Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation · Published 2026-02-23 · DOI 10.1186/s43166-026-00388-y
Abstract Background Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) are potential therapies for plantar fasciitis, a long-term musculoskeletal disorder that causes heel discomfort. Nevertheless, little is known about their relative efficacy in treating obese females and how they relate to radiographic results. This study compared the efficacy of ESWT and PRP therapy in treating planter fasciitis in obese female patients, with or without calcaneal spur, and evaluated the relationship between these therapies and radiographic and clinical data. Methodology Thirty female patients with plantar fasciitis who were overweight or obese were enlisted from the outpatient clinic at Benha between October 1, 2023, and May 30, 2024, for a randomized controlled clinical trial study contrasting the effectiveness of PRP injection and ESWT in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Results Clinical characteristics and baseline demographics were similar (p > 0.05). PRP had better 6-month results (VAS: 1.6 ± 1.45 vs. 2.93 ± 1.53, p = 0.021; foot function index (FFI): 23.3 ± 5.01 vs. 31.8 ± 9.69, p = 0.006; improvements: 77.6% vs. 58.1% VAS, 65.6% vs. 53.4% FFI). Higher body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with FFI improvement in ESWT (r=-0.534, p = 0.04) and positively correlated with worse FFI scores at 3 and 6 months in the PRP group (r = 0.715/0.581, p < 0.05). However, regardless of the presence of calcaneal spurs, both PRP and ESWT achieved a 93.3% success rate. Conclusion Plantar fasciitis in obese women can be effectively treated with both ESWT and PRP, while PRP offers more noticeable and long-lasting results. Clinical decision-making and patient counseling should take the BMI into account since it seems to be a significant modulator of therapy efficacy. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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