Plantar fasciits is a painfully frustrating injury because it tends to heal slowly and reoccur frequently. Overuse or overpronation can cause micro-tearing and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tendon that runs from heel to the toes. The body copes by putting a patchwork of fibers over the damaged area. But this scar tissue isn’t as resilient as healthy tissue, making the plantar fascia vulnerable to further injury. If you’ve had heel pain for more than three months, tried other therapies with no success, and are willing to pony up for relief, ask your doctor about these innovative procedures.
EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY
THE METHOD Focused sound waves break up scar tissue and encourage collagen production, which helps heal the area. High-energy therapy works in one treatment but is painful, so sedation is required. You stay awake for low-energy therapy, but you’ll need multiple sessions.
THE RESULT Research reports an 82 percent cure rate in patients who didn’t respond to other treatments. Clint Verran, a marathoner and physical therapist who uses the low-energy version, gives it high marks: “After the first treatment, you’ll feel like the area has been stretched out. After two more sessions, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement.”
THE COST Up to R1,000 per session; covered by some insurance plans
PLATELET-RICH PLASMA
THE METHOD Blood is drawn and spun down into concentrated platelets that are then injected into the injured area. Platelets contain growth factors, which stimulate the regeneration of tissue.
THE RESULT Most studies have been done on ligaments and tendons, but emerging research on plantar fasciitis is promising. Washington, D.C., podiatrist Stephen Pribut says it could be the sports-medicine treatment of the future, but it’s not yet practical for recreational athletes.
THE COST Up to R15,000; usually not covered by insurance
BOTOX
THE METHOD Botulinum toxin is injected into plantar fascia to cause nerve paralysis and reduce pain and inflammation.
THE RESULT In one study, plantar fasciitis sufferers reported a significant reduction in pain following treatment. But more research is needed, says Pribut, to see if effects are long-term. Also, Botox may block the pain, but not cure the injury.
THE COST Up tp R3,600 per session; usually not covered by insurance
DRY NEEDLING
THE METHOD A needle is used to puncture the plantar fascia of your numbed foot. This breaks up scar tissue and causes minor bleeding, which recruits blood cells to heal the tissue. Some doctors follow up with a steroid injection.
THE RESULT A study reported a 95 percent cure rate for dry needling combined with steroids. Though that may not even be necessary. “I use dry needling alone, and it’s about 90 percent effective,” says Levon Nazarian, M.D., of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
THE COST R270 to R290 per session; forms part of physiotherapy treatment. Covered by some insurance plans
CLASSIC CURES
Arch pain? Try these basic treatments first:
Apply ice; freeze a water bottle and roll it under your arch. – pictured
Stretch your arch before getting out of bed.
Stretch your calf before and after runs.
Reduce mileage and cross-train.
Massage your arch; roll a golf ball under it.
Wear an over-the-counter arch support; consider prescription orthotics.
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