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 treat this 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.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Level 3.