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, n = 16) and the control group (that received corticosteroid as methylprednisolone 1 ml plus lidocaine 1 ml, n = 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 (P < 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 (P < 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.