Dry Needling
Dry Needling is another non-surgical treatment provided by the doctors of Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists to effectively treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This form of chronic heel pain typically results form repetitive stress or reoccurring injuries. The condition is often recognized by acute pain near the heel on the bottom of the foot, especially with the first few steps in the morning. Most people with plantar fasciitis describe their symptoms as a burning, stabbing or aching pain in the heel.
They also report the pain is most noticeable in the morning when first rising from bed or after periods of rest. When patients with this condition take their first steps in the morning they will often limp for a period before the pain subsides. However, the pain will return either later in the day or again the next morning. If left untreated the condition will worsen leading to more aggressive treatment plans. The most severe treatment plans may include surgery if more conservative treatments do not provide the relief and the ability for healing. However, our plantar fasciitis treatment success rate is approaching 95% without surgery. Dry needling for plantar fasciitis stimulates blood flow to promote the healing of the damaged tissue. The procedure incorporates Ultrasound imaging to guide the needle precisely to the inflamed area. This procedure may also incorporate the use of steroids that can be delivered directly to the plantar fascia region. In addition to the Ultrasound imaging guidance we provide this treatment with the use of our TENS unit. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) provides electrical currents to stimulate the nerves surrounding the area to virtually eliminate any pain associated with the procedure.
For more information about this procedure, request an appointment and learn if this or the other advanced treatment options provided by Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists are right for you. What to expect with our dry needling procedure for plantar fasciitis sufferers. On the day of the dry needling procedure, first a local anesthestic is utilized so that the second part of the procedure provides no discomfort. The dry needling procedure is guided by Ultrasound imaging, in which a needle is used to break the surface of the skin and interact with the area of the plantar fascia that is damaged to promote platelet and growth factors to enter the region. This influences the healing process. In addition, a low dose of cortisone is utilized and placed between the plantar fascia and the fat pad but not directly into either layer. Structures such as the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon tend to be avascular.
Therefore this procedure of allowing for release of platelets and the associated growth factor greatly speeds up the body’s own healing capabilities. In addition to the procedure some post procedure care should be observed and will vary depending upon each patients severity and other medical conditions. Also, many patients find long term relief and prevention of future occurrences of plantar fasciitis from prescription orthotics.
