FAT INJECTIONS CAN TREAT PLANTAR FASCIITIS

posted: Feb. 01, 2022.

A novel technique that transplants a patient's own fat into the sole of their foot could offer relief to those suffering from a common and painful condition called plantar fasciitis, according to University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers. In a pilot study, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and led by a wife-and-husband team, the fat injection procedure improved symptoms of plantar fasciitis in patients, laying the groundwork for a larger clinical trial. Plantar fasciitis is a common inflammatory condition, affecting more than 2 million Americans, said Beth R. Gusenoff, DPM, study co-author and wife of Jeffrey Gusenoff, MD.

 

Dr. Beth Gusenoff

 

To test their approach, the duo split their 14 patients into two groups. One group underwent a single fat injection before being tracked for a year; the other underwent six months of observation before getting the injection, and was then tracked for six months. Each group saw reduced plantar fascia thickness and was better able to engage in sports activity, both six and 12 months after the injection. Wenjay Sung, DPM, a Los Angeles-based podiatrist and spokesperson for the APMA, expressed enthusiasm for the study findings. "It's great to recognize newer treatments and effective approaches when dealing with a chronic condition such as heel pain," Dr. Sung said.

 

Source: Science Daily [1/26/22]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News