Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Local Dexmedetomidine Injection vs. Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Heel pain is commonly caused by chronic plantar fasciitis, associated with pain and activity limitation in patients. Although steroid injection is a popular method to treat this disease, it has side effects and provides short-term pain relief. The study was designed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine and corticosteroid injection in treating chronic plantar fasciitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 participants were divided into two groups. The intervention group received a mixture of dexmedetomidine (1μg/kg) with 1 ml of lidocaine 2%. The control group received a combination of 1ml of corticosteroid (40mg triamcinolone) with 1ml of lidocaine 2%. Outcome measures were evaluated with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Maryland foot score (MFS) before, one, and three months after the intervention. Results: Significant improvements in NRS and MFS were observed in both groups at 1 and 3 months of follow-up compared to baseline(P