Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound‐Guided Ozone and Platelet‐Rich Plasma Injections in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic heel pain, and ultrasound-guided biological injection therapies are increasingly used in patients refractory to conservative management. However, direct comparative data between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and ozone injections remain limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term clinical and functional outcomes of ultrasound-guided PRP and ozone injections in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with plantar fasciitis via physical examination and radiological assessment, experiencing plantar fascia pain for more than 6 months, and unresponsive to conservative treatments were included. Visual Analog Scale scores and Foot Function Index scores, assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-ups in the pain clinic, were retrospectively analysed and compared. RESULTS: A total of 43 injections were evaluated, distributed as 21 in the ozone group and 22 in the PRP group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS and FFI scores at 3 months compared to baseline (p < 0.001). When between-group differences were analysed, the magnitude of improvement in the FFI-Activity subscale and total FFI score was significantly greater in the PRP group than in the ozone group (p < 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Both PRP and ozone injections are effective in reducing pain in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis; however, greater functional improvement was observed in the PRP group, particularly in activity-related domains. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.