A local injection for plantar fasciitis is a procedure that involves injecting medicine into the inflamed tissue of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can affect your daily activities and quality of life.
Different types of medicines can be used for a local injection for plantar fasciitis, such as:
Steroids: These are anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce swelling and pain in the plantar fascia. Steroids can provide temporary relief, but they have some risks and side effects, such as weakening the plantar fascia and possibly causing it to rupture.
Anesthetics: These are numbing drugs that can block the pain signals from the plantar fascia. Anesthetics can be used alone or in combination with steroids to provide immediate relief. However, anesthetics do not treat the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis and their effect wears off after a few hours.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): This is a substance obtained from the patient’s blood that contains growth factors and other substances that can promote tissue healing and regeneration. PRP can be injected into the plantar fascia to stimulate its natural repair process and reduce inflammation. PRP is considered a safe and effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis that does not respond to other measures.
A local injection for plantar fasciitis is usually performed by a doctor or a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, a podiatrist, or a sports medicine physician. The procedure can be done in a clinical setting, and it usually takes less than 15 minutes. The steps of the procedure are as follows:
The doctor will examine the foot and identify the most painful area of the plantar fascia.
They may also use an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis and locate the exact site of inflammation.
The doctor will clean and sterilize the skin over the injection site with an antiseptic solution. They may also apply a topical anesthetic cream or spray to numb the skin surface.
The doctor will insert a thin needle through the skin and into the plantar fascia. They will inject the medicine slowly and carefully, avoiding any blood vessels or nerves. They may also use an ultrasound device to guide the needle placement and ensure accurate delivery of the medicine.
The doctor will withdraw the needle and apply pressure to the injection site with a sterile gauze or bandage. They may also massage or move the foot gently to distribute the medicine evenly in the plantar fascia.
The doctor will monitor the foot for any signs of bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction. They will also give some instructions on how to care for the foot after the injection, such as resting, icing, elevating, and taking painkillers if needed.
The recovery time after a local injection for plantar fasciitis varies depending on the type of medicine used and the patient’s response. Generally, you should avoid any strenuous activity or weight-bearing on your foot for at least 48 hours after the injection. The patient should also follow up with his doctor in 3 weeks to evaluate your progress and determine if he needs another injection or other treatments.
A local injection for plantar fasciitis can be an effective treatment option for some people who suffer from persistent heel pain that does not improve with other measures. However, it is not a cure for plantar fasciitis and it does not address its root causes, such as overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical problems. Therefore, it is important to combine a local injection with other conservative treatments, such as stretching, strengthening, orthotics, shockwave therapy, or physical therapy. These treatments can help prevent the recurrence of plantar fasciitis and improve your long-term outcomes.
