Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by pain at the heel, particularly in the morning with the first step out of bed and initial steps after a long break. Corticosteroids were the mainstay of treatment for plantar fasciitis, but now other modalities are being tried. One such modality is the multiple puncture technique. The present study aims to compare the efficacy of the multiple puncture technique and corticosteroid in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 patients were included in the study. Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis was made clinically based on history and presence of medial calcaneal tenderness. In the corticosteroid group, a 5 mL sterile syringe was taken and 2 mL of 2% lignocaine solution was loaded, while in the multiple puncture technique, 4-5 pricks were made in the plantar fascia close to the area of degeneration. RESULTS: Mean Visual Analog Scale score and mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved in both groups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up. The improvement was found to be statistically significant in all three follow-ups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Multiple puncture technique is a safe and effective modality of treatment for plantar fasciitis.