Heel pain is one of the most common complaints amongst active individuals, as well as those leading sedentary lifestyles. Hyaluronic acid injections have been touted as a potential solution to alleviate the symptoms associated with heel pain.
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps lubricate joints and keep them moving smoothly. In recent years, clinicians have started using HA injections to treat heel pain, in addition to other joint-related issues. But how effective are these injections in treating heel pain?
To answer this question, we first need to understand the common root causes of heel pain. The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciopathy a degenerative condition that causes thickening of the plantar fascia and heel spurs. Plantar fasciopathy is a condition where the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot becomes initially inflamed and then thickened. Heel spurs, on the other hand, are abnormal bony growths that develop on the heel bone, the spurs often aren’t the problem, it’s more the forces that cause the spur that is the underlying issue.
While corticosteroid injections have long been used to treat heel pain, they often have limited effectiveness over the long term. Hyaluronic acid injections, however, have been shown to have longer-lasting effects. By injecting HA directly into the heel, it can help reduce inflammation and provide lubrication to the area, effectively reducing the pain.
One study conducted in 2016 found that patients who received HA injections experienced a significant reduction in pain and improvement in function. Furthermore, the effects of the injections lasted for up to six months post-injection. These findings suggest that HA injections could become an important part of the treatment options available for those suffering from heel pain.
However, it is important to note that HA injections are not a “cure-all” solution. Those suffering from heel pain should also be engaging in proper stretching exercises and wearing supportive footwear to help prevent further injury. HA injections can be an effective tool in conjunction with these measures, but should not be relied on solely to alleviate symptoms.
In summary, hyaluronic acid injections can be an effective treatment option for individuals suffering from heel pain. While further research is needed to fully understand their benefits, they have shown promising results in reducing inflammation, improving function, and providing relief from pain. As always, proper preventative measures such as wearing supportive footwear and engaging in regular stretching exercises should also be practised in order to prevent further injury.