Comparison of Autologous Conditioned Plasma Injection, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, and Conventional Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Trial

54 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were randomized to undergo one of three treatment options: an autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) injection, extra-corporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), or conventional treatment (i.e. stretching exercises). The purpose of this study was to compare pain, function and thickness of the plantar fascia between these treatments. Results from this study indicated ESWT lead to significantly better pain improvements compared to conventional treatment at all time points, whereas ACP injections were only significantly better at 1 month. With respect to function, ACP and ESWT tended to be superior to conventional treatment; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Lastly, ACP was the superior treatment in regards to plantar fascia thickness improvements at 3 and 6 months.