It’s finally spring! That mean’s we can finally go outside without the burden of shoveling snow! It has been a long winter but now we can participate in more outdoor activities to promote better health such as jogging. It is a great cardiovascular workout to keep you in shape, but what happens if you start to experience pain localized on the underside of your heal? What happens if it is interfering with with your normal activities, in particular your exercise? Well you may be one of the two million Americans suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause for heel pain affecting middle aged people, along with the younger generation that are on their feet a lot, such as soldiers and athletes. First you must know that the plantar fascia is the ligament or tissue that connects your heel bone to the toes on your feet, which supports the arch of your foot. Injuries usually arise when you strain your plantar fascia causing it to become weak, swollen or inflamed. When this happens the individual will start to experience pain in their heel while walking, standing or in our case jogging.
Luckily, a study documented by the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine suggests that platelet rich plasma is the most effective treatment for chronic heel pain. Dr. John J. Wilson from the University of Maryland conducted the study in which 25 patients suffering from chronic heel pain for at least three months and showed no improvements via orthotics, braces or physical therapy were followed over a 32 week period after receiving a single platelet rich plasma injection. The results were consistent with a 32% improvement in the patients daily lives and a 82% improvement in their sports performances.
If you or someone you may know that may have suffered from a similar injury and would like to know more about this innovative treatment plan, I encourage you to come in for a consultation at my office, Cross Bay Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, P.C.located in Howard Beach, Queens.