A retrospective comparative analysis of local corticosteroid injection and laser treatment in patients with plantar fasciitis

Aim: Plantar fasciitis which is one of the major causes of heel pain generally occurs in elderly and associated with loss of function and disability. In the current study, it is aimed to evaluate the effects of local corticosteroid injection and LASER treatment on pain and functionality in patients with plantar fasciitis. Material and Methods: Files of 96 patients were evaluated and 56 of whom had complete data were included in this retrospective study. Group 1 (n=28) consisted of patients who had received local corticosteroid injection (triamcinolone hexacetonide) while group 2 (n=28) consisted of patients who had received 904 nm wavelength, 2J/cm2 Gallium Arsenide LASER treatment for 10 sessions. Visual Analog Scale and Foot Function Index as well as the Heel Tenderness Index scores were obtained from the patients' records at pre and posttreatment periods and follow-up visits including 2nd weeks, 1st and 3rd months. Results: Initial parameters including demographic data and other indices used were statistically nonsignificant. Significant decrease was observed in Visual Analog Scale and Foot Function Index subscale scores in both groups during the study period (p0,001) while resting Visual Analog Scale score was not changed significantly in group 2 (p=0,159). Activity Visual Analog Scale and all subscales of Foot Function Index in group 1 was the lowest at 3rd months while Foot Function Index activity limitation score was the lowest at 1st month in group 2. Decrease in Heel Tenderness Index at third months had a borderline significance in group 1 (p=0,053) and the difference at 3rd months in group 2 was statistically significant (p=0,001). No statistically significant differences were observed in both groups by the means of Visual Analog Scale, Foot Function Index, Heel Tenderness Index during the study period (p0,05) except the difference in Heel Tenderness Index scores at the 3rd months (p=0,053). Conclusion: LASER treatment is seemed as effective as local corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciitis. Further randomized controlled prospective studies are needed in order to elucidate the effectiveness of both therapies.