The efficacy of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of resistant plantar Fasciitis-follow up of 12 months

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used as an alternative therapy for plantar fasciitis (PF) to reduce heel pain and improve functional restoration. PRP has a role in the inflammatory, coagulation processes as well as immunity modulation. During the degranulation of platelets they release cytokines and other growth factors. These promote angiogenesis, help in tissue remodelling and wound healing. They may have a pain relieving effect depending on the release of proteases with analgesic properties. This is a study of 26 patients treated with PRP for the treatment of resistant PF. Objective: To compare the efficacy of local injection of PRP at different time intervals for the treatment of resistant PF.Materials and methods: In this study, 26 patients diagnosed with resistant Plantar Fasciitis, underwent local injection of PRP and were followed up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months and VAS recorded. Results: In this study, the VAS showed significant improvement from the pre injection VAS to the VAS at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months after injection. The difference in the VAS from 3 months to 6, 9 and 12 months post was statistically significant. The difference in VAS from 6 months to 9 months and 12 months post injection was statistically highly significant and very highly significant respectively. In between 9 months to 12 months post injection, there was no statistical significance. Conclusion: Platelet Rich Plasma provides good symptomatic relief in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis with sustained gradual relief of pain and improving daily function and activity level. Platelet Rich Plasma proved to be effective modality in providing continuous and sustained relief of pain over a period of 12 months.