Gastrocnemius recession for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis in overweight and obese patients

Background

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot pathology that is typically treated non-operatively. However, a minority of patients fail non-operative management, develop chronic symptoms, and request a surgical option. Gastrocnemius recession has recently been shown to be effective for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this paper is to present evidence that gastrocnemius recession is safe and effective in the subset of chronic plantar fasciitis patients who are overweight and obese.

Results after gastrocnemius recession in 73 patients

BackgroundVery few studies describe the clinical results and complications following the surgical procedure of gastrocnemius recession.PurposeTo survey the patient reported outcomes in patients operated with gastrocnemius recession as single procedure for various foot conditions.Material and methods93 patients operated with gastrocnemius recession as single procedure between 2006 and 2011 were detected in the database. 73 patients responded to the invitation for study participation. Questionnaires containing patient reported satisfaction, complications, plantar flexion power and visual analog pain score were used for evaluation of the postoperative result.Results45/73 (62%) patients reported a good or excellent result. 8/73 (11%) patients reported a significant postoperative complication. 16/73 (22%) patients noted reduced or severely reduced plantar flexion power after surgery. VAS pain score significantly decreased from 7.0 before surgery to 1.8 (p =0.015) after surgery for patients with plantar fasciitis (n =18) and from 5.6 to 2.3 (p < 0.01) for patients with metatarsalgia (n = 28).ConclusionPatients treated with gastrocnemius recession for plantar fasciitis demonstrated good clinical results. The complication rate was higher than reported by others.     

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis. A double blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an increasingly popular therapeutic approach in the management of a number of tendinopathies. Benefit has been shown in calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff, but evidence for its use in non-calcific disorders is limited. AIMS: To perform a double blind randomised controlled trial of moderate dose shock wave therapy in plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Adults with plantar fasciitis for at least 3 months were randomised to receive either active treatment (0.12 mJ/mm(2)) or sham therapy, monthly for 3 months. Pain in the day, nocturnal pain and morning start-up pain were assessed at baseline, before each treatment and 1 and 3 months after completion of therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-eight subjects participated and no differences existed between the groups at baseline. At 3 months, 37% of the subjects in the ESWT group and 24% in the sham group showed a positive response (50% improvement from baseline) with respect to pain. Positive responses in night pain occurred in 41% and 31% in the ESWT and sham groups, respectively. Positive responses in start-up pain occurred in 37% and 36% in the ESWT and sham groups, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvement over the course of the study, but no statistically significant difference existed between the groups with respect to the changes were seen in any of the outcome measures over the 6-month period. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no treatment effect of moderate dose ESWT in subjects with plantar fasciitis. Efficacy may be highly dependent upon machine types and treatment protocols. Further research is needed to develop evidence based recommendation for the use ESWT in musculoskeletal complaints.     

Similar effect of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma versus platelet-poor plasma injections for chronic plantar fasciitis

BackgroundThere are conflicting reports regarding the therapeutic effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus autologous whole-blood (platelet poor plasma, PPP) injections for plantar fasciitis. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a single ultrasound (US)-guided PRP versus PPP injection in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.Materials and methods36 patients were recruited with clinical and sonographic evidence of chronic (>6 months) plantar fasciitis, refractory to analgesics and physical therapy in a double-blinded, randomized, prospective study. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups with a sealed envelope method. Group A included 18 patients who underwent a single US-guided PRP injection and group B included another 18 patients who underwent PPP injection with the same technique. Follow-up was set at 3 and 6 months; no patient was lost to follow-up. Pain, function and satisfaction were assessed using visual analogue scales, and occurrence of complications.ResultsAll scores statistically significantly improved for both groups from baseline at the 3- and 6-month follow-up evaluation, without, however, any statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to pain, function and satisfaction scores. Complications were not observed.ConclusionsA single US-guided PRP injection yields similar results with PPP injection in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Both treatments provide significant improvement at 3 and 6-month follow-up after the injection.     

