Effectiveness of Platelete Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of PLATELETE RICH PLASMA (PRP) injection in patients with plantar fasciitis interms of improvement in at least one grade of pain on visual analogue scale at 6 weeks interval follow up.

Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Orthopedics Unit of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from March, 2012 to Feb 2013.

Materials and Methods: Patients with plantar fasciitis from the age of 20 to 50yearswho were not responding to oral medications were included in the study.

Results: There were 26 (9.38%) males and 38 (59.38%) females with mean age of 37.00 years. 45.31% patients have symptoms for 6-12 weeks where as those who had symptoms for 13-26 weeks made 48.43%of the study population. A total of 43(67.18%) patients having moderate pain before PRP only had severe pain at 6 weeks, while 25 (39.06%) had no pain, 13 (20.31%) had mild pain and 4 (6.25%) had moderate pain. Out of 21 (32.81%) patients who had severe pain before PRP, 36 (56.25%) had no pain, 18 (28.12%) had mild and 9 (14.06%) had moderate pain. Nonetheless, 3 (4.69%) had severe pain even after PRP. Over all, PRP was equally effective in patients of all ages and was more effective in men.

Conclusion: Platelet Rich Plasma which is cheap and effective can successfully treat patients with plantar fasciitis.