Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injection for Plantar Fasciitis
Quick relief for stubborn heel pain—precisely where you need it
Ultrasound-guided steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the irritated portion of the plantar fascia, using live imaging for pinpoint accuracy. This approach can calm pain fast when rest, insoles, stretching, and medication haven’t been enough.
What it helps
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Chronic plantar fasciitis (heel pain at the bottom of the foot), especially morning or post-activity pain
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Fascia thickening/irritation seen on ultrasound
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Pain that persists despite conservative care (stretching, night splints, orthotics, NSAIDs, physical therapy)
Who is a candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you:
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Have heel pain lasting 6+ weeks despite conservative measures
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Want a non-surgical option to quickly reduce inflammation
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Can follow short-term activity modifications after the injection
May not be suitable if you have: active skin/soft-tissue infection at the heel, poorly controlled diabetes, bleeding disorders, allergy to anesthetic or steroid, or recent steroid injections in the same area. Your clinician will review your history and medications (including blood thinners).
How to prepare
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Wear or bring supportive shoes.
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Eat normally; no special fasting is required.
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Bring a medication list (including blood thinners and diabetes meds).
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Plan to limit high-impact activity for several days after.
What to expect during the visit
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Assessment & ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis and visualize the plantar fascia.
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Skin cleansing & local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
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Ultrasound-guided injection: a thin needle delivers a small amount of corticosteroid and anesthetic precisely at the irritated fascia.
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Post-care instructions and a plan for gradual return to activity and supportive footwear.
Total time in clinic: about 20–30 minutes.
Recovery & results
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Numbing relief may be felt immediately and wear off in a few hours.
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Pain improvement commonly begins within 48–72 hours, with peak benefit in 1–2 weeks.
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Expect to avoid running/jumping for 7–10 days and favor low-impact activities.
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Use supportive shoes/insoles and continue gentle calf and plantar fascia stretching as advised.
Results can last weeks to months. Some patients need a second, carefully timed injection; most clinicians limit the number per year at a single site.
Risks & side effects (uncommon)
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Temporary soreness or a brief “steroid flare” in the first 24–48 hours
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Skin color change or thinning at the injection site
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Fat pad thinning or plantar fascia weakening/rupture (rare; risk rises with repeated injections)
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Infection (very rare)
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Transient blood sugar elevation in people with diabetes
Your provider will weigh these risks with you and tailor the plan to minimize them.