Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Treated with Platelet-Rich Plasma

Dec. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Plantar fasciitis is a very common and painful foot ailment.  The true etiology of plantar fasciitis is still unknown and has been attributed to many different etiological factors.  The plantar fascia is a fibrous aponeurosis (a thick cord-like tissue).  It originates off the calcaneus or heel bone and fans out to attach to the plantar surfaces of the phalanges bones (foot bones).  

Often, plantar fasciitis is stubbornly resistant to traditional treatments, including corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and orthotics.  

A study by Stephen Barrett, DPM and Susan Erredge, DPM, looked at various treatment modalities for plantar fasciitis.  They observed that injections of platelet concentrations (platelet-rich plasma) was found effective in the treatment of the disorder known as plantar fasciitis.  They recommended larger clinical studies to investigate this treatment regimen of concentrated platelets in the healing of chronic plantar fasciitis.  

Dr. Dennis Lox, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who practices in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, has utilized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.  Dr. Lox feels that PRP offers a potential clinical benefit for patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.  He has treated a variety of ankle and foot disorders with platelet-rich plasma, and feels that PRP is a reasonable and effective treatment option, especially prior to considering surgical alternatives.

Dr. Lox adds that he has also treated a variety of other disorders, including knees, hips, shoulders and spinal disorders, effectively with platelet-rich plasma.  He notes that the future of regenerative medicine lies in understanding the true nature of platelet-rich plasma, the growth factors necessary to recruit stem cells, and the appropriate niche to allow the accelerated healing process to occur.




The study by Stephen Barrett, DPM and Susan Erredge, DPM can be found at:
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/3151

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Dennis M. Lox, M.D. is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Since 1990, he has used sports medicine techiques and cutting-edge technology to help heal musculoskeletal injuries and relieve pain.