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Abstract
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus corticosteroid injections in patients with plantar fasciitis in terms of pain reduction, functional improvement, and plantar fascia thickness at three-month follow-up.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Orthopaedic Department of Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital. A total of 100 patients were allocated to two equal groups of 50 each based on consecutive clinic visits. Group A received 3 mL autologous PRP, and Group B received 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score for functional status, and ultrasonographic measurement of plantar fascia thickness.
Results: The mean VAS score decreased to 1.9 ± 1.1 in the PRP group and 2.8 ± 1.0 in the corticosteroid group (p = 0.001). The mean AOFAS score was 86.3 ± 6.8 in the PRP group versus 80.7 ± 7.5 in the corticosteroid group (p = 0.002). PRP reduced plantar fascia thickness to 3.5 ± 0.8 mm, and corticosteroids to 4.6 ± 0.9 mm (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) demonstrated statistically superior outcomes compared to corticosteroid injections in the treatment of plantar fasciitis at three-month follow-up, with significantly greater pain reduction, functional improvement, and plantar fascia thickness reduction. PRP may serve as a more effective and safer long-term therapeutic option.
Keywords: Platelet-Rich Plasma; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Fasciitis, Plantar; Pain Measurement; Injections, Intra-Articular; Treatment Outcome
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