A study to compare the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy with platelet-rich plasma therapy in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: A preliminary report

BackgroundPlantar 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionThe use of PRP injection can be an attractive alternative in the treatment of disabling, recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.Study designCohort study.Level of clinical evidenceLevel 3.