Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot problem pain. It is an inflammation of the connective tissue called the plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. Its common treatment includes icing the area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, wearing an orthotic, or resting the foot. A recent study has shown that a new treatment involving steroid injections can give quick relief to patients suffering from this problem.

Researchers led by Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D., from Italy's University of Genoa studied 44 people with plantar fasciitis who had not responded to prior medical treatment. During study, all study subjects were injected with a local anesthetic, followed by a dry needling technique, in which a series of punctures are made to induce a small amount of bleeding, which helps heal the ligament. A small amount of steroid is then injected around the area, using ultrasound as a guide. In two to three weeks, 39 people reported that their symptoms were gone. Three study subjects had worsened symptoms in the first few days after treatment, followed by reduced pain and then no symptoms after about three weeks. Two people had no significant changes. The use of an orthotic soft-arch support was suggested to all participants after treatment.

Dr. Sconfienza said, "This therapy is quicker, easier, less painful and less expensive than shockwave therapy. In cases of mild plantar fasciitis, patients should first try noninvasive solutions before any other treatments. But when pain becomes annoying and affects the activities of daily living, dry-needling with steroid injection is a viable option."