Intensive physiotherapy versus home-based exercise and custom-made orthotic insoles in patients with plantar fasciitis: Pilot study

BackgroundThis prospective pilot study assessed the feasibility of comparing intensive physiotherapy group (IPG), home-based exercise (HBEG) group, and insole group (IG) to find the most effective treatment program for plantar fasciitis.MethodsThirty-nine individuals with plantar fasciitis were selected to participate in this pilot study. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups, as IPG (manual interventions, exercise, insoles), HBEG (exercise, insoles), and IG (insoles). The feasibility details including percentage of the enrollment and adherence to the groups were recorded. Pain was measured with a visual analog scale, and dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM), foot function, and health-related quality of life were evaluated at the baseline and week 6. One-way ANOVA analysis and Kruskal Wallis test were used to determine the differences of the percentage change of the parameters.ResultsPain and functional evaluation results showed improvements clinically in all of groups and quality of life results were similar for all groups. There was no difference between the groups after 6 weeks of treatment (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe 3 treatment programs were found clinically applicable with high patient adherence. According to the data all intervention types were found moderately effective for pain and function. Insoles could be an option applied alone or with other treatments, and manual techniques gave better results in patients with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Although the results should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size, these results were found promising and feasible to conduct a future RCT.Clinical trial registration numberRCT 06144834.     

Impact of plantar fasciitis on postural control and walking in young middle-aged adults

PurposeTo assess if plantar fasciitis has an impact on postural control and walking pattern from gait analysis across different experimental conditions.MethodsThirty participants (n = 15 with plantar fasciitis) performed 5 different balance tasks on a force platform, and the center of pressure (COP) was computed for postural control analysis. Participants were also asked to walk at 3 different speeds on a gait analysis system to compute the spatial-temporal parameters. Clinical foot measurements (pain, mobility) were also collected through all participants.ResultsClinical foot measurements showed no significant difference between the two groups; except for pain palpation in plantar fasciitis group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups for COP area displacement sway (p < 0.01; d = 0.08) and velocity (p = 0.022; d = 0.04), where the fasciitis group reported poorer postural control than control mainly during more challenging balance tasks (semi-tandem, unipodal). Plantar fasciitis group reported a decrease of gait velocity (p < 0.01; d = 0.12), step length (p < 0.01; d = 0.16) and step width (p < 0.01; d = 0.18) when compared to the healthy group across walking speed tests.ConclusionsIndividuals with plantar fasciitis report poor postural control and changes in walking pattern across three speeds performance.     

The treatment of intractable plantar fasciitis with platelet-rich plasma injection

BackgroundWhilst most cases of plantar fasciitis can be settled with existing conservative treatment, a few intractable cases can be difficult to resolve. New biologic treatments have been proposed for a variety of soft tissue problems.ObjectiveEvaluate the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in chronic cases of plantar fasciitis.Patients and methodsPatients with plantar fasciitis not responded to a minimum of 1 year standard conservative management were offered PRP therapy. Injections were performed in theatre as a day case. Roles–Maudsley (RM) scores, Visual Analogue Scores (VAS), AOFAS scores and ‘would have injection again’ were collated pre-operatively, three and six months.ResultsProspective data was collected of 50 heels (44 patients). At six month review, RM score improved from mean 4 to 2 (p < 0.001), VAS improved from 7.7 to 4.2 (p < 0.001) and AOFAS improved from 60.6 to 81.9 (p < 0.001). 28 patients (64%) were very satisfied and would have the injection again.No complications were reported.ConclusionIn these chronic cases, PRP produce an efficacy rate, approaching 2 out of every 3. The procedure was safe with no reported complications. The authors feel PRP may have some role in treatment, and merits further study with a prospective randomised trial.     

