Comparison of the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Versus Plantar-Specific Calf Stretching Exercises in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition with multifactorial etiology. It is the most frequent cause of heel pain and has been categorized as an overuse syndrome. A clinical examination and history are crucial for diagnosis. There are several different forms of treatment available, two of which are frequently used: physical therapy and steroid injections. Recent research on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated encouraging outcomes and fewer side effects when compared to steroid injections. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted and randomization was done of indoor patients into two groups. Group 1, ending with odd numbers, was given PRP injections, and Group 2, ending with even numbers, was advised plantar-specific calf stretching exercises. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before and after the intervention and follow-up was done on the second, sixth, and 12th th weeks. Results Comparing the VAS scores between the two groups, we found that in the pre-intervention phase, the VAS score of Group 1 was 5.4 +/- 0.56 and that of Group 2 was 5.4 +/- 0.59. In the post-intervention phase, the VAS score in Group 1 was 4.6 +/- 0.89, while in Group 2 it was 5.2 +/- 0.62. In the second week after intervention, the VAS score was observed to be 3.3 +/- 0.97 in Group 1, while in Group 2, it was 3.3 +/- 0.80. After the sixth week of intervention, the observed VAS score was 2.7 +/- 0.78, while in Group 2 it was 2.9 +/- 0.82. The mean VAS score after 12 weeks of intervention was observed to be 2.3 +/- 0.91 in Group 1, while in Group 2, it was 2.2 +/- 0.80. Conclusion PRP injections and plantar-specific calf stretching exercises are equally effective in providing pain relief in plantar fasciitis. PRP injections have complications and problems which have been discussed. Exercises are devoid of such complications. No recurrences occurred in the exercise group and four cases had recurrence in the PRP group.