The role of PRP injection in the management of plantar fasciitis: The analytical prospective study in 60 patients

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is the most common overuse injury. Steroid injections are a popular short-term method of treating it. However lack of an inflammatory process histologically in plantar fasciitis questions its mode of action. Recently, promising results were reported with the use of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for treating muscle and tendon injuries and degeneration. The rationale lies in reversing the blood ratio by decreasing RBCs (less useful in the healing process) to 5%, and increasing platelets to 94% to stimulate recovery. We conducted a study with an aim to assess the efficacy of PRP injections for treating chronic plantar fasciitis. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in a private medical college in Andhra Pradesh, including 44 male and 16 females, attending orthopaedics OPD from November 2016 to October 2018, suffering with chronic plantar fasciitis. From each patient 10 cc of whole blood was drawn and PRP was prepared by differential centrifugation and injected locally. They were reviewed at 4 weeks 8 weeks 3 months and 6 months. Injection was repeated if no significant improvement seen at 4th week. The result assessed using Base line Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) score.Results: There was highly significant improvement in the VAS and FADI score on each successive visit, when compared with baseline scores.Conclusion: PRP injection has a beneficial effect in treatment of plantar fasciitis.