You get up in the morning or after just resting for a period of time and that first step sends a message of pain directly to your brain. Your heel and the bottom of your foot burns despite all types of conservative treatments. You still do not want to explore the surgical option. What heel pain treatment is left to help render you free of discomfort? The answer may be platelet rich plasma or PRP injections.
Growth factors like the Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) are an essential part of the body’s healing process. Damaged cells can produce collagen proteins that stimulate an inflammatory process. Your own platelets are the first cells to arrive at the injured site and release growth factors which start the healing process. This is followed by leukocytes (white blood cells) which also release growth factors. The white cells then start clearing the site of debris and the healing process proceeds.
Platelets found in blood are a very rich source of growth factors and it has been found that using the patient’s own blood, by isolating, concentrating and activating the platelets along with white cells and injecting this into the area of pain can reduce inflammation. Many studies have found that platelet rich plasma helps in the healing process by concentrating the growth factors in a specific area. Because the materials used in the treatment are derived from the patient’s own body, the chance of adverse drug reactions is eliminated, making the process safe.
At Livingston Foot Care Specialists, the doctors have remarkable success using this therapy to treat resistant heel pain caused by bursitis, fasciitis and or heel spurs as well at Tendonitis and other inflammatory conditions. Patients are able to resume their normal activities quickly and experience pain relief almost immediately after treatment. PRP injections are a viable alternative to surgical intervention for chronic heel pain, Tendonitis, bursitis and fasciitis without requiring a long post-operative recovery period.
For more information on this treatment modality or to determine if you are a candidate for PRP, call Livingston Foot Care Specialists, 1685 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, New York 516-826-0103.
