Ankle and foot
Ultrasound-guided injection for plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis and the heel is treated with ultrasound precision, depositing the medication within the thickness of the fascia rather than on its surface.
How it is performed
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Ultrasound measures the thickness of the fascia and identifies the point of maximal swelling; under direct visualisation the needle reaches within the thickness of the fascia (not its surface or the calcaneus) and a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid is deposited there. Ultrasound precision reduces the risk of fascia rupture and plantar fat pad atrophy, complications described with blind injection. Outpatient procedure.
Who it is for
- Plantar fasciitis with morning heel pain resistant to physiotherapy and orthotics
- Heel pain from a calcaneal spur
- Recurrence or persistence of pain after conservative treatment
Recovery
You can walk immediately with a cushioning insole for a few days; relief develops over the following days.
Conditions treated in this area: ankle (tibiotalar) osteoarthritis, sinus tarsi / subtalar joint osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis and heel pain, achilles tendinopathy and tendon sheath disorders (posterior tibial, peroneal).
Scientific evidence
Randomised studies show that ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis provides superior and faster pain relief than a freehand injection and shockwave therapy, with a better safety profile thanks to direct control of placement.
References on PubMed
- Comparative Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injection and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis.
Pang A, Kothari SY, et al. — Indian J Orthop, 2025 · PMID 40852560
- Ultrasound-guided tibial nerve block vs. local corticosteroid injection in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis treatment: A single blind randomized trial.
Yavuz MS, et al. — J Foot Ankle Surg, 2026 · PMID 41713549
Published data describe average results in groups of patients and are not a prediction of an individual outcome. The indication for treatment must always be assessed during a consultation.
Want to know if it is right for you?
At the first consultation we review your clinical history and previous imaging together.