Comparing effectiveness of polydeoxyribonucleotide injection and corticosteroid injection in plantar fasciitis treatment: A prospective randomized clinical study

Background: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injection and corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis. Methods: This study included 44 patients with plantar fasciitis, randomly allocated to the PDRN and corticosteroid groups. Evaluation using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and Manchester-Oxford foot questionnaire (MOXFQ) was conducted at baseline, 1, 2, 6 weeks and 6 months. The thickness and echogenicity of the plantar fascia in ultrasonography and complications were recorded. Results: Corticosteroid injection elicited more pain relief than did PDRN injection at 2 (p = 0.010) and 6 weeks (p = 0.016); however, it showed no superiority at 6 months (p = 0.523). MOXFQ showed similar outcomes. The thickness and echogenicity did not differ between groups and no complications were reported in either group. Conclusions: We demonstrated that PDRN injection could be an effective and safe option for plantar fasciitis and was comparable to corticosteroid injection after 6 months follow up. Level of evidence: II, comparative study.