Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Ozone and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis.

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic heel pain, and ultrasound-guided biological injection therapies are increasingly used in patients refractory to conservative management. However, direct comparative data between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and ozone injections remain limited.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the short-term clinical and functional outcomes of ultrasound-guided PRP and ozone injections in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

Patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with plantar fasciitis via physical examination and radiological assessment, experiencing plantar fascia pain for more than 6 months, and unresponsive to conservative treatments were included. Visual Analog Scale scores and Foot Function Index scores, assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-ups in the pain clinic, were retrospectively analysed and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 43 injections were evaluated, distributed as 21 in the ozone group and 22 in the PRP group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS and FFI scores at 3 months compared to baseline (p < 0.001). When between-group differences were analysed, the magnitude of improvement in the FFI-Activity subscale and total FFI score was significantly greater in the PRP group than in the ozone group (p < 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PRP and ozone injections are effective in reducing pain in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis; however, greater functional improvement was observed in the PRP group, particularly in activity-related domains.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.