Efficacy and Safety of Dextrose Prolotherapy Versus Corticosteroid Injections in Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain that affects the health-related quality of life of many individuals and has various treatment options. Two effective interventions are corticosteroid (CS) injections and dextrose prolotherapy (DP). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of DP and CS in patients with PF systematically.

Methods

Relevant studies, including those comparing DP and CS for treating PF, were identified by searching electronic databases until August 2025. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, foot function index (FFI), and plantar fascia thickness (PFT) were compared between the groups in the short term (0.5-1 month) and mid-term (3 months). Statistical analyses were performed via RevMan 4.5.1, and p < 0.05 was consider

SUBMITTER: Qafesha RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12913222 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature