Corticosteroid Injections for Plantar Fasciitis: Relief for Chronic Heel Pain in Mentone and Bayside.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain in adults. While conservative treatments like rest and stretching can help, many people continue to experience pain that interferes with daily activities. If you’re dealing with chronic heel pain for more than 12 months, corticosteroid injections may offer relief.

At Mentone General Practice, located in the Bayside area of Melbourne, Dr. Martin Hassabi provides expert treatment for plantar fasciitis, including corticosteroid injections.

How Corticosteroid Injections Work for Plantar Fasciitis

Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot. This tissue connects your heel to your toes and helps support the arch of your foot. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods.

There are two methods used for these injections:

Palpation-guided injections – The doctor uses touch to locate the tender area.
Image-guided injections – An imaging technique like ultrasound is used to ensure precision.

Both methods deliver corticosteroids directly into the inflamed area, providing pain relief.

Research on Corticosteroid Injections

Study 1: Image Intensifier-Guided Injections

A study led by Kate L. Atkins looked at patients with chronic plantar fasciitis lasting more than 12 months. The study found that image-guided corticosteroid injections provided significant pain relief for patients who had not responded to other treatments. The results were statistically significant (P = .012), showing that these injections can effectively reduce pain in chronic cases.

Study 2: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

A review conducted by Teck Wee Andrew Ang analysed 10 RCTs comparing corticosteroid injections with placebos and other treatments for plantar fasciitis. All the studies showed a significant reduction in pain after corticosteroid injections. However, the effects were typically short-term, lasting between 4 and 12 weeks.

While these injections offer temporary relief, they can be highly beneficial for those needing immediate pain reduction. Risks, such as plantar fascia rupture, are rare but possible.

Corticosteroid Injections for Chronic Heel Pain in Mentone and Bayside

For patients suffering from chronic heel pain in Mentone or the Bayside area, Mentone General Practice offers corticosteroid injections to treat plantar fasciitis. Dr. Martin Hassabi specializes in providing these treatments, helping patients find relief from persistent heel pain.

If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis in Melbourne, chronic heel pain in Bayside, or require a cortisol injection for plantar fasciitis in Mentone, our clinic offers personalized care to restore your foot health.

Benefits and Risks of Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are an effective, short-term solution for plantar fasciitis. They can quickly reduce pain and inflammation, helping you get back to normal activities. However, the effects are usually temporary, and pain may return after a few weeks or months.

Potential risks include:

Plantar fascia rupture (though rare).
Temporary pain relief without addressing the root cause of plantar fasciitis.

It’s important to consult your doctor to understand whether corticosteroid injections are the best treatment for you.

Mentone General Practice: Your Local Solution for Heel Pain

If you’re experiencing chronic heel pain and looking for solutions in Mentone, Bayside, or Melbourne, Mentone General Practice offers a range of treatments, including corticosteroid injections for plantar fasciitis. Dr. Martin Hassabi and the clinic team are committed to helping you recover and reduce pain.

Enquire at Reception today to learn more or to book your corticosteroid injection appointment at Mentone General Practice.

Sources:

Atkins KL, Chin KF, Noorani AM, Nairn DS. Image intensifier-guided injection of corticosteroid and local anesthetic agent for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Spec. 2010 Aug;3(4):172-6. doi: 10.1177/1938640010372960. Epub 2010 Jun 18. PMID: 20562238.

Ang TW. The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Singapore Med J. 2015 Aug;56(8):423-32. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2015118. PMID: 26311907; PMCID: PMC4545130.