Dry Needling is a fairly new treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis.
“Studies show 95% success rate for Plantar Fasciitis that has not responded to standard treatments”
It is a minimally invasive procedure that we have the ability to perform in the workplace for patients struggling with chronic plantar fasciitis. Dry needling can usually be carried out in just fifteen to twenty minutes in the workplace. Dry Needling or “Percutaneous Ultrasound Guided Approach to Plantar Fasciitis” was developed by scientists at the University of Genoa, Italy. The preliminary study included 44 patients. Scientist accomplished a 95% success rate for totally resolving the patient’s symptoms. Early results of this research study revealed substantial relief for longer than 10 months. These results are for the patients who were included when the procedure first occurred.
Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis
The Procedure
The dry needling procedure sounds frightening to some, but it is in fact not extremely painful. The only part of the procedure that must hurt at all is the numbing injections. Here is how dry needling works:
- Your podiatric doctor numbs your foot with a local anesthetic, which is nearly painless. The procedure is begun only when it is particular that you are entirely numb. The podiatrists at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle do not desire you to experience any pain at all.
- Utilizing an ultrasound maker, your podiatrist will envision the plantar fascia. Then, your podiatrist will use a needle to pierce it. The guidance of the ultrasound enables the accurate positioning of the needle along the painful area of the plantar fascia. After the plantar fascia is cut, a steroid is carefully placed in the exact location where you have actually been having pain. The ultrasound is also used for assistance to put the steroid.
Ultrasound-guided puncturing of the heel and a steriod injection placed within the plantar fascia can remove plantar fasciitis!
How Does it Work to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Inning accordance with some researchers, the theory of dry needling is that it causes small bleeding within the tissues and can break up scar tissue at the attachment of the heel. The small injury allows the body to recognize the injured tissue as an intense issue area and this area that normally has poor blood circulation will have increased blood circulation. Injecting the steroid minimizes inflammation and helps reduce the risk of rupturing the fascia.
The length of time Does the Procedure Take?
The entire procedure takes in between fifteen and twenty minutes.
What Happens After the Procedure?
You will most likely experience some tenderness in the foot for the first couple of days following the procedure. This is normally managed with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Following the procedure, we ask that you wear a detachable walking boot for 7-10 days. This just gives the foot an opportunity to rest and start the healing process. After you finish with the walking boot, you need to wear stable shoes with orthotics or arch supports for the next few weeks. In many cases it may take longer for complete recovery to take place.
See also: Pain After Dry Needling
What are the Benefits of the Procedure?
- Early research studies of the procedure reveal a 95% success rate with enduring relief for most patients.
- Existing research studies show relief lasting at 10 months
- Pain relief within 2 to 3 weeks inning accordance with studies
- It is a one-time treatment. You don’t need to come back to the workplace for a second time!
- The procedure can be carried out in the Neuhaus Foot and Ankle workplace. There is no need for a hospital.
- Brings less risk than outpatient surgery
- Dry needling is a less expensive alternative to shockwave therapy or surgery
What are the Risks of the Procedure?
- Pain might be present for a number of days or even weeks following procedure
- Since it is a relatively new procedure, long-term outcomes for dry needling are not known at this time.
- Dry needling can cause weakening of the plantar fascia and a possible rupture. Nevertheless, long term swelling from plantar fasciitis can cause a rupture also.
- Little risk of post-injection infection, as is true of any procedure
- Allergy from the anesthesia
What Do Patients Think About the Procedure?
“After several gos to and attempts to rid the pain in my right heel from a Plantar Fasciitis, Dr Neuhaus chose to carry out the dry needling procedure. The in-office treatment worked extremely well, with a local injection and ultrasound he had the ability to perform the dry needling in about 10 minutes. After a few days, using a special boot, and not walking barefoot the discomfort subsided, this procedure has actually given back my mobility in walking without pain and with less discomfort each new day. I will suggest Dr. Neuhaus to all my good friends and household. Thanks to a terrific caring personnel at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle.”