超声引导下富血小板血浆注射治疗足底筋膜炎的疗效观察

目的观察超声引导下局部注射富血小板血浆(PRP)与类固醇激素治疗足底筋膜炎的临床疗效。方法选择2016年6月至2017年3月就诊于本院疼痛科的足底筋膜炎患者32例,男9例,女23例,年龄36～73岁,BMI 18～35kg/m2。随机分为超声引导下富血小板血浆注射治疗组(PRP组)和超声引导下类固醇激素注射治疗组(S组),每组16例。在超声引导下PRP组将制备出的4ml PRP注入跖筋膜表面。S组将复方倍他米松1ml+2%盐酸利多卡因注射液2ml的混合液注入跖筋膜表面。评估患者注射治疗前(T0)和治疗后1个月(T1)、3个月(T2)、6个月(T3)时晨起后起步状态、步行10步后状态和当天总体平均状态的VAS评分。采用超声测量T0和T2时患者俯卧位时跟骨-筋膜结合处足底筋膜厚度。观察注射部位有无出血、血肿、感染以及足底筋膜有无撕裂等并发症。结果与T0时比较,T1、T2和T3时两组患者晨起后起步状态、步行10步后状态和当天总体平均状态VAS评分均明显降低(P0.05)。与S组比较,T1和T2时PRP组晨起后起步状态、步行10步后状态和当天总体平均状态VAS评分明显升高(P0.05),T3时PRP组晨起后起步状态、步行10步后状态和当天总体平均状态VAS评分明显降低(P0.05)。与T0时比较,T2时两组足底筋膜厚度明显变薄(P0.05),T0和T2时两组足底筋膜厚度差异无统计学意义。两组患者治疗后均未发现出血、血肿、感染以及足底筋膜撕裂等并发症。结论超声引导下局部注射富血小板血浆与类固醇激素均能有效治疗足底筋膜炎,激素局部注射显效快,但富血小板血浆疗效相对更稳定持久。     

Efficacies of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and low-level laser therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis

BackgroundVarious conservative treatment methods can be administered in the early stages of plantar fasciitis (PF). The aim of the treatment is to enable the patient to return to the physical activity as soon as possible.AimIn this study it was aimed to compare efficacies of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on patients with PF.DesignA local prospective cross-sectional studySettingDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of Sakarya University, Faculty of MedicinePopulationPatients aged 18–70 years, having ongoing heel pain for at least 3 months, and not using oral and/or parenteral corticosteroids in the last 6 months.MethodsA total of 40 patients with PF included in the current study. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Roles and Maudsley Score (RMS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association Score (AOFAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire were performed for all patients. ESWT and LLLT groups comprised of 22 (55%) and 18 (45%) patients, respectively.ResultsWe found significant improvements in scores based on the VAS, RMS, AOFAS, FFI in patients with PF and it was sustained for 3 months (p = 0.001, for all scores). While decrease in scores based on the VAS and FFI in LLLT group was statistically more significant compared to ESWT group (p = 0.014, p = 0.013), there was statistically less significant decrease in scores on the AOFAS in LLLT group than that of ESWT group (p = 0.032).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated significant improvements in terms of pain, functional status and daily life activities following the administration of either of the treatments. Furthermore, LLLT was found to be significantly more effective for alleviating pain than ESWT in the treatment of PF.     

Investigation of the relationship between the thickness of the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament and plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis

BackgroundAlthough patients with plantar fasciitis show spring ligament laxity, the thickness of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the morphological characteristics of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis based on an ultrasound imaging system (US).MethodsThirty feet of 30 patients (painful group) diagnosed with plantar fasciitis at our hospital and thirty feet of 30 healthy volunteers (healthy group) without plantar pain were investigated. The thicknesses of both the spring ligament and plantar fascia were assessed via a US statistical comparison of the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness between the painful and healthy groups. This was performed using Welch’s t-test, and the significance level was set at p < 0.01. In addition, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness in the two groups, and the significance level was set at p < 0.01.ResultsThe spring ligament thickness in the painful group was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (p < 0.001). The thickness of the plantar fascia in the painful group was significantly greater than that in the healthy group (p = 0.03). In addition, the correlation between the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness was moderately negative (r = −0.42, p = 0.001). The thicker the plantar fascia in the subjects, the thinner was the spring ligament.ConclusionsThe thickness of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis decreased. The thinning of the spring ligament was negatively correlated with the thickening of the plantar fascia as per the US evaluation. Based on the spring ligament thinning determined via US evaluation, interventions such as insoles from an early stage could prevent the onset of plantar fasciitis.     

