Comparing effectiveness of polydeoxyribonucleotide injection and corticosteroid injection in plantar fasciitis treatment: A prospective randomized clinical study

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injection and corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis. This study included 44 patients with plantar fasciitis, randomly allocated to the PDRN and corticosteroid groups. Evaluation using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and Manchester-Oxford foot questionnaire (MOXFQ) was conducted at baseline, 1, 2, 6weeks and 6months. The thickness and echogenicity of the plantar fascia in ultrasonography and complications were recorded. Corticosteroid injection elicited more pain relief than did PDRN injection at 2 (p=0.010) and 6weeks (p=0.016); however, it showed no superiority at 6months (p=0.523). MOXFQ showed similar outcomes. The thickness and echogenicity did not differ between groups and no complications were reported in either group. We demonstrated that PDRN injection could be an effective and safe option for plantar fasciitis and was comparable to corticosteroid injection after 6months follow up. II, comparative study.