Comparision between physiotherapy (Stretching exercise) vs platelet-rich plasma in chronic plantar fascitis

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is a common disorder of the degenerative tissue of the plantar fascia, and not inflammation. Various treatment options are available, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, orthosis and physiotherapy. This study compared the effects of physiotherapy (Stretching exercises) with a local injection of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.Material and Method: In this study, patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 25 each. Patients were assessed on a visual analogue pain scale and on the ankle and hind paw scale of the American Society of Orthopedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) before and after treatment after 4 weeks and 4 months.Results: The average score on the visual analog scale in physiotherapy groups (Stretching exercises) and in plasma with a high platelet content decreased from 7.24 and 7.02 before treatment to 2.82 and 3.34. Rich in platelets, it improved from 51.56 and 53.72 before treatment to 87.24 and 81.32 in 4 months. There was a significant improvement in the visual analog scale and AOFAS in physiotherapy (Stretching exercises) and in groups of platelet-rich plasma after 4 weeks and 4 months.Conclusion: The authors concluded that physiotherapy is also effective as injection of plasma, enriched with platelets, in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.