injected in the heel to reduce the inflammation and pain.
What are the recent advances in treatment?
PRP injection: It is a cell based therapy wherein the healing cells from the patient’s blood is taken and isolated by a machine and injected into the heel. It reduces the inflammation and also helps to repair the tendon.
ReGen provides a non surgical alternative to manage these injuries with the use of stem cells. We use image guidance to precisely place concentrated stem cells or platelets from your body directly where they are needed. These cells then work in the site of your injury and repair damaged tissues and achieves positive outcomes for the patient. This innovative procedure restores shoulder function and mobility and decrease pain without the need for surgery by regenerating damaged tissues. The biomechanics of the joint is not disturbed leading to excellent results and early ambulation.
You can call to address all your queries about PRP treatment and to fix an appointment.