Comparison of platelet-rich plasma and steroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and steroid injections in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. A total of 50 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were included in the study and divided into 2 groups. In the PRP group (n=25), PRP taken from the patients' blood was activated using calcium chloride and injected in a single dose. In the steroid group (n=25), a single dose methylprednisolone with local anesthetic injection was given. Clinical evaluation was made using the American Foot and Ankle Score (AFAS) and the visual analog scale (VAS). No complications were seen in any patients. Mean AFAS was 85.5 ± 4.2 at 6 weeks and 90.6 ± 2.6 at 6 months in the PRP group and 75.3 ± 4.8 and 80.3 ± 4.7, respectively, in the steroid group (p