An Overview of PRP Injections for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis affects millions of Americans each year and is the most common cause of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis often causes patients in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area to experience stabbing heel pain when they take the first few steps out of bed each morning. Since this health condition can be quite troublesome, Dr. Jervis Yau, ankle specialist, offers PRP injections for plantar fasciitis as a non-surgical treatment option. Platelet rich plasma therapy, also known as PRP blood therapy, is becoming a popular treatment option in chronic overuse injuries and conditions.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The foot condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and is responsible for connecting the toes to heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is commonly found in runners because of repetitive stress on the fascia.
When the plantar fascia is put under too much stress, it can cause microscopic tears that lead to heel pain, stiffness and inflammation.
What is PRP Blood Therapy?
PRP blood therapy, also known as platelet rich plasma therapy, has the capability to help accelerate the body’s ability to heal itself through the aid of growth factors. Platelets are naturally found in human blood and release growth factors when the body becomes injured. These growth factors are capable of stimulating cellular growth and promoting the body’s healing response to an area of chronic injury.
How are PRP Injections done for Plantar Fasciitis?
Dr. Yau will harvest 15ml of the patient’s blood, which is then centrifuged in a special machine at extremely high speeds to separate the blood’s main structures. Once the structures are separated, the platelet rich plasma is removed and injected directly into the injured plantar fascia. The injected platelets will release growth factors in order to recruit and accelerate the body’s healing response.
PRP injections for plantar fasciitis take under 15 minutes as an in-office procedure. The majority of patients undergoing PRP blood therapy will require 1-3 treatment sessions with each session spaced at 4-6 week intervals.
For additional information on PRP blood therapy, or for more resources on PRP injections for plantar fasciitis, please contact the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area orthopedic office of ankle specialist Dr. Jervis Yau.
