Corticosteroid Injections for Plantar Fasciitis

Examples

Generic Name: Betamethasone; Triamcinolone

Brand Name: Celestone; Kenalog

How It Works

Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term relief from heel pain due to plantar fasciitis.

The site where the doctor injects the steroid may vary. Some inject directly into the plantar fascia on the underside of the heel. Others inject on the big-toe side of the heel or arch.

Injections are advised to be given with an anesthetic mixed with the corticosteroid, but the injections may still be painful. Your doctor may spray a topical anesthetic on your skin before giving you the injection.

Why It Is Used

Your doctor may consider corticosteroid injections if several weeks of nonsurgical treatment have not relieved your heel pain.

How Well It Works

Corticosteroid injection may give short-term relief from symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don’t feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have pain and swelling around the injection site that lasts more than two days.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Pain and swelling the first day or two after the injection. It may help to apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes to the injection site.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don’t take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Advice for women

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When will I be able to return to work?

If you are able to get a lift and have a job that is not active and you can elevate your foot, you may be able to return after 1-2 weeks. Generally, patients return to work between 4-8 weeks depending on the type of job, activity levels and response to surgery.

When will I be able to return to sports?

Although the healing process continues for up to 1 year, you should be able to return to impact type activity at around 3 months. This will depend on the type of operation you have and how you respond to surgery.