What to Expect With Heel Injection Therapy

Step-by-Step Look at Relief Options for Persistent Heel Pain

There is nothing worse than chronic heel pain. Pain with walking, exercise, and standing can really take a toll. If simple heel stretches, supportive shoes, orthotics, and physical therapy have not resolved your heel pain, your provider may suggest an injection as the next step. Heel injection therapy is a well-known treatment option for plantar fasciitis and certain types of Achilles irritation.

It can take time to heal, but this procedure can be an effective way to decrease the pain you are feeling, while supporting your body in the healing process.

At Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle, we see heel injection therapy as a step in the process.

Patients need to be sure they have exhausted all other conservative options prior to injection. The injection is used to supplement healing. It is not used as a pain reliever. At Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle, we want you to feel great again!

What Is Heel Injection Therapy?

Heel injection therapy is a way to administer medication to the exact site of your pain. This is opposed to taking a pill that goes into your system and works its way around the rest of your body to get to where it needs to be. The injection is given near the plantar fascia (aka the bottom of your heel bone) or around the Achilles insertion. Ultrasound guidance is also used to be as precise as possible and avoid causing irritation to the surrounding areas.

There are various types of injections, and they work in different ways. Corticosteroid injections are more focused on suppressing inflammation and giving you fast relief. Regenerative type injections, such as platelet-rich plasma, help to utilize the components in your own blood to provide healing over time. The length of time your symptoms have been present, activity level, and response to previous treatment options are some of the factors that determine what the best injection would be for you.

Conditions Treated With Heel Injections

The most common condition for which our patients receive heel injections is plantar fasciitis. This condition is commonly known for sharp or aching pain near the bottom of the heel. This is often worse with the first steps of the day when getting out of bed or after long periods of sitting. If imaging, like an ultrasound, shows thickening or degeneration of the plantar fascia and your symptoms have lasted more than several months, your provider may use an injection to break the cycle of inflammation and pain.

Heel injections may also be used for Achilles tendinopathy when the pain is located near the heel rather than in the middle or higher up on the tendon. If this is the case, then the injection would be placed around the tendon rather than directly in the tendon.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Prior to receiving an injection, your provider will complete a thorough exam and discuss your treatment history. This often includes discussing the duration of symptoms, what therapies you have already tried, and how your pain is affecting your daily activities. Imaging, such as ultrasound, can be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine where to inject.

It is also important to review the risks and benefits of the procedure and discuss what to expect with recovery time. If you have medical conditions such as diabetes or if you are taking blood thinners, this can also affect how the procedure is performed. For the most part, no special preparation is needed before your appointment aside from wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes.

What Happens During the Injection?

Injection therapy is performed in the office and often takes less than twenty minutes. The skin on your heel will be cleaned, and a small amount of local anesthetic will be used to numb the area of the skin. Using imaging guidance, your provider will place the injection precisely at the site of the inflammation or damaged tissue.

You will feel pressure during the injection and may feel a small ache, but most patients tolerate the procedure well. After the injection, the area is covered with a small bandage, and you will be observed briefly prior to returning home.

Recovery and Aftercare

A sore heel for one to three days is normal following injection therapy. Icing and avoiding high-impact activity for a few days helps to control any post-injection soreness. Walking for daily activities is typically fine, but more intense activities, such as running or jumping, should be avoided temporarily.

Pain relief is usually apparent within one to two weeks, but this can vary based on the type of injection used. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to evaluate response and determine whether your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.

Risks and When to Call Your Provider

Heel injections are safe for most patients, but like any procedure, there are some risks that need to be considered. Your provider will make sure to explain these prior to the procedure. Post injection flare, bruising, or swelling are all temporary and common. Rarely, some of the more serious risks can include infection or tearing of the surrounding tissue. To help avoid these risks, injections are carefully spaced and monitored.

If you experience increased redness, warmth, fever, drainage, or pain that is getting worse after the first few days, you should contact your provider.

Is Heel Injection Therapy Right for You?

Injection therapy is one part of a larger treatment plan for heel pain. It is most effective when paired with other treatment options, such as supportive footwear, stretching, strengthening, and modifying activity as needed. For most patients, these combined treatment options will help provide relief from pain without the need for surgery.

We want you to receive individualized care. Our priority is to ensure you fully understand your options so that you feel comfortable as you move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do heel injections work for long-term plantar fasciitis pain?

Yes. Injections are often effective when plantar fasciitis lasts longer than several months and has not improved with conservative care.

How long does heel injection pain last after the procedure?

Most soreness resolves within a few days. Pain relief typically begins within one to two weeks, depending on the type of injection.

Are heel injections safe if I am active or athletic?

They can be safe when properly timed. Activity restrictions are temporary and designed to protect the healing tissue.

How many heel injections can I receive in a year?

This varies based on the type of injection. Corticosteroid injections are typically limited, while regenerative options have different protocols.

When should I see a foot specialist for heel pain in Idaho?

If heel pain lasts more than a few weeks or is affecting your ability to walk or work, it is a good time to visit a podiatry clinic, such as Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle.