top of page
Writer's pictureAdam Whatley

PRP versus steroid for plantar fasciitis

New 2021 study by the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma looks at Comparison of midterm results of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) versus Steroid for plantar fasciitis: A randomized control trial of 118 patients.


PRP versus steroid for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain, often results in significant problems and chronic pain. Many cases do fortunately respond very well to standard conservative treatment and management. However, those cases who are not responsive to initial conservative treatment, further procedures, often involve local anti-inflammatory steroid injections. But unfortunately, these procedures often often short lived and can often be associated with complications. Local Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection however, is an emerging addition to these treatments which is holding very good long-term success in the majority of cases with minimal side-effects.

In the study, mature patients with plantar fasciitis who had failed conservative therapy were randomised into 2 groups: PRP and Steroid group. The participants were assessed for pain using Visual Analog Scale on the day of presentation, and then after therapy at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. They were additionally assessed on final follow-up using AOFAS hind-foot Score.



Results 118 patients were randomised evenly into 2 groups. It was found that PRP was associated with greater improvement in VAS score and resulted in superior AOFAS score at 6 months as compared to steroid injection. No local or systemic complications in any of the groups were found. The result and difference were more pronounced as the time from injection increased and maximal benefit was observed at 6 months follow-up. None of the patients needed a repeat injection at 6 months.


in conclusion, this recent study further expands on the previous studies to provide a better evidence for superiority of PRP injection treatment over local injection of steroid in The treatment and management of plantar fasciitis, and the authors conclude that PRP provides better pain relief and function as compared to steroid injection.





GET IN TOUCH TO FIND OUT MORE OR SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION


Don’t let pain, back pain,

joint damage, sports injuries or arthritis get in the way of allowing you to do what you want. Schedule a consultation at Dynamic Regenerative Medicine today, and let us treat your injury, provide pain relief and get you back to your full and active lifestyle. We have clinics operating out of Solihull (Henley-In-Arden) and Birmingham (Edgbaston).


Call us today 01564 330773



Comments


bottom of page