Abstract:
Objective
To compare the outcomes of two different shock wave regimens for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Methods
According to the shock wave regimen applied, 112 patients with chronic
plantar fasciitis were randomly divided into two groups: the plantar
group had shock wave applied only in the plantar area, whereas the
composite group had the treatment utilized in the triceps surae besides
the plantar area. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and pressure pain
threshold (PPT) of plantar area were compared between the two groups.
Results
Compared
with those before treatment, the VAS in both groups significantly
decreased immediately after treatment, at 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks
after treatment, especially in the composite group (P<0.05) . The VAS
in the composite group at each time point after treatment was lower
than that in the plantar group (P< 0.05) , although no significant
difference was noted between them before treatment (P>0.05) .
Additionally, the PPT significantly increased at 4 weeks and 12 weeks
after treatment, especially in the composite group (P<0.05) , in
spite of no statistically distinguishable PPT change between the two
groups among the time points before treatment, immediately after
treatment and 1 week after treatment (P>0.05) . The PPT in the
composite group at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment was
significantly higher than that in the plantar group (P<0.05) .
Conclusion
For treatment of plantar fasciitis, shock wave applied on the triceps surae combined with plantar fascia is superior to that used only on the plantar fascia.