The evidence on autologous blood injection for plantar fasciitis raises no major safety concerns. The evidence on efficacy is inadequate in quantity and quality. Therefore, this procedure should only be used with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit or research.
Clinicians wishing to undertake autologous blood injection for plantar fasciitis should take the following actions.
Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts.
Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedure's efficacy, make them aware of alternative treatments and provide them with clear written information. In addition, the use of NICE's information for the public is recommended.
Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having autologous blood injection for plantar fasciitis (see section 3.1).
NICE encourages further research comparing autologous blood injection (with or without techniques to produce platelet-rich plasma) against established treatments for managing plantar fasciitis. Trials should clearly describe patient selection, including duration of symptoms and any prior treatments. Outcomes should include specific measures of pain and function.