Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 67, No. 1, January-March 2012, pp 8-13
Plantar Fascia Specific Stretching Exercise vs. Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Chronic Proximal Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective, Randomized Study
Author(s): Emiliano B. Tablante, M.D. and Chauncey Kester L. Lim, M.D.
Abstract:
A randomized trial was conducted to determine whether tissue specific plantar fascia-stretching program has a better functional outcome than corticosteroid injection in the management of patients with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis.
Methods:
Fifty-four patients who had chronic proximal plantar fasciitis for the duration of at least ten months were randomized into one of two treatment groups. The patients received instructions for a plantar fascia tissue-stretching program (Group A) or a dose of corticosteroid injection (Group B). All patients completed the pain subscale of the Foot Function Index and a subject-relevant outcome survey.
Results:
Overall, group A has lower pain levels and better improvement of function compared to Group B after treatment, P< 0.0001.
Key words: plantar fasciitis, corticosteroid