探讨超声在足底跖筋膜炎诊断中的应用价值

目的 探讨超声在跖筋膜炎诊断及鉴别中的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月至2020年7月间,我院203例临床诊断跟痛症患者的临床及超声影像学资料,并总结病因。后对比分析跖筋膜炎患者的双侧跖筋膜及足底脂肪垫的超声参数; 按照BMI是否大于24 kg/m2分组,对比上述参数,探讨超声诊断跖筋膜炎的价值。结果 跖筋膜炎是上述患者足跟痛的首要病因,占82.8%。其中跖筋膜炎患者跖筋膜跟骨止点处的超声测量厚度大于健侧 （0.50 cm vs 0.37 cm）,而脂肪垫厚度小于健侧（0.55 cm vs 0.60 cm）（P<0.05）,中段跖筋膜厚度无差异（P>0.05）。在跟骨止点处,BMI > 24 kg/m2组与BMI < 24 kg/m2组患者右侧跖筋膜无差异（P>0.05）,而BMI > 24 kg/m2组左侧跖筋膜厚于BMI < 24 kg/m2组 （0.46 cm vs 0.40 cm） （P<0.05）。同时,BMI > 24 kg/m2组右侧足底脂肪垫厚度较BMI < 24 kg/m2组增厚 （0.59 cm vs 0.50 cm）（P<0.05）。结论 足底跖筋膜炎超声可直接显示的跖筋膜跟骨止点处增厚,其可为临床提供定量的参数指标,对于足跟痛的软组织因素分析和鉴别有重要临床价值。     

Clinical and imaging effects of corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: A comparative non randomized prospective study

The purpose is to compare the effectiveness and imaging changes (US and MRI) between PRP and corticoids injections for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, using clinical results evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS), the AOFAS clinical rating system and the modified Roles and Maudsley score, and using imaging results (US and MRI). Our hypothesis is that PRP infiltrations are a more effective therapeutic method than infiltrations with corticosteroids. A single-centre, non randomized, prospective study of 40 consecutive patients (40 feet) with plantar fasciitis who had not responded to conservative treatment for at least 6 months was undertaken. The first 20 consecutive patients (group A) were treated with two local injections of 4 ml of a PRP concentrate. The second group of 20 patients (group B) were injected with 4 ml of 40 mg methylprednisolone. Clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the AOFAS clinical rating system and the modified Roles and Maudsley score, with a mean follow-up of 33 months. Imaging results were evaluated by plantar US after 3 and 6 months, and MRI after 6 months. There were no complications arising from the treatment. In group A (PRP), the VAS changed from 8.25 to 1.85 and the AOFAS from 47.05 to 92.10. In group B (methylprednisolone), the VAS changed from 7.7 to 5.30 points and from 50.85 to 49.75 on the AOFAS. In the imaging tests, the thickness of the fascia in group A changed from 7.90 mm to 4.82 mm over 3 months following the injection, maintaining this thickness in the biannual controls. In group B the change was from 8.05 mm to 6.13 mm over 3 months, increasing to 6.9 mm after 6 months. The other inflammatory signs improved in all cases, especially in group A. The treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis by two injections of PRP is a safe, more efficient and long-lasting method than corticoid injections.     

Common ignorance, major problem: the role of footwear in plantar fasciitis

We present a case study that confirms footwear to be a further aetiology for the development of plantar fasciitis symptoms causing pain in the plantar medial calcaneal area. Discontinued use of the footwear resolved the condition. Footwear assessment, and especially shoe construction and wear should form an essential component of routine clinical examination.     

