Steroids Aid in Reduction of Heel Pain Associated with Plantar Fasciitis

According to a study conducted by Elizabeth Ball in the United Kingdom, unguided steroid injections were effective in treating heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis over a twelve week period.  The steroid injections showed comparable levels of decreased pain as the ultrasound guided technique.

Thanks to this new steroid treatment, those suffering heel pain from plantar fasciitis now have an effective option to relieve their pain. If you are suffering from heel pain that you think might be attributed to plantar fasciitis, it is highly recommended to seek the care of a chiropodist, like MARZ HARDY, D.Ch., B.Sc., PODIATRIC MEDICINE of Academy Foot & Orthotic Clinics. MARZ HARDY, D.Ch., B.Sc., PODIATRIC MEDICINE will examine your heel pain and determine if you have plantar fasciitis before providing the appropriate treatment options.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

· Ill-fitting shoes
· Weight change
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation

How Can It Be Treated?

· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices.
· Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience.  Requires multiple sessions.  This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
· Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia.  This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.

New Studies on Treatment

According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Be sure to speak with your podiatrist about different methods that can be used, as well as finding out what treatment options they offer.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment services for all your foot needs.

Read the Full Article on Plantar Fasciitis.

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