PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

A new state of the art treatment for chronic heel pain is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections. A small amount of blood from the patient, similar to giving blood for a routine test. The vial of blood is subjected to very high speeds in a machine called a centrifuge. A yellow material is obtained containing cells called platelets, that are very abundant with factors that aid in healing. These growth factors are believed to decrease the inflammation causing plantar fasciitis. The platelets from the patient's own blood is injected into the area of pain in the heel. Patients are then fitted for a removable walking boot, and will use crutches to prevent putting any weight on the heel for one week or less. After that, they advance to sneakers, and although the range of time for pain relief is variable, it can be appreciated as early as 10-14 days.

For more information please contact our office at carolinafootspecialists.net

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/19/tom_brady_to_have_surgery_to_repair_stress_fracture/related

NFL quarterback Tom Brady recently suffered a stress fracture of his foot in a playoff game.
Stress fractures are small, hairline breaks that can occur in the bones of the foot. Typically stress fractures can be caused by overtraining, improper training habits, improper shoe gear, flatfoot or other foot deformities, and even osteoporosis. Tom Brady's injury was more likely due to trauma from blunt force on his foot.

Pain, swelling, and possibly bruising can be signs of a stress fracture. The metatarsal bones are one of the most common locations of stress fractures of the foot. X-rays are used to diagnose stress fractures. Stress fractures may not be visible for 10 to 14 days on x-ray examination. Possible treatments include rest and possible immobilization of the foot ( with a cam walker walking boot/or below knee cast). In Tom Brady's case he may have a fracture that is not in a proper alignment or a fracture that is in a location that won't allow it to heal properly. His surgery will more likely involve screws and possibly a plate to stabilize the fracture. Fractures can take between 6-8 weeks to heal.

Udonis Haslem an professional basketball player for the Miami Heat suffered an injury in November to the Lisfrancs ligament in his foot. It is likely that Haslem had a complete tear of this ligament because he just recently underwent surgery for this injury.
This type of injury is rare, but when it occurs it can be a devastating injury if not treated properly. When the Lisfrancs ligament is disrupted the first and second metatarsals (midfoot bones) can seperate and cause instabilty.
Although the exact mechanism of injury is unknown the consensus is that these injuries are caused by either direct or indirect trauma. The original description of these injuries was associated with equestrian falls when the forefoot was caught in the stirrup in a fixed position. These injuries can be work related such as slips and falls, athletic activities, and motor vehicle accidents.
Treatment for this condition can be cast immobilization for 6-8 weeks if this injury involves a sprain or partial tear of the ligament. If seperation and displacement of metatarsal bones is found on x-ray or MRI scan than surgery is recommended. This involves aligning the bones correctly and fixation with screws to hold the bones together. Postoperatively patients are nonweightbearing for 6-8 weeks in a cast or boot. Then the patient can weight bear in a boot for a few weeks. It may take 3-4 months until the patient can be allowed to jog and exercise.
It is likely that Udonis Haslem will miss the rest of the season because of this injury. I will follow up on a future blog with his progress. Please refer to the link below about Haslem's injury.
http://sportifi.com/news/Haslem-has-surgery-Heat-sign-Dampier-167679.html

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common diagnosis that we see in our practice. 90% of the time plantar fasciitis can be cured with a conservative treatment plan. Please refer to our website for information on plantar fasciitis. If you feel like you have been experiencing plantar fasciitis and your symptoms haven't improved over the past several weeks please call our office for an evaluation.
Plantar fasciitis is commonly found in professional athletes. The following article is about a recent injury to the plantar fascia that Rajon Rondo suffered with the Boston Celtics.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/06/rajon-rondo-has-plantar-fasciitis-thats-bad/

Recent web link for Heel pain in NBA basketball player
Plantar fasciits is a common foot ailment of professional athletes. The treatment consist of rest, ice, NSAIDS, night splints, custom orthotics, Physical therapy, cortisone injections, and immobilization with a walking boot. 90% of our patients respond to a conservative treatment approach. The last option is surgery.
A new noninvasive procedure "Topaz" and "Shockwave therapy" are surgical techniques that have a quicker recovery time compared to traditional plantar fascial surgery.
For more information on heel pain please refer to our website.

Carolinafootspecialists.net