Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronically painful proximal plantar fasciitis with a conventional conservative treatment consisting of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heel cup, orthoses and/or shoe modifications, local steroid injections and electrotherapy. Forty-seven patients (49 feet) with a previously unsuccessful conservative treatment of at least six months were randomized to two groups. Treatment of Group 1 (25 heels) started immediately with three sessions of ESWT (3000 shockwaves/session of 0.2 mJ/mm2) at weekly intervals. In the patients of Group 2 (24 heels) treatment was continued for 12 weeks. After this period they were treated using the protocol of Group 1. No significant difference of pain and walking time after further non-ESWT treatment (three months) was seen. Six months after ESWT pain decreased by 64% to 88% on the visual analog scale (VAS) and the comfortable walking time had increased significantly in both groups.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 309-313 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Foot and Ankle International |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- Painful Heel
- Plantar Fasciitis