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Autologous Blood Injection With Dry-Needling vs Dry-Needling Alone Treatment for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A
Patrick C Wheeler1,2,3, Chloe Dudson1, Kim M Gregory1,3
1Department of Sport & Exercise Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Foot & Ankle International
|January 24, 2022
Summary
Autologous blood injection (ABI) did not show improved outcomes for chronic plantar fasciitis compared to dry needling alone. Both treatments provided pain relief, but ABI offered no additional benefit for plantar fasciitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Chronic plantar fasciitis often requires advanced treatment beyond standard rehabilitation.
- Autologous blood injection (ABI) is proposed to enhance outcomes over dry needling.
- Evidence comparing ABI with dry needling for plantar fasciitis is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of ultrasonography-guided ABI versus dry needling alone for chronic plantar fasciitis.
- To evaluate if ABI provides superior outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement.
- To assess the impact of ABI on patient-reported outcomes and physical activity levels.
Main Methods:
- A double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 90 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Participants received either ABI or dry needling, alongside standardized rehabilitation.
- Outcomes were assessed using validated measures for pain, foot function, general ability, activity, sleep, and mood at 2, 6, 12, and 26 weeks.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between the ABI and dry needling groups at any follow-up point.
- Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in local foot pain and function from baseline.
- Pain decreased by 50% at 6 months, but physical activity levels did not change, indicating pain improvement doesn't always correlate with increased activity.
Conclusions:
- Autologous blood injection (ABI) does not offer additional benefits compared to dry needling alone for chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Standard dry needling, combined with rehabilitation, is as effective as ABI for managing chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Further research may explore optimal rehabilitation protocols or alternative treatments for persistent plantar fasciitis.
