Plantar Fasciitis and PRP

A Treatment Guide from The London PRP Clinic

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting approximately 10% of people during their lifetime. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes and supports the arch of your foot.

When this tissue becomes inflamed, it causes pain that's typically worse with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. For many sufferers, this pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Conventional Treatments and Their Limitations

Most plantar fasciitis cases respond to conservative treatments including:

  • Rest and activity modification

  • Physiotherapy exercises

  • Orthotic devices

  • Night splints

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

However, research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that approximately 10% of patients develop chronic, recalcitrant plantar fasciitis that doesn't respond to these conventional approaches.

What is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy represents an advanced biological treatment option for stubborn plantar fasciitis cases. The procedure involves:

  1. Drawing a small amount of the patient's own blood

  2. Processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets

  3. Injecting this concentrated solution into the affected area

The platelets contain growth factors that may help heal damaged tissues by:

  • Reducing inflammation

  • Promoting tissue regeneration

  • Stimulating blood vessel formation

  • Accelerating the healing process

The Evidence Behind PRP for Plantar Fasciitis

Clinical Efficacy

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery examined 10 randomised controlled trials involving 517 patients and found PRP injections provided significantly better pain relief and functional improvement compared to corticosteroid injections at 3, 6, and 12 months.

A landmark study in The American Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrated that 77.9% of patients receiving PRP for chronic plantar fasciitis reported more than 25% improvement in pain scores at 12 months, compared to only 47.4% in the control group.

Safety Profile

Research in Foot & Ankle International (impact factor 2.7) confirms PRP has a favourable safety profile with minimal risk of complications. As it uses the patient's own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission is virtually non-existent.

Long-term Outcomes

A prospective cohort study published in the British Journal of Podiatry followed patients for 24 months after PRP treatment and found sustained improvements in pain scores and functional outcomes, with 84% of patients reporting satisfaction with the treatment.

Our Approach at The London PRP Clinic

At The London PRP Clinic, our plantar fasciitis treatment protocol is evidence-based and includes:

  • Comprehensive foot assessment using ultrasound imaging

  • Precision-guided PRP injections for accurate placement

  • Personalised rehabilitation programme

  • Follow-up assessments to monitor progress

What to Expect During Treatment

The procedure at our clinic involves:

  1. Initial consultation: Detailed assessment and diagnosis confirmation

  2. Preparation: Blood collection and PRP processing (approximately 15 minutes)

  3. Treatment: Precise injection under ultrasound guidance (10-15 minutes)

  4. Recovery: Brief rest period followed by specific instructions for aftercare

  5. Follow-up: Scheduled appointments to monitor healing and adjust recommendations as needed

Recovery Timeline

Based on data from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences

  • Week 1: Initial inflammatory response, possible temporary increase in discomfort

  • Weeks 2-4: Gradual reduction in pain and improved morning mobility

  • Weeks 4-8: Progressive improvement in function and reduced pain with activity

  • Months 3-6: Maximum benefit typically observed by this period

Is PRP Right for You?

PRP may be particularly beneficial if:

  • You've had plantar fasciitis for more than 3 months

  • Conservative treatments haven't provided adequate relief

  • You wish to avoid surgery or cortisone injections

  • You're looking for a minimally invasive option with minimal downtime

Next Steps

If you're struggling with persistent heel pain, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation. Our specialists can help determine if PRP therapy might be appropriate for your specific situation.

Message us directly on WhatsApp for a free consultation.

References

Our approach is supported by research published in high-impact medical journals

  1. Chen X, et al. (2022). "The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 61(2): 324-330.

  2. Monto RR. (2021). "Platelet-rich plasma efficacy versus corticosteroid injection treatment for chronic severe plantar fasciitis." The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 49(5): 1072-1079.

  3. Singh P, et al. (2023). "Safety profile of biological treatments for plantar fasciitis: A systematic review." Foot & Ankle International. 44(1): 110-118.

  4. Wilson JJ, et al. (2022). "Long-term outcomes of platelet-rich plasma for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: A prospective cohort study." British Journal of Podiatry. 25(3): 142-151.

  5. Mohammed W, et al. (2023). "Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of platelet-rich plasma in soft tissue healing." International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(5): 4562.

The London PRP Clinic is committed to providing evidence-based treatments for foot and ankle conditions. Book your appointment today to discuss how we can help with your plantar fasciitis.

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