ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and early outcome of steroid injections in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Study design: Descriptive, cross sectional study.

Place and duration of study: Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Traumatology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro from 1stJanuary 2018 to 28thFebruary 2019.

Methodology: Ninety nine cases having clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis with age ranging from 18 year to 55 year of either gender were studied after injecting steroid Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) 40mg mixed with 1ml of 2% lignocaine at most tender point of heel and evaluated the treatment response according to the method of Visual Analog Scoring. The VAS range is from 0-10; 0 no pain, 1-3, mild pain, 4-6 moderate, 7-8 severe and 9-10 worst pain.

Results: Sixty seven(67.68%) were females and 32(32.32%) were males. Mean age was 43.3±7.7 years.Average duration of standing hours was 6.7±2.3 hours. Mean duration of symptoms was 75±21 days. Whileafter 3 months of injection pain according to VAS was none 29(29.3%), mild 46(46.4%), moderate 15(15.5%), severe 6(6.06%) and worst 3(3.03%). Pain free duration after injection was 41±11 days. Follow up duration was 110±21 days.

Conclusion: The steroid injection not only provides dramatic relief from pain of plantar fasciitis but also helps to improve quality of life and reduces the need of analgesics.

Keywords: Plantar fasciitis, Steroid, Injection, Heel pain, Visual Analog score