Title : Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in treating plantar fasciitis
Abstract:
Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition characterized by heel pain, commonly affecting middle-aged and older adults. The traditional treatments include orthotics, physiotherapy, and more invasive measures like steroid injections, with varying degrees of success. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been emerging as a potential alternative due to its ability to promote tissue healing through growth factors released by concentrated platelets.
Objective: This study aims to assess the efficacy of PRP in alleviating pain and enhancing functional outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative treatment methods.
Materials and Methods: Conducted at the Orthopedics Department of Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, the retrospective study included 140 patients aged 25 to 65 years diagnosed with plantar fasciitis from March 2020 to January 2021. Patients received a 2.5 ml PRP injection at the most tender point of the medial heel, followed by a three-month post-therapy evaluation period to measure treatment efficacy using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).
Results: Out of 140 patients, 131 (93.57%) reported significant pain relief post-treatment, with a notable reduction in VAS scores and improvement in FAAM scores. The study found age as a significant factor in predicting the success of PRP treatment, with younger patients showing better outcomes.
Conclusion: PRP therapy proves to be a highly effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, offering substantial pain relief and functional improvement, particularly in cases where traditional conservative treatments have failed. This study supports the integration of PRP injections into standard treatment protocols for plantar fasciitis, recommending further research to standardize treatment practices.
Keywords: Plantar fasciitis, platelet-rich plasma, PRP therapy, pain management, orthopedic treatment
