Study to Analyze the Efficacy of Injection of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Context: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most typical causes of heel pain, affecting approximately 10% of the general population. Standard treatment for plantar fasciitis is conservative; however, approximately 10% of patients fail to respond. The rationale for using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is to increase tendon regenerative abilities with a high content of cytokines and cells in hyperphysiologic doses, which should promote cellular chemotaxis, matrix synthesis, and proliferation. AIMS: Our study aims to analyze the efficacy of the injection of autologous PRP in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Settings and Design: This study was conducted on patients attending the orthopedics outpatient department, diagnosed with plantar fasciitis satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. This is a hospital-based pre- and postinterventional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under aseptic precautions, 2–3 ml of activated autologous PRP will be injected using a 22-gauge needle at the point of maximum tenderness. After the injection, the patient will be followed up regularly at 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Statistical Analysis Used: Data will be entered in Epi Info version 7.2.2.16 software and analyzed using (SPSS) Software Version 24.0. Results: The majority of the study participants were in the age group of 35–39 years. The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score preinjection was 6.94 ± 0.96, at 1 week 6.48 ± 0.89, at 6 weeks 3.73 ± 0.88, at 12 weeks 0.85 ± 1.61, and 24 weeks 0.27 ± 0.49. Mean roles and Maudsley score preinjection was 3.38 ± 0.63, at 1 week 3.37 ± 0.63, at 6 weeks 1.25 ± 0.52, at 12 weeks 1.00 ± 0.00, and at 24 weeks 1.00 ± 0.00. AOFAS score at preinjection was 48.77 ± 3.29, at 1 week 50.54 ± 3.24, at 6 weeks 77.04 ± 11.46, at 12 weeks 96.31 ± 6.93, and 24 weeks 98.69 ± 2.52. Conclusion: A single PRP injection in chronic plantar fasciitis improved VAS scores and AOFAS scores for heel pain and functional outcomes in a clinically and statistically significant way.

Keywords

• chronic plantar fasciitis
• platelet-rich plasma
• single injection technique