Plantar Fasciitis Treatment London — Why Rest and Steroid Injections Are Not Enough
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common and most persistent foot conditions — and one where conventional treatment frequently fails to produce lasting resolution. The characteristic sharp heel pain on the first steps of the morning, the aching that builds through the day with prolonged standing, the pain that returns after rest — these are familiar symptoms for millions of people who have been told to rest, stretch, wear orthotics and wait.
At Proback Clinic in Victoria, London, we offer Shockwave Therapy, Prolotherapy and — where nerve involvement is contributing — Hydrodissection and Neuro Prolotherapy, addressing the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis rather than managing the symptoms around it.
Why Plantar Fasciitis Becomes Chronic
Chronic plantar fasciitis is a degenerative rather than inflammatory problem. The tissue at the plantar fascia insertion has stopped producing the collagen needed for repair and the blood supply to the insertion point is inadequate to drive healing on its own. Steroid injections are designed to suppress inflammation — but in chronic degenerated tissue they do nothing and can actually accelerate tissue breakdown. Repeated cortisone into the plantar fascia is associated with fat pad atrophy and increased risk of fascia rupture.
Shockwave Therapy — Restarting the Healing Process
Shockwave Therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for chronic plantar fasciitis. Acoustic waves penetrate deep into the affected tissue, breaking down calcific deposits and scar tissue at the insertion and triggering a new healing response in tissue that has stopped repairing itself. Multiple systematic reviews confirm significant improvement in plantar fasciitis pain and function with results maintained at long term follow up. We typically deliver three to five sessions spaced one to two weeks apart.
Prolotherapy — Repairing the Damaged Fascia
Alongside Shockwave we use Prolotherapy injected precisely into the plantar fascia insertion under ultrasound guidance — stimulating new collagen production at the exact point of damage and strengthening the insertion point that has been under chronic stress. For flat feet or high arches where biomechanical loading is contributing, Prolotherapy into the surrounding medial ankle ligaments addresses the stability component that orthotics can only partially compensate for.
Hydrodissection and Neuro Prolotherapy — Where Nerve Pain Is Contributing
A significant proportion of chronic plantar fasciitis patients have nerve entrapment alongside the fascial damage — particularly Baxter’s nerve entrapment at the heel. Hydrodissection releases the mechanical nerve compression and Neuro Prolotherapy calms the hypersensitised nerve pathways — addressing the burning nerve pain that Shockwave and Prolotherapy alone cannot fully resolve.
Pricing
Initial consultation £110 — reduced from £270. Shockwave Therapy £60 per session. Regenerative injection treatments £275 for the first area and £85 for each additional area. 15% discount when prepaying for a full course upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis in London?
For chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to rest, orthotics and steroid injections, Shockwave Therapy combined with Prolotherapy is the most evidence-based non-surgical approach. Shockwave restarts the healing process in degenerated tissue and Prolotherapy stimulates new collagen production at the damaged insertion. Where nerve entrapment is contributing we add Hydrodissection and Neuro Prolotherapy.
How many Shockwave sessions are needed for plantar fasciitis?
Most plantar fasciitis patients require three to five Shockwave sessions spaced one to two weeks apart. This is combined with Prolotherapy injection sessions for the best and most lasting results.
Can plantar fasciitis be treated without surgery?
Yes — the vast majority of plantar fasciitis cases can be resolved without surgery using the right combination of non-surgical treatments. Surgery for plantar fasciitis carries significant risks including scar tissue formation and worsening symptoms and should be a last resort after all non-surgical options have been properly explored.
Is steroid injection a good treatment for plantar fasciitis?
Steroid injections can help in the acute inflammatory phase but are not appropriate for chronic plantar fasciitis where the tissue is degenerative rather than inflamed. Repeated cortisone injections into the plantar fascia are associated with fat pad atrophy and increased risk of fascia rupture. Shockwave and Prolotherapy address the underlying degeneration more effectively.
What is Baxter’s nerve and can it cause heel pain?
Baxter’s nerve — the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve — is a commonly missed cause of heel pain that is frequently misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. It becomes entrapped between the heel muscles generating a specific pattern of heel pain. Hydrodissection under live ultrasound guidance is the most targeted treatment for Baxter’s nerve entrapment.
How much does plantar fasciitis treatment cost in London?
Shockwave Therapy is £60 per session. Regenerative injection treatments are £275 for the first area and £85 for each additional area. Our initial consultation is £110 reduced from £270 and confirms the exact treatment plan before you commit to anything.
Give us a call on 0207 976 6648 or email victoria@proback.co.uk.
Proback Clinic, 4 Evelyn Mansions, Carlisle Place, Victoria, London SW1P 1NH. Five minutes from Victoria station.
