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Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This condition can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, but effective treatment options are available, including ultrasound-guided cortisone injections at RAD Clinics.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by overuse or strain of the plantar fascia. Common contributing factors include:
- Prolonged standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces
- High-impact activities such as running or jumping
- Obesity or sudden weight gain, increasing stress on the foot
- Improper footwear lacking adequate arch support
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons that reduce ankle flexibility
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially:
- In the morning upon taking the first steps
- After prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Following exercise (though the pain usually diminishes during activity)
Other symptoms can include swelling and stiffness in the heel or along the arch of the foot.
Anatomy of the Plantar Fascia
The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous tissue that runs from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of the toes, providing support to the arch of the foot. It functions as a shock absorber, distributing weight and pressure while walking or running. Inflammation or tears in this tissue lead to the development of plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is typically made through:
- Clinical examination: Assessing tenderness, pain, and swelling around the heel and arch
- Imaging: In some cases, ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm inflammation or tearing of the plantar fascia.
At RAD Clinics, we utilise advanced diagnostic techniques, including ultrasound imaging, to ensure precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Cortisone Injections for Plantar Fasciitis
At RAD Clinics, we offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections as a precise and effective treatment for Plantar Fasciitis. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the plantar fascia, providing relief from pain and reducing inflammation.
Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections
- Precision: The use of ultrasound ensures that the injection is administered directly to the inflamed area of the plantar fascia, maximising treatment effectiveness.
- Minimally Invasive: UG injections are a less invasive option than surgery, offering quicker recovery with minimal risk.
- Rapid Pain Relief: Cortisone, a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, reduces inflammation and provides significant pain relief within a few days.
- Long-Lasting Results: While the duration of relief can vary, cortisone injections often provide long-term relief, reducing the need for further interventions.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At RAD Clinics, our specialists ensure the ultrasound-guided cortisone injection procedure is comfortable and straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: The area around the heel is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic may be applied to minimise discomfort.
- Ultrasound Guidance: Using real-time ultrasound, our clinician will visualise the plantar fascia to precisely target the inflamed area.
- Injection: A small needle is used to administer the cortisone directly to the site of inflammation, ensuring the medication reaches the affected tissue.
- Post-Procedure Care: You will be advised to rest the foot for a short period and avoid strenuous activities. Some mild discomfort may be experienced initially, but relief usually follows within a few days.
When to Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing persistent heel pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatment, it may be time to consider cortisone injections. You should seek treatment when:
- Heel pain interferes with daily activities or work
- Symptoms have lasted for more than a few weeks despite rest and home treatments
- Other treatments like stretching exercises, orthotics, or physical therapy have not provided sufficient relief
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
How painful is a cortisone shot for plantar fasciitis?
A plantar fasciitis cortisone injection produces a brief sting or pressure with local anaesthetic, followed by soreness for up to 24–48 hours; most patients tolerate it well. Numbness wears off after a few hours, and pain relief develops over days.
Can you get cortisone injections for plantar fasciitis?
Clinicians use corticosteroid injections for plantar fasciitis after conservative care fails, aiming for short-term pain reduction. Evidence shows benefit over weeks, with risks such as fat-pad thinning and rare fascia rupture, so repeat dosing remains limited.
Do injections work for plantar fasciitis?
Injections reduce plantar fasciitis pain, most strongly in the short term with corticosteroids; PRP sometimes maintains improvements longer, while evidence remains mixed overall. Results improve when paired with a rehabilitation plan.
What injection is used for plantar fasciitis?
Common plantar fasciitis injections include corticosteroids (often with local anaesthetic), PRP prepared from your blood, and botulinum toxin A in selected refractory cases. Clinicians usually deliver injections under ultrasound guidance.
What is the best injection for plantar fasciitis?
No single injection outperforms others in all cases of plantar fasciitis. Corticosteroids reduce pain over 4–12 weeks; PRP sometimes outperforms steroids at 3–6 months; botulinum toxin shows promise in refractory cases—choice depends on goals, duration, and risk profile.
How many cortisone shots for plantar fasciitis?
Clinicians typically limit plantar fasciitis steroid injections in one site to no more than three per year, spaced apart, to lower soft-tissue damage and fascia-rupture risk. Discuss individual timing with your clinician within a rehabilitation plan.
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DISCLAIMER
We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.
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