Comparison of the Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation and Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Aim: The main goal of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation as treatments for refractory chronic plantar fasciitis. Methods: Sixty patients with plantar fasciitis who had not responded to conservative treatment for at least 6 months were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (n=30) and the second group received steroid injection (n=30). Patients were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores before treatment, at 1 month and 6 months. Results: At the sixth month follow-up, the VAS score was 2.8 in the radiofrequency group and 4.2 in the steroid group (p<0.008). AOFAS scores were 85.3±6.8 in the radiofrequency group and 74.2±8.4 in the steroid group (p<0.003). Treatment success was 83.3% in the radiofrequency group and 63.3% in the steroid group. The need for repeat treatment was observed with a rate of 10% in the radiofrequency group and 26.7% in the steroid group. No serious complications were observed in both groups. Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation proved superior to steroid injection as a treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis. The treatment achieved better results in pain management and functional improvement while requiring fewer follow-up procedures.