Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Severe Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Analysis

Purpose: Chronic plantar fasciitis is a commonly faced problem and can be challenging to treat. The purpose of the study was to prospectively analyze the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Methods: We included 56 patients with unilateral chronic severe plantar fasciitis who underwent a single injection of autologous PRP under ultrasound guidance. The patients were followed up at regular intervals of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The results were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale. Results: The average pretreatment AOFAS score of 56 increased to 96 at 3 months, was 94 at 6 months, and was 92 at 12 months, with a final score of 92 at 24 months. The average pretreatment VAS score of 8.1 decreased to 1.8 at 3 months, was 1.9 at 6 months, and was 2.1 at 12 months, with a final score of 2.0 at 24 months. Conclusion: From our prospective study, we found that a single injection of PRP is a safe and effective method for the treatment of chronic severe recalcitrant cases of plantar fasciitis. Keywords: AOFAS Hindfoot scale; chronic; heel pain; plantar fasciitis; platelet-rich plasma; PRP