Deep friction massage versus local steroid injection for treatment of plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Deep friction massage (DFM) has long been proven to be effective in treatment of some tendinopathies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of this physical modality in the treatment of plantar fasciitis in comparison with local steroid injection. Results: Sixty patients were assigned into 2 groups through a computer-based randomization table and completed the treatment and follow-up assessments; thirty in group I received 40 mg local triamcinolone injection and thirty in group II received 7 sessions of DFM. Demographic data showed a statistically insignificant difference in age, female to male ratio, and body mass index (BMI) in both groups. The mean for age was 39.42 years in group I and 4132 years in group II (P = 0.86); the female to male ratio was 3:1 in group I and 2.75:1 in group II, and the mean for BMI was 32.41 in group I and 33.31 in group II (P= 0.51). At 2 and 6 weeks follow-up, DFM led to less improvement in pain and function compared to local steroid injection (P = 0.001 and 0.002 for pain and P = 0.001 and 0.001 for function respectively at both time points of follow-up). Conclusions: This study revealed that deep friction massage is not effective as a single method in treatment of the plantar fasciitis. However, it can be used as an adjuvant physical modality. Further, large scale studies are needed to support this observation.