Effectiveness of extra-corporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) vs methylprednisolone injections in plantar fasciitis

IntroductionIn Plantar Fasciitis, the main concern of the patients is the pain that disturbs their day to day activities. Different modalities of treatments are being used for its pain management. This study seeks to investigate and compare decrease in level of pain following treatment with Methylprednisolone injections (DMP) Vs Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in plantar fasciitis.MethodsThis prospective comparative non randomized study was conducted in 60 patients of any age presenting with Plantar Fasciitis at B&B Hospital, Kathmandu. Patients were divided into 2 groups (30 each) based on patients preference. Methylprednisolone injection was given to one group and another group received ESWT. Follow up of both groups were carried out at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and the outcome was measured with Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis wasdone using SPSS software, version 13. Chi-square and Independent t-test were applied to look for significant variations in outcome.ResultsFollow-up at 6 weeks revealed 26 (86.7%) patients attaining VAS < 5 in ESWT group in comparison to 16 (53.3%) patients of DMP group (p = 0.005). At the end of 6 months, 5 patients in DPM group still had significant pain (VAS ≥ 5) compared to 2 patients in ESWT group (p = 0.02). However 11 patients of DMP group and 23 of ESWT group received single episode of treatment only and had persistent symptomatic pain relief (VAS < 5) during all follow ups at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months (p = 0.004).ConclusionsPlantar fasciitis was more prevalent in overweight population and females. Significant improvement in pain was observed with both ESWT and DMP Injections. However, ESWT was found to be more effective than DMP Injections for treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation at 6-month follow-up of plantar fasciitis after extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the ultrasonographic appearance of chronically painful, proximal plantar fasciitis.Materials and methods Twenty-two patients with a unilateral proximal plantar fasciitis were prospectively enrolled after unsuccessful conservative treatment lasting 6 months. The contralateral plantar fascia was used as the control. ESWT (3×3000 shock waves/session of 0.2 mJ/mm²) was performed at weekly intervals. The thickness of the plantar fascia was measured ultrasonographically about 2 cm distal of the medial calcaneal tuberosity. Pain estimation on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the comfortable walking time were recorded. No local anaesthesia was applied. Follow-up was done at 6, 12 and 24 weeks.Results Before ESWT, the plantar fasciitis side was ultrasonographically significantly thicker than the control side (p<0.05), whereas 6 months after ESWT, the thickness of the fascia was no longer significantly different. The decrease in thickness of the plantar fasciitis side was significant (p<0.05). Pain during activities of daily living decreased by 79% according to the VAS, and the comfortable walking time increased, both significantly (p<0.01). In patients with little pain (VAS<30), the thickness of the plantar fasciitis side was significantly less (p<0.01) compared with patients who still suffered more pain (VAS>30).Conclusion After ESWT, the thickness of the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis decreased, pain and walking time improved (all significantly).     

Low dose radiotherapy for plantar fasciitis. Treatment outcome of 171 patients

BackgroundAlthough the effectiveness of low-dose radiotherapy for chronic degenerative and inflammatory diseases has been documented in previous studies, patient-reported clinical outcomes are rarely available.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of low-dose radiotherapy on patients with painful plantar fasciitis.MethodFrom 2002 to 2008, 200 patients older than 65 years of age with painful plantar fasciitis were treated in our hospital. Records from 171 of these patients were available for analysis. All patients were treated with an identical dose of 3 Gy using identical equipment and techniques. Response was evaluated with patient-reported questionnaires and clinical visits.ResultsMinimum-term follow-up was 18 months, with mean follow-up at 54 months. Three months after receiving low-dose radiotherapy, 67.3% of patients had no or mild pain, and 57.9% had no or discrete mobility restriction. At a mean of 54 months, 61.4% of patients had no or mild pain and 64.9% of patients had no or discrete mobility restriction; 60.8% of patients reported improved quality of life.ConclusionLow-dose radiotherapy is effective in most patients with painful plantar fasciitis. Due to minimal side effects and low costs, it represents an excellent treatment option compared to conventional therapies or surgery.     

