Getting My Foot Fixed

PRP Injections Are An Option To Consider For Your Plantar Fasciitis Pain

If your plantar fasciitis has lasted for months, you might want to talk to your podiatrist about PRP injections. These injections are used to heal injuries, and they're sometimes being used to treat plantar fasciitis that doesn't heal with other treatments. Here's how these injections work as a plantar fasciitis treatment.

The Platelet-Rich Plasma Comes From Your Blood

This treatment is considered safe since the platelets are taken from your own blood, and you have the blood drawn right before the plasma is injected. You don't have to worry about diseases from donor blood. First, your blood is spun in a centrifuge to break apart its components. Then, the platelets and plasma are saved and used for the injections. These components of your blood contain growth factors that stimulate the growth of new tissue.

The PRP Is Injected In Your Foot

The podiatrist numbs the area around your heel that will receive the injection so the process isn't too painful. Multiple injections are usually done to stimulate growth over a wide area. The podiatrist may use an ultrasound to visualize the fascia in your foot so the injections are precise.

Once you've received the injections, the podiatrist might have you wear a boot that stabilizes your ankle and foot. You'll probably be able to bear weight and walk using the boot right away if your pain tolerance allows it.

The Injections Cause Inflammation

PRP injections work by triggering an inflammatory response in your fascia. This causes your body to start repairing and rebuilding tissue. While inflammation is usually not considered a good thing, in this case, it is, and you don't want to do anything that interferes with it. For instance, your podiatrist might tell you to avoid treatments that reduce inflammation such as taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers.

A Repeat Treatment Could Be Needed

It takes time to see results from PRP injections, but if you don't get complete relief from heel pain within the expected time, your podiatrist might recommend another round of injections. However, a single treatment session may be all you need to get relief from your plantar fasciitis pain.

PRP injections are just one type of plantar fasciitis treatment. Your podiatrist has other options to consider, such as shockwave therapy, splints, and orthotics. Your plantar fasciitis may heal on its own with time and rest, but when the pain lasts many months and interferes with your daily life, it may be time to start looking for options that promote healing and that provide long-lasting relief from pain.


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