One of the most common problems that people come to me for is plantar fasciitis. Many people in middle age start to develop slight falling of their arches. This is due to deterioration of ligaments in the arch. The plantar fascia is the major ligament. The plantar fascia can develop micro tears, sometimes major tears. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful, especially in the morning when you get out of bed. My technique for treating this is a little more painful than the other problems people usually have. Therefore, when the patient comes in, I usually apply an ice pack to the heel before I give the injection. This lessens the pain of the injection and makes the procedure much easier.
Why Prolotherapy Works for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is fundamentally a ligament problem, which is exactly why prolotherapy is well-suited to treat it. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue – technically a ligament – that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When it develops micro-tears from overuse, weight gain, fallen arches, or repetitive impact, the result is the sharp heel pain that is typically much worse first thing in the morning and after periods of rest.
Most conventional treatments for plantar fasciitis – rest, orthotics, stretching, cortisone injections – address the symptoms rather than the structural damage. Cortisone in particular can temporarily reduce inflammation but does not repair the micro-tears in the fascia, and repeated injections carry the risk of further weakening the tissue over time.
Prolotherapy works differently. By injecting a dextrose solution into the plantar fascia, Dr. Franchi stimulates the body’s natural healing process – triggering fibroblast activity and new collagen production to repair the damaged tissue. The result is structural repair rather than temporary pain suppression.
What patients should know about the procedure
Dr. Franchi will sometimes apply an ice pack to the heel before the injection to reduce discomfort, as the plantar fascia area is somewhat more sensitive than other injection sites. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. Most patients with plantar fasciitis require three to five treatments. Because the foot bears the full weight of the body, Dr. Franchi will advise on activity modification if needed during the treatment period.
Prolotherapy is appropriate for plantar fasciitis patients who have not found lasting relief through orthotics, physical therapy, or cortisone, or who want to avoid a cortisone-dependent cycle. It is also well-suited for patients whose arches have begun to fall due to overall ligament laxity – a common underlying cause that orthotics alone cannot correct.
Call 833-Go-Prolo (833-467-7656) or 781-299-7521 for a complimentary phone consultation. Boston Prolotherapy and Orthopedics is located at 92 Montvale Avenue, Suite 4650, Stoneham, MA, serving the greater Boston area.