OUTCOMES FOLLOWING CORTICOSTEROID INJECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often leading to significant functional impairment. Corticosteroid injections are frequently used to provide symptomatic relief, but their clinical effectiveness and safety profile continue to be evaluated. Objective: To assess the outcomes of corticosteroid injection in managing patients with plantar fasciitis. Study Design: Descriptive study. Setting: the department of Orthopedics, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. Duration of Study: From January 2025 to August 2025. Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis were enrolled. All participants received a single injection consisting of 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate combined with a local anesthetic. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline and at one-month follow-up. Plantar fascia thickness was measured using ultrasonography at the same time points. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive and comparative statistics. Results: The mean age of participants was 48.50 ± 7.50 years, with 55% males and 45% females. A marked reduction in pain intensity was seen after one month, with mean VAS scores decreasing from 8.27 ± 1.20 at baseline to 2.52 ± 1.06. Plantar fascia thickness also showed a significant reduction from 6.65 ± 0.80 mm to 5.74 ± 0.54 mm. The treatment exhibited a favorable safety profile, with 90% of patients reporting no complications. Conclusion: Corticosteroid injection is an effective and safe treatment option for plantar fasciitis, providing substantial pain relief, reduced plantar fascia thickness, and minimal adverse effects.