A study to compare the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy with platelet-rich plasma therapy in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: A preliminary report

BackgroundPlantar fasciitis is one of the commonest, and most frustrating, foot ailments seen in a regular orthopaedic clinic. There are a number of modalities available to treat this condition, of which corticosteroid injection is, perhaps, the most popular. However, recent years have seen an increased interest in the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in various clinical situations such as plantar fasciitis.MethodsWe undertook a prospective non-randomized study to compare the efficacy of traditional corticosteroid injection (Steroid group) to PRP injection (PRP group), in a cohort of patients.ResultsWe studied both groups of patients before and after the injections using Visual Analogue Score (VAS), the Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and American Foot and Ankle Score (AFAS). Our study confirms that there is significant clinical improvement in PRP group at three months after the injection.ConclusionThe use of PRP injection can be an attractive alternative in the treatment of disabling, recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.Study designCohort study.Level of clinical evidenceLevel 3.     

The role of corticosteroid injections in treating plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPlantar fasciitis is a recurrent cause of heel pain and is often treated by corticosteroid infections (CSI). The current study reviewed and analysed the role of CSI with platelet rich plasma (PRP), and CSI with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (EWST) for plantar fasciitis treatment.MethodsPubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant studies. Preferred Reporting in Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to search relevant studies published from infinity to April 2021. The risk of bias was performed using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. GRADE assessment was used for quality of evidence. Data analysis was performed with the use of R software and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. CSI was compared with PRP and EWST.ResultsEighteen studies comprising 1180 patients were included in this meta-analysis. When compared to PRP, CSI with lignocaine/lidocaine had significantly higher mean difference on visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at 3 months (0.62 [0.13; 1.12], P = 0.01) and 6 months (MD = 1.49 [0.22; 2.76], P = 0.02). At 6 months, VAS scores were higher in the CSI group than the ESWT group (MD = 0.8 [0.38; 1.22], P = 0.1). At 6 months, a significant reduction in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was observed in the CSI group compared to PRP (MD = − 11.53 [− 16.62; − 6.43], P < 0.0001).ConclusionPatients suffering from plantar fasciitis, PRP achieved better VAS scores compared to CSI at 3 and 6-month follow-up. In addition, ESWT had better VAS score outcomes at 6 months compared to CSI. Regarding AOFAS score, PRP was more efficacious than CSI at 6 months of follow-up. Only through the development of high-quality, large-scale longitudinal studies, will the findings and conclusions of this meta-analysis be strengthened and influence our clinical practice in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.Level of clinical evidenceII.     

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed at estimating the extent to which a combination therapy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) with usual care (exercise and orthotic support) improve functional ability in the patient with plantar fasciitis when compared to usual care alone.MethodsParticipants with plantar fasciitis were randomly allocated into two groups: ESWT (n = 23), and control (n = 21). All participants received home exercise program with orthotic support. In addition, ESWT group received 2000 shock waves with 0.02 mJ/mm² for three sessions. Functional outcomes were measured by function subscale of American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS-F) score and 12 minutes walking test including walking speed, cadence. The scores were recorded at baseline, third week and third month after the treatment. Analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, and an intention to treat approach using multiple imputations.ResultsResults showed that there was a significant improvement in AOFAS-F total score and walking speed over three months in both groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.04 respectively); improvements in AOFAS-F were particularly in activity limitation (p = 0.001), walking distance (p = 0.02) and walking surface (p = 0.02). Groups were comparable with each other for both walking speed and AOFAS-F in any assessment time (p > 0.05). However, groups performed differently in cadence where there was an increase in cadence in ESWT group whereas a decline in control at the third month (p = 0.07).ConclusionThe results revealed that ESWT did not have an additive benefit over usual care to improve foot function and walking performance in patient with plantar fasciitis over three months post-treatment.     

Thickness of plantar fascia is not predictive of functional outcome in plantar fasciitis treatment

Objective

The aim of this study was to define a quantitative parameter to indicate which cases of plantar fasciitis will benefit from local corticosteroid injection or ESWT and to compare the efficacy of two different treatment modalities.