Unfortunately, 10% of patients with plantar fasciitis do not respond to conservative measures including; physical therapy, shoe gear changes, splints, and activity modifications. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used as an alternative therapy for plantar fasciitis (PF) to reduce heel pain and improve function. Numerous studies have demonstrated excellent results in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, even with long-term follow up.
The procedure is simple and is done right in the office at MidJersey Orthopaedics. The patient's blood is drawn by a member of our staff and placed in a centrifuge. This machine helps extract the platelets and prepare for the injection. While this is happening the foot is anesthetized with a local anesthetic. After the heel is numb the PRP is injected into the plantar fascia and the procedure is complete. Recovery is simple and walking begins on the same day, typically in a walking boot.
We have been using PRP to treat chronic plantar fasciitis for over 5 years now with excellent results. Numerous studies have also shown that PRP reduces pain and increases function compared with the effect of a corticosteroid injection, making PRP an excellent non-surgical choice for patients with chronic heel pain.
Scott Bleazey, DPM
