A prospective study to assess the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Introduction:Corticosteroids have been used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis since 1950's 19 . Steroids are known to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts and synthesis of ground substances. The beneficial effect of steroid injection is due to the above action in addition to its anti-inflammatory role. Materials and Methods: 25 patients with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis who were not responding to conservative management for 6 weeks were included in this study. The study was done at Orthopaedics department at RMMCH, Annamalai University from October 2020 to October 2021. Functional outcome was evaluated using visual analog score [VAS] and Foot and ankle ability measure [FAAM] scores at 0,4,8,12 and 24 weeks. Plantar fascia thickness was measured pre-injection and 6 months post injection using ultrasound. Results: Patients had pre-treatment VAS score of 8.30 and FAAM score of 29.96 after 6 months follow up the score improved to3.85 and 70.18 respectively. Pre-treatment Plantar fascia thickness was 5.76 mm, 6 months follow up study showed thickness of 4.56 mm. Conclusion:Corticosteroid injections are effective in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis that gives rapid relief in pain symptoms and increases the functional outcome.