MANAGEMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS CONCERNING STRUCTURAL CHANGE, FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT AND PAIN REDUCTION BY DIFFERENT DRUGS

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis affects a large percentage of people worldwide, including in India, and primarily affects middle-aged people and sports. It is a prevalent cause of heel discomfort. Corticosteroid injections have been used to relieve symptoms in patients with plantar fasciitis; however, worries about risks have grown, prompting research into alternate treatments such dextrose injections.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of steroid injection and 25% dextrose infection for the treatment of plantar fasciitis in terms of pain relief, functional enhancement, and structural alteration.

Methods: Participants with a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis who were treated at the Institute over the specified study period were evaluated in this study. Individuals with a verified diagnosis of plantar fasciitis were split into two groups at random and administered either corticosteroids or dextrose injections. The American Foot and Ankle Score (AFAS) for functional improvement, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and an ultrasound-based evaluation of plantar fascia thickness prior to and following a 12-week course of treatment were the clinical outcomes assessed.

Results: The study's findings demonstrated that both groups' functional outcomes had significantly improved and their pain levels had decreased. While individuals in the dextrose group experienced long-term advantages, those in the steroid group experienced acute pain alleviation. Plantar fascia thickness decreased to a comparable level in both groups at the 12-week assessment, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion: The current study comes to the conclusion that injections of steroids and dextrose were both effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Although steroids relieve symptoms more quickly, dextrose exhibits less side effects and long- term advantages, making it a viable option for long-term care.