Ankle arthritis and plantar fasciitis are common, aggravating, chronic conditions. In such weight bearing areas the pain is hard to avoid. Pain often interferes with work, leisure activities and even sleep. Steroid injections are often effective for pain relief, but wear off quickly, producing little or no improvement 6-12 months after injection and sometimes wearing off in a month. Steroids do not promote healing and can even damage cartilage, ligaments or tendons. PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections are usually more effective than steroids. PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections often produce prolonged pain relief, even for 2 years or more. Dr. Van Reken has had his own ankle injected with 99% pain improvement. Repeat injections or a series are most helpful for joints. Most plantar fasciitis PRP injections produce a remission in foot pain lasting years or even forever, even with just one injection—typically resulting in a completely pain free foot. Daniel’s foot pain has disappeared completely after one shot & after two shots his ankle pain has improved 75%. MRI studies sometimes demonstrate healing of partially torn ligaments and cartilage after PRP or stem cell injections. Many patients have some pain relief within 24 hours and then it improves further over time.
