Riassunto dello studio

Eighty-one patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized to ultrasound-guided multipuncture (MP; n=40) or ultrasound-guided glucocorticosteroid injection (GCI; n=41). The primary outcome of interest was pain (VAS). Secondary outcomes included function (Foot Function Index, FFI) and plantar fascia thickness on ultrasound. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 30, 60, and 120 days. Overall, the results of the study revealed that GCI produced better short-term (30-day) VAS and FFI scores (p<0.001), there was no between-group difference at 60 days, and MP was superior at 120 days for VAS and FFI (p<0.001). Both groups showed significant improvements in fascia thickness over time, and no adverse events were reported. These findings suggest MP yields more durable clinical benefits by 4 months, whereas GCI offers earlier relief.