Comparative analysis between platelet rich plasma and corticosteroid injection in plantar fasciitis

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is a disorder resulting in pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Risk factors include increased exercise, obesity, long periods of standing and heel spur. Non-operative treatment includes rest, contrast bath, sole inserts, stretching exercise, NSAIDS and steroidal medications. Invasive interventions are steroid injections, autologous blood, PRP application and open, endoscopic or percutaneous fascial surgical release of plantar fascia. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects on pain and function of PRP obtained manually as a cheap and easy method in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and to compare this data with that of steroid injection which is often used in clinical practice. The hypothesis was that a single dose of manually prepared PRP would reduce pain in plantar fasciitis and this effect is superior to the steroid injection. Materials and Methods: The present study was conduct at our institute during August 2016 to September 2018; 80 consecutive patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were enrolled and randomized in two groups: One group receives the Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy and another group receiving corticosteroid injection. The outcomes in both groups were observed and compared by The Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 1st week, 4th week and 12th week post injection. The level of significance was set at p<0> Results: Prospective data was collected of 40 patients. The average follow up duration was about 12 weeks. The score on VAS Scale and FADI improved from the baseline for both the groups but the patients who received PRP therapy had a statistically significant (p<0> Conclusion: The application of PRP appears to be more effective than steroid injection in terms of pain and functional results in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.