PRP or platelet-rich plasma injections are derived from an extraction of your own blood and are a viable solution for treating chronic or painful conditions within the body, such as torn ligaments, sprains, injuries, as well as the ever-plaguing plantar fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain, involving inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to your toes (aka, your plantar fascia). Men and women, typically ranging in age from 40-70 are the most likely to have felt the symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis—with women being slightly more susceptible. However, some children and adolescents have been known to suffer from the problem as well.
PRP TreatmentAt times, individuals may find relief from icing, splints, inserts, or painkillers. However, in certain cases, this type of relief is short-lived, leaving the patient in a cycle of pain and frustration. What’s even more concerning is if the condition is left untreated, mini tears can occur within the tissue as tension builds, further exacerbating the inflammation and pain.
Unlike invasive surgeries that require significant downtime, platelet-rich plasma treatment is a more definitive solution than some short-lived resolutions (such as icing and splints). In the PRP procedure, the doctor will first draw a small amount of your blood. They will then use a centrifuge to isolate the platelets, resulting in the platelet-rich plasma that is injected into the site of the injury (in this case, your foot).
Though the main role of platelets within the body involves clotting blood, they also play a crucial role in healing. When the brain sends out a signal alerting the body that damage has occurred, growth factors arrive to the site to stimulate healing in the area. This results in reduced heel pain and improved function, even complete resolution of symptoms within a reasonably short period of time. This is because PRP therapy gets to the root of your condition to bring pain relief and healing straight to the source of your plantar fasciitis pain.
What Causes This Condition?
Plantar fasciitis is an uncomfortable condition that can cause stabbing pain, often in the heel of your foot, and is often recurrent in runners.
It is most commonly caused by:
- Excessive running or walking
- Repeated impact activity (such as hiking or sports)
- Occupations that require a lot of time on your feet
- Poor foot mechanics (including irregular or abnormal walking patterns, a high arch, or flat feet)
- Wearing shoes without proper support or lack of arch support
- Obesity or being overweight (as additional weight may put strain on ligaments)
- Certain degenerative conditions or diseases
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis and looking for a viable solution, contact us today to learn more information about platelet-rich-plasma treatment or to schedule a consultation.