Scientific Paper: Ultrasound-guided Local Ozone versus Corticosteroid Injection in Patient with Plantar Fasciitis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in India - A Randomized Double-blinded Controlled Trial

Objectives
To compare the effectiveness of ozone and corticosteroid injections for treating plantar fasciitis.

Design
A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLINDED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Results
Intragroup changes showed significant improvement in pain, functional parameters, and sonographic findings in both groups (P < 0.05). Pain reduction was better in the corticosteroid group at 2,6 & 12 weeks(P < 0.05) and daily activity improvement was seen in both the groups at baseline and at 12 weeks with the Ozone group showing greater improvement(P=0.0002). Both therapies reduced plantar fascia thickness, suggesting structural benefits.

Conclusions
both ozone and steroid therapies are effective for plantar fasciitis. While steroids offer rapid short-term relief, ozone provides sustained long-term functional improvement.
Research Study with Best Paper Award Abstract

Introduction:

Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, affects many, especially those with repetitive activities.



AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare the effectiveness of ozone and corticosteroid injections for treating plantar fasciitis.

Objectives:

Primary Objective- To compare the intensity of heel pain following local injection of ozone therapy with local injection of corticosteroid in patients with plantar fasciitis.
2.Secondary Objective(s)

To compare the foot ankle functions following local injection with ozone and corticosteroid injections.
b) To measure plantar fascia thickness using ultrasonography before and after intervention



Methods:

The patients were randomly assigned to receive either methylprednisolone (25 subjects) vs ozone (O2-O3; 25 subjects) injections. Pain levels, functional abilities, and plantar fascia thickness were assessed before and after treatment; heel pain via visual analogue scale, daily life and exercise activities via the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, and plantar fascia thickness at insertion and 1 cm distal to its insertion into the calcaneus via ultrasound imaging.



Results:

Intragroup changes showed significant improvement in pain, functional parameters, and sonographic findings in both groups (P < 0.05). Pain reduction was better in the corticosteroid group at 2,6 & 12 weeks(P < 0.05) and daily activity improvement was seen in both the groups at baseline and at 12 weeks with the Ozone group showing greater improvement(P=0.0002). Both therapies reduced plantar fascia thickness, suggesting structural benefits.

Conclusion:

both ozone and steroid therapies are effective for plantar fasciitis. While steroids offer rapid short-term relief, ozone provides sustained long-term functional improvement.

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