Comparative Study of Efficacy of Corticosteroid versus Analogues Platelet Rich Plasma Injection in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis in North Karnataka Population

Background: Chronic plantar fasciitis is a painful pathological condition of the foot and a challenge for the clinician to manage or treat successfully. Method: Out of 90 (ninety) patients, 45 patients were injected with corticosteroid (2 ml, 8 mg) along with 0.5 ml of plain 2% xylocaine using a 20G wide-bore needle. PRP is prepared by drawing blood from the cubital vein with the help of BD vacutainer eclipse in three BD vacutainer tubes, which are 2.7 ml tubes that contain 0.35 ml of 3.2% sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. Blood was centrifuged twice, first at 1200 rpm and then at 2400 rpm. The platelets were checked randomly by a pathologist using Neubauer’s chamber method or an auto analyzer. PRP was injected at the tenderness site after injecting 2% xylocaine with a 20-gauze needle and fol-lowing up for a week, 6th week, 3rd month, and 6th month. Results: VAS of PRP was 2.62 in PRP, 1.92 in Corticosteroid group at 6th weeks, 1.94 VAS in PRP, 2.84 in corticosteroid group at 3rd month, 1.42 VAS in PRP group, and 3.75 in corticosteroid group was observed. In comparison, AOFAS scores in both groups at different intervals had a significant p value (p<0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, it is concluded that corticosteroid therapy is more effective for short-term relief, but PRP therapy is more effective for long-term relief.