ABI v Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis

Investigating the Effects of Ultrasound Guided Autologous Blood Injection for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Versus Ultrasound Guided Dry-needling Alone, a Randomised Controlled Trial

To investigate whether a procedure of ultrasound-guided autologous blood injections (ABI), which includes a dry-needling component within the overall procedure, has any measureable clinical benefit over ultrasound-guided dry needling alone in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged 18 or over who are being seen in the Department of Sports Medicine (all of whom are age 16 or over) with chronic plantar fasciitis of at least 6 months duration
2. Failure of previous conservative therapy - including physiotherapy, and podiatry input
3. Objective evidence of plantar fasciitis - either ultrasound or MRI investigations
4. No contraindications of injection therapy - anticoagulation, blood borne illness, strong needle phobia …

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with either partial or full-thickness tears of plantar fascia found on investigations
2. Subjects who are unable to give valid consent for study entry based on normal competency assessment
3. Subjects unable or unwilling to undergo the rehabilitation plan post-procedure
4. Subjects unable or unwilling to attend the follow-up appointments post-procedure