Research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Annual Scientific Meeting suggests that an interventional radiology treatment helps relieve chronic plantar fasciitis.
A news release from the society reports the researchers used ultrasound imaging and specific ultrasonic energy to penetrate, emulsify, and remove diseased fasciitis tissue. Permanently removing damaged, pain-generating tissue allowed for room for healthy tissue to regrow in its place, restoring normal function.
The study encompassed a total of 100 patients, who were treated beginning in August 2013. The release says the patients presented with chronic, refractory plantar fasciopathy, and all patients had previously failed to respond to medications, activity modification, and arch supports. Prior to treatment, patients reported how their foot pain impacted their ability to manage daily life through the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). FADI scores were collected from the patients at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months post-treatment.
The results state that 2 weeks following treatment, greater than 90% of patients reported improvement in symptoms, and these improvements were maintained at 6 months. Patients also reported being highly satisfied with the treatment and had no treatment-related complications.
In the release, Rahul Razdan, MD, study researcher and an interventional radiologist at Advanced Medical Imaging in Lincoln, Neb, emphasizes the importance for patients suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis “to know that they have treatment options. We have patients who are in so much pain they can’t even play with their kids or take their dog for a walk. This ultrasonic treatment can give patients their lives back and let them enjoy their lives. We are excited to see significant results from this treatment.”
Source: Society of Interventional Radiology
