Learn the 10 laws of injury prevention.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
The Method
Focused sound waves break up scar tissue and encourage collagen production, which helps heal the area. High-energy therapy works in one treatment but is painful, so sedation is required. You stay awake for low-energy therapy, but you'll need multiple sessions.
The Result
Research reports an 82 percent cure rate in patients who didn't respond to other treatments. Clint Verran, a marathoner and physical therapist who uses the low-energy version, gives it high marks: "After the first treatment, you'll feel like the area has been stretched out. After two more sessions, you'll notice a dramatic improvement."
The Cost
About $150 per session; covered by some insurance plans
Platelet-Rich Plasma
The Method
Blood is drawn and spun down into concentrated platelets that are then injected into the injured area. Platelets contain growth factors, which stimulate the regeneration of tissue.
The Result
Most studies have been done on ligaments and tendons, but emerging research on plantar fasciitis is promising. Washington, D.C., podiatrist Stephen Pribut says it could be the sports-medicine treatment of the future, but it's not yet practical for recreational athletes.
The Cost
About $1,000 to $2,000; usually not covered by insurance
Protect your feet from injury with this guide.
Botox
The Method
Botulinum toxin is injected into plantar fascia to cause nerve paralysis and reduce pain and inflammation.
The Result
In one study, plantar fasciitis sufferers reported a significant reduction in pain following treatment. But more research is needed, says Pribut, to see if effects are long-term. Also, Botox may block the pain, but not cure the injury.
The Cost
About $350 to $500 per session; usually not covered by insurance
Dry Needling
The Method
A needle is used to puncture the plantar fascia of your numbed foot. This breaks up scar tissue and causes minor bleeding, which recruits blood cells to heal the tissue. Some doctors follow up with a steroid injection.
The Result
A study reported a 95 percent cure rate for dry needling combined with steroids. Though that may not even be necessary. "I use dry needling alone, and it's about 90 percent effective," says Levon Nazarian, M.D., of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
The Cost
$150 to $250 per session; covered by some insurance plans