ABSTRACT
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 significantly correlated to decrease in PFTbut had no correlations with decrease in HPT. Conclusion:US-guided injection is better than palpation-guided injection providing greater relief in pain and normalization of PFT as it enhances the accuracy of injection site by precise localization of the plantar fascia and guided needle placement during injection. It also aids in diagnosis and plays an important role in prognosis of PF.