Platelet-rich plasma versus dry needling of myofascial meridian trigger points in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

Abstract EN

Background Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain, which results from repetitive trauma with degenerative changes in the plantar tissue.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and dry needling showed promising results as regards pain resolution and healing effect, and hence our aim was to compare their efficacy in the treatment of chronic PF.

Patients and methods Thirty patients diagnosed with unilateral PF were subjected to full clinical assessment for foot function using the foot function index (FFI) and assessment of trigger points along the meridians.

Ultrasonographic examination of plantar fascia thickness, echogenicity, and power Doppler was carried out.

Patients were divided randomly into two groups of 15 each: group A received a single injection of PRP at the plantar fascia, and group B was treated with dry needling protocol in myofascial meridians trigger points along the superficial back line.

Follow-up after 6 and 12 weeks included clinical re-evaluation, FFI determination, and ultrasonography.

Our results showed a significant improvement in the clinical outcome of the FFI in group B (P<0.03) and a highly significant improvement in the clinical outcome within the PRP group by the 12th week (P<0.009).

A significant decrease in thickness, heterogeneity, and Doppler signals (P<0.04, P<0.003, and P<0.03, respectively) was observed within the PRP group at the 12th week.

Conclusion PRP injection is a promising line of treatment for chronic PF with documented ultrasonographic healing effect.

Dry needling is a simple and safe technique for treating pain associated with PF, yet it is more invasive and less effective compared with PRP injection.