Image-Guided Ultrasonic Technology Shows Promise in Treating Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

March 1, 2015—The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) announced research results demonstrating the use of ultrasound imaging and specific ultrasonic energy to penetrate, emulsify, and remove diseased fasciitis tissue may be a new treatment option for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. SIR noted that permanently removing damaged, pain-generating tissue allowed room for healthy tissue to regrow in its place, restoring normal function. The study was presented at the SIR.15, the society’s 40th annual scientific meeting taking place in Atlanta, Georgia.

As summarized by SIR, the study was composed of 100 patients who were treated beginning in August 2013. The patients presented with chronic, refractory plantar fasciopathy, and all patients had previously failed to respond to medications, activity modification, and arch supports. Before treatment, patients reported how their foot pain affected their ability to manage everyday life through the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). FADI scores were collected from patients at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after treatment. 

At 2 weeks after treatment, more 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. 

The study, “Percutaneous ultrasonic fasciotomy: a novel approach to treat chronic plantar fasciitis,” by Rahul Razdan, MD, and Eric Vander Woude, MD, is available online at www.sirmeeting.org as abstract 78. The investigators are interventional radiologists at Advanced Medical Imaging in Lincoln, Nebraska.

In the SIR press release, Dr. Razdan, MD, commented, “Plantar fasciitis is so ubiquitous and such a difficult condition to live with, and yet patients have been limited in their treatment options. While standard treatments, such as pain medication and physical therapy, can offer some relief, there have been no permanent answers. Consequently, safe and effective definitive treatments are highly desirable.” 
    
He added, “It is important 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.”