Use of local corticosteroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Plantar fasciitis is a common pathological condition that affects the hind foot. Management of plantar fasciitis employs use of various non-surgical and surgical treatment methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of steroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis in adults.

Materials and Methods: From January 2016 to June 2017, fifty patients aged >18 years with plantar fasciitis symptomatic for three months or more were injected with a single dose of methylprednisolone acetate with 2% lignocaine. Assessment was done using visual analogue scale (VAS) and foot function index (pain sub-scale). Patients were followed-up for a period of 6 months.

Results:There was significant reduction in VAS score and improvement in foot function index at 1 and 3 month follow-up (p<0.001) as compared to pre-injection score but this VAS reduction or improvement in foot function index was not significant at 6 month follow-up (p=0.057 and 0.729 respectively). There were no major adverse effects of the steroid injection.

Conclusion: A single dose of corticosteroid injection provides only a short term benefit in plantar fasciitis.