After two years of intense pain in my left foot (plantar fasciitis), and no relief from the customary remedies, I'm going in for \platelet-rich plasma injections this afternoon, at the office of a new doctor on the Upper West Side recommended by my podiatrist. Depending on how it goes -- one of my colleagues just had it done and was knocked off her ass for a week, my doctors claims it's "just like getting a cortisone shot" -- expect limited blog posts today. The procedure is considered experimental -- I've heard the success rate is as low at 50/50 -- but it's my last option before surgery, which itself is not a guaranteed solution and poses real risks, so I'm desperate after all this time to get it a try. (The fact that atheltes were barred from having it done makes me think it might work.) Wish me luck. And if anyone has experienced in this department, please leave me a comment.
11 comments:
I had this on my left heel. When it got to the point where there was pain with every step I took, I went to see a podiatrist. He gave me a cortisone shot which completely eliminated the pain but wore off after about a week. I was told to do calf stretches, which I did semi-religiously for what seemed like forever. I think it took about 6-8 months of doing calf stretches at least once daily, but the pain did finally go away and has never returned. I have heard surgery is a last resort now for this problem. Good luck!
I wonder if we have the same thing. It's kind of hard to describe in words. I have something that flares up if I run. But not if I walk aggressively.
I hope this works for you.
Good luck, I hope this works!
Latest studies show that PRP doesn't work. Search the NY Times for an article about three months ago. Are you seeing a sports orthopedic specialist?
I was given this diagnosis and was given numerous cortizone shots that were only temporaily effective. My doctor suggested I change my shoe to the New Balance 927 or 928. It has roll bar built into the shoe. You can get them in black and brown so you can wear them as a work shoe. They are ugly, but cured my problem!
I'm hoping the stretching works for me. Appreciate updates and best of luck.
We use platelet-rich plasma for different things surgery. The Podiatrist I worked with in Indiana was saving diabetic peoples' feet and legs. I'm assuming they are drawing up your own blood and then spinning the platelets out using that as the injection? If this is what I'm thinking of it can't be a bad thing to try!!! :)
it'd be nice if something works. cardio has been out for me for almost a year due to similar pain. I'll be interested in hearing.
Kenny, I had the same thing & used the thing u get in the Footsmart catalogue -- it's on their site. It's a splint u wear at nite that stretches ur foot up. Seems weird, but after wearing that thing to bed every nite for a few months I was cured. Here it is- http://www.footsmart.com/P-HealWell-Night-Splint-10130.aspx
I also can't live w/o their othotics -- this one in particular-
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Spenco-Orthotic-Arch-Supports-10404.aspx
Hi Kenneth,
Love your blog. Read it daily.
I had this problem last last year.
My physical therapist analyzed the way that I walked and noticed that I 'gripped the floor with my toes' with every step.
He told me that I was overworking my arches because of this. My toes and feet should 'just be going along for the ride' with every step. In other words, by relaxing my feet and toes, my arches could relax. The focus of each step should be on my knee which simply bends and lifts the leg while the feet and toes rest comfortably on the ground.
I apologize for making this sound simplistic but it changed everything for me. In my case, the pain went away in a matter of a couple weeks.
Wish you well.
I think that Swine's solution might prove the most effective for you. After a car accident I wound up with a slipped disk in my back. I went through a series of epidural injections, physical therapy, accupuncture and massage thereapy, none of which left me with any lasting results. I finally found a great osteopath that was able to see that my left foot pronates causing my hips to be out of alignment causing my back to constantly try to compensate. After 2 days of using the orthodics she suggested (the Spenco Total Support ones, like Swine suggested) my back felt dramatically better. Something as simple as stretching your arch or your calf might work the best. Also, if you are still in pain after 2 years it's really time to find a new doctor. Good luck with it and let us know how the plasma injections worked for you.
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