Plantar fasciitis can be an extremely debilitating condition - it affects your daily walking habits
and can cause you pain throughout the day. But, there is hope for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
Many plantar fasciitis patients are choosing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to treat the
condition, and it is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option.
Keep reading to learn about plantar fasciitis treatments and how PRP can be used to help
soothe the symptoms of heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis: What You Need To Know
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the heel and the base of the foot. It refers to extreme
inflammation in the connective tissue between the heel bone and the toes. It is often referred to as chronic painful heel syndrome.
Plantar fasciitis sufferers typically experience the following symptoms:
Heel pain
Pain in the arch of the foot
Stiffness
Swelling of the heels
Tightness in the Achilles tendon
Those with this type of heel pain usually struggle to perform everyday tasks, such as standing
up after sleeping or sitting for long periods. Significant stabbing pains can occur when a plantar fasciitis sufferer places pressure on the affected foot.
The pain in the affected foot might be constant and may present as a sharp, dull ache. If you
suffer from this condition, you might notice that exercise can be a helpful tool for managing heel pain. However, the pain will return immediately once this exercise stops.
Understanding PRP: What It Is And How It Works
Now that you know what plantar fasciitis is, let's discuss one of the most popular treatment
routes - platelet-rich plasma therapy.
What Is PRP Therapy?
To perform PRP therapy, a doctor will draw the patient's blood to extract the plasma. This
plasma is then injected into the affected area. The plasma may help relieve the inflammatory
reaction and chronic plantar fasciitis.
The treatment works by promoting the body’s natural repair processes and may accelerate
healing. In response to tissue damage, platelets are known to release a number of growth
factors that start and support recovery. Physicians may improve the body's innate ability to heal by concentrating platelets at the site of injury.
You can also opt for a PRFM treatment, enhanced with slow-release technology for more
successful results. Unlike PRP which can potentially offer relief in minutes or hours, PRFM
treatment may provide release over several days.
What Is A PRP Treatment Like?
So, what can you expect when you visit the clinic for your PRP treatment? Here are some
pointers on what to expect during your treatment:
Your clinician may apply a numbing solution to your foot before the injection. If this is the case, you will be expected to arrive earlier for your appointment.
Or, your clinician may mix some local anesthetic with your PRP injections to relieve discomfort and numb the area.
The clinician will draw a sample of your blood, and the amount will depend on the treatment area.
This blood is then placed into a centrifuge. The machine spins the blood at a high velocity to separate the different components of the blood. This process will typically take around 15 minutes.
Doctors will use ultrasound imaging to locate the ideal injection site and then inject PRP into the area to provide you with relief from plantar fasciitis.
5 Benefits Of PRP Treatment
What do you stand to gain from investing in PRP treatment? Let's examine why this is becoming such a popular therapy practice.
Functionality
PRP may promote joint lubrication, which may support your ankle movement more easily, while ankle surgery and more invasive treatment options could inhibit movement. PRP for plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, could help improve the functionality of your ankle joints in a very short amount of time.
Pain
Plantar fasciitis sufferers complain mostly of chronic pain induced by the condition. PRP therapy could be a viable treatment option to help you minimize this pain and enjoy your everyday life without the symptoms of painful heel syndrome.
Damaged Tissue
Not only does PRP therapy support your body to reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis, but it can also help you to promote growth factors for repairing damaged tissue. It may increase tissue function, lessen pain and inflammation, and accelerate the healing of wounds.
Inflammation
Inflammation is at the core of plantar fascia, and by managing the associated inflammation, you can soothe your painful heel. PRP contains the same cells your body uses to heal itself and help reduce inflammation, and it can help provide relief for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
Natural Healing
By choosing PRP, you are not using invasive surgical methods. Instead, you give your body the tools to naturally rebuild and recover itself, healing damaged tissues. Getting to the source of the issue and promoting repair is often the best solution.
PRP vs. Traditional Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis
Traditionally, health practitioners have recommended steroid injections for plantar fasciitis
treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Steroid injections are successful in providing relief from plantar fascia. However, this relief serves only as a temporary solution.
On the other hand, PRP for plantar fasciitis may provide treatment by promoting the body’s
natural healing processes. Cortisone injections relieve the issue, while PRP therapy supports
the body's natural growth factors and repair mechanisms. It works like a corticosteroid injection, not only helping the body to manage inflammation but also providing repair support.
Who Should Not Receive PRP Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis?
Most treatment plans have conditions that exclude certain groups of people from being able to safely undergo treatment. PRP treatments may not be recommended for patients who are
experiencing conditions that impact the treatment area or quality of the autologous PRP.
Regardless of your condition, you should always consult with your primary care physician to get more information about whether you are eligible or not for a PRP, PRF, or PRFM treatment.
How To Be Prepared For PRP Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis?
To prepare for your PRP therapy appointment, you should take the following steps:
Ensure you're getting enough sleep - you should sleep at least 6-7 hours for the 2 nights before your appointment.
Avoid intense exercise - you should not go to the gym for at least 24 hours before and after your PRP for plantar fasciitis.
Notify the clinic of any illnesses - if you become ill or unwell before your appointment, you should let the clinic know right away, as this may affect the quality of your blood and the efficacy of the treatment.
Avoid OTC medications - you should not take steroids, anticoagulant medications, or NSAIDs the week before your appointment.
Drink water - you should drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to ensure you are properly hydrated.
What To Expect After PRP Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis?
After your treatment of plantar fasciitis, there are certain best practices you should adhere to
ensure the treatment is successful. For a successful treatment, take the following steps:
Do not massage, rub, or touch the treatment site for at least 8 hours.
Avoid bathing, showering, or swimming for 8 hours following your treatment.
Do not take any medications, supplements, or vitamins, including CBD or marijuana, for 7 days following your appointment unless your clinician approves.
Avoid excessive heat or ice applied to the area, which may impede healing.
Avoid applying lotions, oils, or makeup to the site for at least 6 hours.
Avoid strenuous activities for at least 3 days after your appointment.
Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol, as this will impede the healing process.
Stay hydrated and nourish your body with healthy, well-rounded meals.
After your treatment, you can expect tenderness, redness, bruises, and swelling at the injection site. If you experience prolonged swelling, pain, or bruising, immediately contact your doctor.
How Long Does PRP Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis Last?
Once you have had your PRP treatment for plantar fasciitis, you will notice improvements within four to six weeks. The results from your treatment should last between 18 and 24 months.
Takeaways
A platelet-rich plasma injection can help reduce and relieve the heel pain and symptoms of
plantar fasciitis. Chronic plantar heel pain can be excruciating, and this healing treatment helps to promote the body's natural recovery processes.
Selphyl® next-generation platelet-rich fibrin therapy (PRFM) kits have been developed to
provide an enhanced platelet concentration while producing a safe and quick preparation of
PRP, free of contaminating red blood cells and white blood cells.
Get in touch with us to elevate your practice and offer your patients with cutting-edge treatments or find a PRFM provider today!