This review article evaluated the efficacy of autologous blood-derived products (ABPs), including autologous blood (AB) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in reducing pain and improving function compared with corticosteroids (CS) for plantar fasciopathy (PF) patients.

Literature comparing ABP and CS to treat PF up to August 2017 was systematically reviewed. The visual analogue scale score or American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was evaluated at 1.5, 3, and 6 months’ follow-up. A subgroup analysis concerning PRP preparation techniques and study designs was performed. Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three quasi-experimental studies with 680 patients were included.

CS reduced pain more than AB within 1.5 months and 3 months, but the effect disappeared at 6 months. PRP reduced pain more effectively at 6 months post-injection than CS. However, there was no significant difference in AOFAS scores between PRP and CS injections at all time points. In the subgroup analysis, pain was significantly reduced due to self-prepared PRP, one-step separation, and RCT-designed studies at 6 months.

The results of this meta-analysis will provide evidence-based information for making treatment decisions for patients with PF.