Introduction:

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is treated by corticosteroid injection using ultrasound–guidance (US) or palpation–guided. Our study aims to compare the efficacy and outcome parameters of the two modalities.

Methods:

208 patients of PF were randomly allocated in two groups, group A (US–guidance) and group B (palpation–guided) while treating them with corticosteroid injection. Pain, plantar fascia thickness (PFT) and heel pad thickness (HPT) were measured and analysed during follow–up.

Results

Statistically significant improvement in pain score and decrease in PFT was recorded in both groups which was more in US–guided group,while no difference was noted in HPT. Decrease in pain significantlycorrelated to decrease in PFTbut had no correlations with decrease in HPT.

Conclusion

US–guided injection is better than palpation–guided injectionproviding greater relief in pain and normalization of PFT as it enhances the accuracy of injection site by precise localization of the plantar fasciaand guided needle placement during injection. It also aids in diagnosis and plays an important role in prognosis of PF.