Use of Ultrasound for Planter Facia

[pausz]

A friend told me that the use of ultrasound would help relieve the pain of PF. Is this true?

[Ruth]

Hi,

It depends on a range of things, including what is causing the pain in the plantar fascia and how acute the injury is.

I have had patients tell me (anecdotally) that the best relief they've found has been a plastic bottle half filled with water and then frozen, rolled under the foot (with a sock on).

A therapist could also use some taping techniques to help offload the fascia which may help with recovery.

[mwpod]

Hi pausz,

As Ruth said, there are many causes to heel pain. It is important to get a correct diagnosis.

Ultrasound might help but there is very little evidence to support it. The best treatment for plantar fasciitis is mechanical conservative treatment. This include: orthotic, tapping, stretching exercise, footwear.

If these still can't cure the problem try corticosteroid injection, ultrasound, ESWT or casting. Surgery will be your last option.

Good luck.

[maikahi]

Hi pausz,

I have PF and went through ultrasound therapy. Besides simply feeling great it did help a lot, but did not "cure" it. I've been prescribed a cortezone (sp?) injection, but have been told that there is only a 50/50 chance it will work. Still haven't decided if I'm going to do it as I am concerned about longterm sideffects of medical hormones (i.e. breast cancer).