Patients with plantar fasciitis who were treated with a combination of botulinum toxin A and plantar fascia stretching exercises experienced rapid and sustained improvement compared with patients who were prescribed intralesional steroids, according to recent study results.
Thirty-six patients with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to receive botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) or steroids. Along with the injection, patients received information regarding their disorder and were instructed to perform plantar fascia stretching exercises over the course of the study.
Evaluation scores included Visual Analog Score (VAS), Maryland Foot and Ankle, Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.
At the initial evaluation, researchers found no differences in pain perception, Maryland Foot and Ankle scores, AOFAS scores and FADI scores between the two groups. However, beginning at the second patient visit, study results showed significant improvements in Maryland Foot and Ankle, AOFAS and FADI scores among patients receiving BTX-A compared with patients receiving steroids. Differences in pain perception were found between the groups starting at the third patient visit, with significant improvements among the BTX-A group. These improvements continued throughout the rest of the study, favoring the BTX-A group.
For more information:
Elizondo-Rodriguez J. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34:8-14.
