HEEL PAIN TREATMENT:
PRP VS. STEROID INJECTIONS

Steroid injections have been around what seems like forever but platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been the new latest craze in heel pain treatment in New Jersey.  How effective are these treatments for heel pain?  Dr. Cheney at AllCare Foot & Ankle in Oakhurst, New Jersey finds steroid injections to be a good short-term treatment for plantar fasciitis.  When patients seek treatment early on with symptoms of heel pain, Dr. Cheney has found her steroid injection to be more effective.  Unfortunately, many patients delay treatment due to optimism that the pain will go away or just too busy to get treatment.  Pain that has lingered longer than 2-3mo is less likely to respond well to the corticosteroid injection.  When this is the case Dr. Cheney typically will recommend an initial treatment with an orthotic, home treatment routine and possibly an oral anti-inflammatory.  After no improvement, Dr. Cheney will consider PRP.  Platelet rich plasma increases the body’s own response to injury and allows actual true healing vs just decreasing inflammation.  Dr. Cheney’s go-to treatment for heel pain however remains Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT).  To find out what treatment is best for you visit www.allcarefootandankle.com.