Shashank Yeshwant Kothari, Diganta Borah, Preeti Soni
BACKGROUND The study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection compared to local ultrasonic therapy for treatment of plantar fasciitis in terms of improvement in pain and function. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department of a tertiary care centre. 61 patients were randomly allocated in to either ultrasonic therapy (Group 1, n=30) or PRP group (Group 2, n=31). All patients were assessed for pain in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and for pain and function on Foot Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scale at baseline and three, six and twelve weeks after treatment. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Out of 61 subjects enrolled, 59 completed 12 weeks follow-up (29 in group 1, 30 in group 2). In both groups, statistically significant improvement was seen at three weeks on both VAS and FADI scales, but the observed improvement persisted upto 12 weeks follow-ups only in PRP treated group. There was no adverse event reported. CONCLUSION Local injection of autologous PRP proved to be a promising form of treatment. It is both safe and effective in relieving pain and improving function and superior to local ultrasonic therapy for treatment of plantar fasciitis.
