Platelet rich plasma in treatment of plantar fascitis

Background: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been a breakthrough in the field of medicine especially in the field of orthopaedics for enhancing bone and soft tissue healing. Plantar Fasciitis is a very common problem in the field of orthopaedics and are very difficult to treat and a challenge to orthopaedicians. The aim of our study was to find out the efficacy of autologous PRP in relieving pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.Methods: In this study, 25 patients with plantar fasciitis (age above 18 years) were selected. The pain intensity was assessed with visual analogue score initially and during follow up. All subjects were given single autologous intra-lesional PRP injection and the results were assessed using difference in VAS.Results: The mean pain score at presentation was 8.08. The mean pain scores at subsequent intervals of 1,2,4,6 months after injection were 4.32, 2.60, 1.88 & 2.00 respectively. (P<0.05 which is statistically significant). The maximum pain relief was seen at 4th month post PRP injection and the pain relief was sustained till the last follow up. Conclusions: From our study we have found that Intra-lesional autologous PRP is effective in relieving pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. PRP is biological and can be a safe adjuvant in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis