Platelet rich plasma injection in treatment of plantar fasciitis: An interventional study in a tertiary care hospital, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis accounts for 11 to 15% of all foot problems in adults. It peaks in 40 to 60 years of age group and in younger age group, commonly among runners. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain in both active and sedentary adults of all ages. It is the most common degenerative disease for the cause of heel pain and a self limiting disease that affects most of the adult age group in most southern parts of India. Though NSAIDs, steroids, botulinum toxin –A and shock wave therapy have shown better results in plantar fasciitis, they carry potential risk of serious complications and functional disability. Objectives: To evaluate pain following Platelet rich plasma injection in plantar fasciitis among adults in a tertiary care centre. Methodology: A Hospital based non – randomized trial (NRT) was conducted among 30 adults (18 – 50 years) in the Orthopaedic out – patient department of GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry, for a period of six months. Results: Mean age of the study subjects was 37.5+ 9.17 years. About two – third of the subjects had duration of symptoms for 7-12 months. All the patients with pain for more than 12 months duration had complete pain relief. Response to autologous PRP injection is statistically significant in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Conclusions: Autologous PRP injection is a safe and useful modality for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.