Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood derivative with an enhanced platelet concentration and can enhance the tissue-healing process naturally. Plasma with a higher concentration of platelets on activation leads to the release of various growth factors that in turn augment tissue repair and jump-start the healing process. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of PRP in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis who had failed to respond to conservative treatment.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed at the Orthopedics Department of the Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, during March 2020 to January 2021. A total of 140 patients, 25 to 65 years of age, with plantar fasciitis were included. Patients who had undergone foot surgery in the past, those with a generalized inflammatory disorder, pregnant female patients, those taking anticoagulants and those with tumours of the lower extremity were excluded. Following aseptic measures, 2.5 ml of PRP containing 5.5% calcium chloride was administered at the most tender point on the medial aspect of the heel. All injections were administered by the principal researcher himself. All patients were followed at regular intervals post-therapy and efficacy was measured at the end of three months post-therapy.

Results: The average age of participants was 41.56 ± 10.37 years, with most patients (94 out of 140, 67.14%) falling in the 25-45 age range. The study population consisted of 89 male (63.57%) and 51 female (36.43%) patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. PRP therapy was effective in 131 patients (93.57%), and age was found to be a significant factor influencing treatment success (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: PRP is a highly effective treatment option for plantar fasciitis, providing substantial symptomatic relief and improving patient outcomes, specially in patients unresponsive to conservative treatment. Further research is necessary to confirm these results and establish standardized guidelines for its use.