Treating Plantar Fasciitis: Platelet-Rich Plasma or Corticosteroids? A Single-Center Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the leading causes of heel discomfort worldwide. There is no definitive treatment available for PF; however, two primary therapies are under investigation: Local injection of either corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). There are disagreements regarding the precise and effective dosage of these therapeutic approaches and their superiority over each other. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the effects of corticosteroids and PRP in the treatment of PF. Methods: In this single-center clinical trial, 30 patients were divided into two groups (PRP vs. corticosteroids), with 15 patients in each group. In addition to receiving medication treatment, participants were given daily exercise regimens. The PRP group had a mean age of 44.07 ± 8.21 years, while the corticosteroid group had a mean age of 44 ± 9.85 years. The efficacy of these interventions was assessed primarily using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Roles and Maudsley score (RM), and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Results: Over a 3-month period, the NPRS decreased in the corticosteroid group from 7.07 ± 0.95 to 3.69 ± 1.43, and in the PRP group from 7.76 ± 0.92 to 3 ± 1.68 (P < 0.001). The FADI improved in the corticosteroid group from 54.84 ± 8.33 to 75.76 ± 11.96, and in the PRP group from 49.3 ± 10.11 to 78.15 ± 16.76 (P < 0.001). Plantar fascia thickness decreased in the corticosteroid group from 5.03 ± 0.62 to 4.51 ± 0.59, and in the PRP group from 5.43 ± 0.91 to 4.38 ± 1.04 (P < 0.001). The results indicated that both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the first three months. Although the PRP group showed greater improvement than the corticosteroid group after three months, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our results showed that the effects of corticosteroid injections subside after one month, whereas PRP has more stable effects over time.