Beneficial effects of platelet-rich plasma on improvement of pain severity and physical disability in patients with plantar fasciitis: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to clinically examine the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on improvement of plantar fasciitis and its related manifestations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed on 32 consecutive patients with the final diagnosis of plantar fasciitis that were randomly assigned to the case group (that received PRP, = 16) and the control group (that received corticosteroid as methylprednisolone 1 ml plus lidocaine 1 ml, = 16). The endpoints in the present study were changes in the visual analog scale score and the modified Roles and Maudsley score (RMS) from baseline, 1-month, 3 months, and 6 months follow-up. Plantar fascia was also assessed by B-mode sonography before and also 3 months after primary assessment.

RESULTS

Regarding the pain severity, the PRP group had significantly higher mean pain score at 3 time points of before injection, as well as 1 and 3 months after PRP use when compared to the corticosteroid group ( < 0.05); however, the control group experienced significantly higher pain severity than the PRP group at 6 months after interventions. Also, RMS was lower in PRP group than in corticosteroid group at baseline as well as at 1 and 3 months after injections ( < 0.05). In sonography assessment, no difference was revealed.

CONCLUSION

Administration of PRP leads to significant improvement in pain severity and physical limitation in patients with plantar fasciitis. This healing effect may be begun at least 3 months after injection.