J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2009 Jun;33(3):333-338.

The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis

• Kim SB
• Lee KW
• Lee JH
• Kim YD
• Yoon K
• Joe YL

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in plantar fasciitis with visual analog scale score and thickness of fascia by ultrasonography. METHOD: The subjects consisted of 32 feet (24 patients) with established diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis, including 17 feet in the ESWT group and 15 feet in the control group. In the ESWT group, three session of ESWT (0.24 mJ/mm2 FED, 1,200 impulse, weekly) were performed. The visual analog scale (VAS) score and thickness of the plantar fascia were measured by ultrasound before therapy and at the 6-week and 6-month follow-up. Patients in the control group were treated with medication, orthotics, physical therapy and exercise program. VAS and thickness of plantar fascia was evaluated at the same time as ESWT group.
RESULTS
In the ESWT group, thickness of plantar fascia decreased significantly at 6-week follow-up (p <0.05) and 6-month follow-up (p <0.05). Control group showed no significant difference at follow-up (>0.05). Visual analog scale score showed no significantly difference at 6-week follow-up (>0.05), but decreased at 6-month follow-up. On the other hand, in the control group, thickness of plantar fascia did not change significantly at 6-week follow-up (>0.05) and 6-month follow-up (>0.05). VAS score was not significant different at the 6-week follow-up (>0.05), but decreased at the 6-month follow-up (p <0.05).
CONCLUSION
ESWT in plantar fasciitis is effective in relieving subjective pain and reducing thickness of plantar fascia at 6-month follow-up.

Keyword

Plantar fasciitis; Extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Fascia
Fasciitis, Plantar
Follow-Up Studies
Foot
Hand
Humans
Shock