Comparative study between the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapy and corticosteroid injection in the treatment of planter fasciitis

Abstract

Background: Planter fasciitis is the common cause of heel pain and is the disabling disease in its chronic form. Various treatment modalities are available including medical therapies and surgical procedures. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of PRP therapy with corticosteroid injection in the treatment of chronic planter fasciitis. Methods: Total of 40 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups. In the PRP group (n=20), 3ml PRP preparation was made from the patient’s blood and injected in a single dose. In the steroid group (n=20), a single dose of 2ml (40mg) methylprednisolone was given. Clinical evaluation was made using the American Foot and Ankle Score (AFAS) and the visual analog scale (VAS).Results: Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender and side involvement. Mean preinjection VAS, AOFAS scores in steroid and PRP group were 8.1±1.2, 68.1±9.5 and 7.9±1.2, 67.5±9.2 respectively. Post injection the scores improved in both the groups, with slightly more improvement of scores in PRP group than in steroid group, however no significant difference in scores of VAS and AOFAS could be detected between the two groups.Conclusion: The local injection with steroid or PRP preparation was equally effective in terms of pain and functional outcomes in the treatment of chronic planter fasciitis.Level of evidence: II Prospective randomized clinical trail.