Comparative Study of: Non-Invasive Conservative Treatments with Local Steroid Injection in the Management of Planter Fasciitis.
BACKGROUND
Planter Fasciitis is an annoying and painful condition that limits function. There is pain and tenderness in the sole of the foot, mostly under the heel, with standing or walking and is considered a self limiting condition. Symptoms resolve in 80% to 90% of cases within ten months. However, this long interval is frustrating for both patients and clinicians.


OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to compare the two different modalities of non operative treatment: Non- invasive conservative methods: NSAID's, Soft Insoles, Stretching, Ultrasound therapy and Contrast baths versus local Steroid injection therapy.


METHODS
Patients by random sampling were divided in two groups. Group A as: Conservative group and Group B as Local Steroid Injections group, 100 patients in each. Patients were assessed as per Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at the start of treatment and then after 4 wk and 8 wk duration on follow up.


METHODS
SPSS for Windows (version 10.0) by the Chi-Square test.


RESULTS
The difference in the distribution of subjects belonging to either of the treatment modalities regarding the treatment outcome at four and eight week was found to be statistically insignificant.


CONCLUSIONS
As both treatment modalities are at par on comparison of their treatment outcome it is better to go for conservative approach because this can save the patients from the complications of steroid therapy.
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Rohilkhand Medical College , Bareilly (UP), India .
Ramesh
R
Narula
Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Rohilkhand Medical College , Bareilly (UP), India .
Aftab Ahmed
AA
Iraqi
Demonstrator, Department of Community Medicine, Rohilkhand Medical College , Bareilly (UP), India .
Kusum
K
Narula
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Rohilkhand Medical College , Bareilly (UP), India .
Rashmi
R
Katyal
Physiothearapist, Department of Orthopedics, Rohilkhand Medical College , Bareilly (UP), India .
Mridul Shanker
MS
Saxena
Orthoses; Planter fasciitis; Steroid injection; Stretching