Full-length silicone insoles versus ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis often leads to disability. Optimal treatment for this clinical condition is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of wearing a full-length silicone insole with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial.

METHODS: Forty-two patients with chronic unilateral plantar fasciitis were allocated randomly to have an ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection or wear a full-length silicone insole. Data were collected before the procedure and 1 month after. The primary outcome measures included first-step heel pain via Visual Analogue Scale and Heel Tenderness Index. Other outcome measures were the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and ultrasonographic thickness of the plantar fascia.

RESULTS: After 1 month, a significant improvement was shown in Visual Analogue Scale, Heel Tenderness Index, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and ultrasonographic thickness of plantar fascia in both groups. Visual Analogue Scale scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score pain, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for activities of daily living, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for sport and recreation function, and plantar fascia thickness were better in injection group than in insole group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Although both ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection and wearing a full-length silicone insole were effective in the conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis, we recommend the use of silicone insoles as a first line of treatment for persons with plantar fasciitis.