Would Adult Stem Cells Help Plantar Fasciitis?

Adult stem cells in recent years have shown a bright future in the medical world. Examples of how adult stem cells have made a difference include restoring vision to a blind man, growing a human liver, and the potential to regrow fingers and toes.
Embryonic stem cells have a controversial past due to the nature of their procurement via the destruction of a fertilized human embryo. There has been successful research with somatic stem cells, also known as adult stem cells. The difference between embryonic and adult stem cells is that embryonic cells can transform into any type of cell, while adult cells can transform into a limited group of cells.
New plantar fasciitis research has used adult stem cells taken from bone marrow, fat, or amniotic material. the benefit of this treatment is that it not only soothes pain, but can regenerate damaged tissue. The procedure is considered outpatient and has no risks.
Besides plantar fasciitis, adult stem cells have been used to treat arthritis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff symptoms, Achilles tendonitis, and other conditions.
For those who suffer long periods of time with plantar fasciitis, or have recurring bouts, this may be a viable option for their condition. We'll watch and see what the future brings for this treatment option.
Reference: Inquistr
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
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Botox Found To Help Plantar Fasciitis

A new Mexican study suggests that podiatrists should use Botox rather than steroids to relieve the pain their patients suffer from plantar fasciitis. The new research was published in the journal Foot and Ankle International.
Steroid treatment, for example cortisone shots, are often used in treating plantar fasciitis to reduce pain and swelling. It is estimated 2-6% of patients who receive steroid treatment as part of their conservative therapy will have their plantar fascia tear or rupture. Researchers from the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico came up with a clinical trial to compare steroid treatment with botox treatment, which works by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, weakening the muscles for several months.
In the trial, participants were treated with either steroids or Botox for their plantar fasciitis, and both groups were given the same series of stretching exercises to perform at home.
Initially, both groups were recovering at the same rate, but the Botox group took the lead with higher improved scores in foot pain, function, and alignment. Botox participants were the winners after six months, having better sustained and rapid improvement over their steroid counterparts.
The study's corresponding author, Dr. Carlos Acosta-Olivio says, "We found that a combination of BTX-A (Botox) applications into the gastroc-soleus complex and plantar fascia stretching exercises yielded better results for the treatment of plantar fasciitis than intralesional steroids." He added that the stretching exercises were an integral portion of successful treatment.
This was a small-scale study, with just 36 participants. The authors concluded by suggesting future trials include measures of body-mass index, as being overweight can be a risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis. When compared to steroid treatment, Botox treatment has fewer complications.
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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Acupuncture For Heel Pain

A new study concludes that acupuncture is beneficial in treating heel pain. Researchers note that acupuncture treatment is comparable to the use of medications, night splints, and stretching. Results show that acupuncture has more significant improvements in pain relief and restoration of function than a standard treatment plan, which includes anti-inflammatory medications.
Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Common causes are plantar fasciitis, fat pad atrophy, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, and baxter nerve compression. The baxter nerve is on the plantar side of the foot and may become entrapped, causing pain and numbness. Acupuncture is typically applied the relieve the inflammation of surrounding tissues to release pressure on the baxter nerve.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the tissues around the plantar fascia, creating foot and heel pain. Patients often know when they have plantar fasciitis because they are unable to walk properly after getting out of bed first thing in the morning. Acupuncture helps enhance the micro-circulation of blood to the local region to nourish the tendons and ligaments. This allows for the healing process to decrease the inflammation surrounding the plantar fascia.
Fat atrophy of the heel pad is common in the elderly and those who have a history of steroid injections. Acupuncture helps reduce the inflammation, and therefore providing pain management for this condition.
Achilles tendonitis is a chronic condition to the major tendon that connects the heel to the muscles of the leg. When this tendon is inflamed, it makes walking very painful. Acupuncture can provide rapid relief for this condition and can also help heal the tendon and eliminate the heel pain.
Stress fractures of the calcaneous bone are typically caused by overuse and injuries. Acupuncture is used to relieve the pain by speeding the wound healing process of the fracture. Combined with rest and activity modification, acupuncture helps this type of heel pain.
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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• Radiation Therapy May Help Heel Pain Sufferers
• Home Treatments For Heel Pain

