Shockwave therapy for patients with plantar fasciitis: a one-year follow-up study.

Abstract

The effect of shockwave therapy was investigated in 79 patients (85 heels) with plantar fasciitis with one-year follow-up. There were 59 women and 20 men with an average age of 47 (range, 15-75) years. Each patient was treated with 1000 impulses of shockwave at 14 kV to the affected heel. A 100-point scoring system was used for evaluation including 70 points for pain and 30 points for function. The intensity of pain was based on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. The overall results were 75.3% complaint-free, 18.8% significantly better, 5.9% slightly better and none unchanged or worse. The effect of shockwave therapy seemed cumulative and was time-dependent. The recurrence rate was 5%. There were no device-related problems, systemic or local complications. Shockwave therapy is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of patients with plantar fasciitis.

• Authors: Ching-Jen Wang, Han-Shiang Chen, Ting-Wen Huang
• Journal: Foot & ankle international (Foot Ankle Int) Vol. 23 Issue 3 Pg. 204-7 (Mar 2002) ISSN: 1071-1007 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11934061 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Fasciitis (therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Foot Diseases (therapy)
• High-Energy Shock Waves (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain (pathology)
• Pain Management
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome