Effect of Intralesional Platelet-Rich-Plasma versus Corticosteroid Injection on Pain in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of intralesional platelet-rich-plasma versus corticosteroid injection in patients with plantar fasciitis for reduction in pain intensity. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan Mar 2024 to Oct 2024. Methodology: One hundred patients divided into two equal groups were studied, with one group receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the other group triamcinolone. Patients aged 18 and 65 years with plantar fasciitis were included, while patients with prior foot surgery/trauma, lumbar radiculopathy, systemic corticosteroid use, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes mellitus were excluded. All patients were assessed at baseline, and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection for pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functionally with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Patients were also evaluated for plantar fascia thickness at these time intervals. Results: The median age of the patients was 39.0 (IQR: 18.0) years. Females were in majority, accounting for 64.0% of the cases. Both VAS (p=0.004) and AOFAS (p=0.021) were significantly improved with PRP versus Triamcinolone at six months, with no difference between the two arms at earlier time intervals, (p>0.050). There was no difference between the two arms with regards to plantar fascia thickness at any time interval, (p=0.050) Conclusion: Platelet-Rich-Plasma is associated with a greater improvement in pain scores and functionality when compared to triamcinolone for plantar fasciitis.