A study to compare the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy with platelet-rich plasma therapy in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: A preliminary report
Background:
Plantar fasciitis is one of the commonest, and most frustrating, foot ailments seen in a regular orthopaedic clinic. There are a number of modalities available to treatthis condition, of which corticosteroid injection is, perhaps, the most popular. However, recent years have seen an increased interest in the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in various clinical situations such as plantar fasciitis.
Methods:
We undertook a prospective non-randomized study to compare the efficacy of traditional corticosteroid injection (Steroid group) to PRP injection (PRP group), in a cohort of patients.
Results:
We studied both groups of patients before and after the injections using Visual Analogue Score (VAS), the Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and American Foot and Ankle Score (AFAS). Our study confirms that there is significant clinical improvement in PRP group at three months after the injection.
Conclusion:
The use of PRP injection can be an attractive alternative in the treatment of disabling, recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.