What could be done to resolve a plantar fasciitis?

Question

Hi doctor,

From the last three years, I have severe foot pain. The doctor told me it is because of plantar fasciitis. I took four Cortisone injections, and I wear special boots, but I did not get any relief. So, I took an MRI, and I am attaching my MRI reports with this query. What do the results of my MRI mean? I currently take Levoxyl and Paxil. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You have chronic plantar fasciitis, which is the cause of the foot pain. The MRI is also supportive of this diagnosis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen 200 mg, twice daily, rest, stretching and strengthening exercise, splint, orthoses, special shoes, physiotherapy, etc., are some mode of initial treatment option. If improvement is not seen, steroid injections can be given to heal the inflammation. Extracorporeal shockwave treatment and platelet-rich plasma injections are other modes of treatment. In around 85 to 90 percent patients, a non-surgical combination of various treatment modalities is beneficial. Steroid injection is beneficial in around 60 to 65 percent patients with plantar fasciitis. If improvement is not seen, then surgical management are adopted like fasciotomy, cryosurgery, etc. Take care. Hope your concern is solved. Consult an orthopedic surgeon for examination and discuss your treatment plan.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I appreciate your awareness for your health. In chronic plantar fasciitis, because of the inflammation, fibrosis can occur, and so the MRI shows thickening of the fascia. In chronic inflammation, fibrosis is the last step in healing. Rather than fibroma, it can be called as a fibromatosis-like lesion. So yes, if steroid injections are also not effective, then surgical management should be done. Do not worry, consult an orthopedic surgeon and discuss the further treatment plan. Ice pack application, physiotherapy, shoes, etc., can be continued in the meantime. Take care. Hope your concern is solved. Wish you good health.