Radiation Therapy May Help Heel Pain Sufferers

Those suffering from plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, experienced significantly less pain and improved quality of life following a treatment of external beam radiation therapy, a new study published in July in the International Journal of Radiation reports.
Between 8 to 10 percent of the population has severe heel spurs, and common treatments include icing, heat, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most injections, like steroids and local anesthetics, only provide short-term relief for the patient.
The new study demonstrated that 80% of standard cases experienced complete pain relief with radiation therapy, with 64% having marked or constant pain relief during the 48 weeks following treatment.
Radiation therapy has been used for 60 years because of its anti-inflammatory effects, but the mechanism of action is unknown. Marcus Niewald, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist at Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg/Saar, Germany came up with a randomized trial to compare the effect of standard dose radiation therapy with low dose radiation therapy among patients with plantar fasciitis.
There were 66 participants in the study and they were evaluated every six weeks until the 12 month clinical trial was over. Four patients were secondarily excluded once the trial began, 29 patients received the standard regimen, and 33 patients received the low dose regimen.
"After treatment of these 62 patients the difference between the effects of radiation therapy in the two arms became very clear in the clinical impressions, this urged us to perform an interim analysis, and finally, led to the decision to prematurely close the trial," wrote Niewald.
Five of the 29 patients in the standard dose group were retreated and had improved results. Researchers did not note acute side effects or long-term toxicity.
Limitations to the study included the facts that there was no placebo group, patients nor physicians were not blind to the dose group, and statistical power may be limited to the early closure of the trial. "Radiation therapy yields important pain relief in patients with painful heel spur (plantar fasciitis) compared with very low doses, and this could be proven at a high level of evidence for the first time," wrote Niewald.
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, follow my tweets on Twitter, and friend or like our page on Facebook.

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• What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy and Heel Pain

If you're struggling with heel pain, you know how difficult it is to even get out of bed in the morning. Perhaps you've been to a podiatrist and tried all of their recommendations, including a cortisone shot, but have had no luck in feeling any pain relief. 
New to the field of podiatry is platelet-rich plasma therapy, which has been effective in treating extreme plantar fasciitis. If you've had no success with conservative treatment options, this may help you.
Platelet-rich plasma takes a different approach to healing than a traditional cortisone shot does. Instead of having cortisone injected into the affected area, a combination of plasma and platelet fluid are shot. Both of these substances help connective tissue grow and promote vascular healing, as well as aid with inflammation.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy's natural healing process intensifies the body's efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets. To create PRP therapy, a small sample of your blood is taken and placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood at high speeds, separating the platelets from other components. The concentrated PRP is then injected to and around the affected injured area, jump starting your body's natural healing signal. Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of transmissible infection and very low risk of allergic reaction.
The procedure takes any where from one to two hours, including preparation and recovery time. Most people return to their jobs immediately after the therapy. Up to three injections may be given within a six month time frame, usually three weeks apart.
Studies show that patients who received this treatment showed improvement after four weeks, which was consistent for a year after receiving the shot. MRI and ultrasound images show considerable definitive tissue repair after the treatment. The need for surgery is greatly eliminated with this therapy.
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, follow my tweets on Twitter, and friend or like our page on Facebook.

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• Treating Heel Pain

How Does Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Work?

Shock wave therapy was originally developed by Dornier MedTech to break up kidney stones in the body. The therapy was approved by the FDA in the early 1980s and today is the standard treatment of choice for urinary stones.
An important benefit of this therapy is that it's developed outside the body (extracorporeally), so many of the risks associated with surgery are eliminated. The shock waves actually stimulate or trigger your body's own repair mechanisms. Doctors around the world, especially in Europe, have successfully used this same shock wave treatment since the early 1990s.

The Dornier Epos Ultra is a new shock wave therapy system designed specifically for orthopedic use. The system consists of three main parts:
1. Shock wave therapy system- this system produces the actual shock waves (also known as pressure or sound waves), which travel through the therapy head's water-filled cushion. This cushion is placed against your foot during treatment.
2. Articulated arm- the therapy head is attached to the end of this arm-like device on the system. The arm is easily moved, so that the therapy head can be closely aligned to the area of your foot being treated.
3. Ultrasound imaging system- much like an X-ray, the ultrasound imaging system is used by some healthcare providers to actually see inside your foot. A live picture of your foot will show on a TV-like screen, so the doctor can pinpoint the treatment site and closely watch what's going on during your treatment. Your feedback is important too.
Next time: What happens during treatment?
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

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• What Happens During Shock Wave Treatment?

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