Corticosteroid injection is the best treatment in plantar fasciitis if combined with controlled training

Purpose Plantar fasciitis is a very common (lifetime incidence ~ 10%) and long-lasting injury with major impact on daily function. Combining corticosteroid injection and physical training (strength training and stretching) was hypothesized to result in a superior effect compared to each treatment separately. Methods A single blinded randomized controlled superiority trial conducted in 2013–2014 with a 2-year follow-up (end Sept 2016). 123 consecutive patients (20–65 years) referred to two study centers in Denmark: Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen and a private rheumatology clinic with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, and ultrasound measured thickness above 4.0 mm were invited. 25 did not fulfill the inclusion criteria (mainly ultrasound criteria) and 8 refused participation. 90 patients were randomized (pulling sealed envelopes) to 3 groups: (1) 3 months strength training and stretching ( n = 30), (2) corticosteroid injections with monthly intervals until thickness