717: Comparing Different Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis, A Review Article

Topic: Experimental (Non-clinical) Human Studies
Subtopic: Pain Category (ICD-11), Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain, Pharmacological treatments, Non-pharmacological treatments, Physiotherapy (e.g. exercise, rehab)

Background and Aims: Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition characterized by chronic heel pain,
primarily caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The condition significantly impairs
daily activities and quality of life, presenting a challenge for healthcare providers. Numerous
treatment modalities, ranging from conservative measures to invasive interventions, have
been explored to manage the symptoms and promote healing. However, the effectiveness of
these treatments, especially when combined, requires further evaluation.

Methods: This
review extracted data from existing studies comparing the effectiveness of corticosteroid
injections (CSI) alone versus their combination with needling techniques (such as dry
needling and percutaneous needle electrolysis) for chronic plantar fasciitis. The literature
was assessed through systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and clinical studies
that evaluated pain relief, functional recovery, and long-term outcomes. Studies on
adjunctive treatments like extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) were also considered
to provide a broader comparison.

Results: Corticosteroid injections provide significant
short-term pain relief but are limited in their long-term efficacy, with potential
complications like tissue atrophy. Dry needling and other needling therapies, when used in
combination with CSI, have shown improved long-term outcomes in terms of pain reduction
and functional recovery. ESWT consistently outperformed other treatments in long-term
studies for both pain management and functional improvement. Combining treatments
appears to yield enhanced results, although conclusive evidence on optimal treatment
protocols remains insufficient.

Conclusions: Chronic plantar fasciitis requires a multi-
faceted treatment approach. While corticosteroid injections remain a common short-term
solution, combining them with needling techniques may offer superior long-term benefits.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy also shows promise for sustained relief. Further
research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols and to better understand the
combined effects of these interventions. An individualized treatment strategy that addresses
both symptoms and underlying causes is essential for improving patient outcomes.

References: 1.Latt LD, Jaffe DE, Tang Y, Taljanovic MS.
Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Plantar
Fasciitis. Foot Ankle Orthop.
2020;5(1):2473011419896763. Published 2020
Feb 13. doi:10.1177/2473011419896763
2. Latt LD, Jaffe DE, Tang Y, Taljanovic MS.
Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Plantar
Fasciitis. Foot Ankle Orthop. 2020 Feb
13;5(1):2473011419896763. doi:
10.1177/2473011419896763. PMID:
35097359; PMCID: PMC8564931.
3. Poenaru D, Badoiu SC, Ionescu AM. Therapeutic
considerations for patients with chronic plantar
fasciitis (Review). Med Int (Lond). 2021;1(4):9.
Published 2021 Jul 15. doi:10.3892/mi.2021.9

Presenting Author: Hossein meskar
Submitting Author: Hossein Meskar

Senior Author: Hossein Meskar

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• Amirsaleh Abdollahi: Medical student / intern - Mazandaran university of medical science
• Seyed Sadegh Shirdel: Orthoped - Mazandaran university of medical science