Dextrose prolotherapy versus radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: A randomized,controlled clinical trial

In the recent years, prolotherapy is increasingly being used in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. However, few studies have investigated its effectiveness in plantar fasciitis (PF). The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dextrose prolotherapy with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of chronic PF. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 59 patients with chronic PF. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups receiving three sessions of radial ESWT (29 patients) vs. two sessions of ultrasound-guided intrafascial 2 cc dextrose 20% injection (30 patients). The following outcome measures were assessed before and then six weeks and 12 weeks after the treatments: pain intensity by visual analog scale (VAS), daily life and exercise activities by Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the plantar fascia thickness by ultrasonographic imaging. The VAS and FAAM scales showed significant improvements of pain and function in both study groups 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the treatments. A significant reduction was noted for plantar fascia thickness at these intervals (all p < .05). The inter-group comparison revealed that except for the FAAM-sport subscale which favored ESWT, the interaction effects of group and time were not significant for other outcome measures. Dextrose prolotherapy has comparable efficacy to radial ESWT in reducing pain, daily-life functional limitation, and plantar fascia thickness in patients with PF. No serious adverse effects were observed in either group.Level of evidenceLevel I, randomized controlled trial.     

The Impact of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Dry Needling Combination on Pain and Functionality in the Patients Diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and dry needling (DN) combination on pain and functionality in plantar fasciitis. Forty patients who were clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The ESWT-DN group was applied 3 sessions of ESWT to plantar fascia and DN to the trigger points in the gastrosoleus muscles. The ESWT group was applied only ESWT treatment to plantar fascia. We used visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and a pressure algometer for pressure pain threshold. The functionality of the patients was evaluated with Foot Function Index (FFI). Also, maximum painless standing time and maximum painless walking distance were recorded. All assessments were repeated twice; first, pretreatment and second 1 month after the treatment. In both groups, there were statistically significant improvements in VAS, pressure pain threshold, maximum painless standing time, maximum painless walking distance, and FFI's pain, disability, and activity limitation subscales scores (p ≤ .001). In intergroup comparison; it was showed that VAS scores, maximum painless standing time (p = .002), maximum painless walking distance (p ≤ .001), and FFI pain subscale scores (p = .034) were statistically superior in the ESWT-DN group. There was no statistically difference between the groups in pressure pain threshold (p = .132), FFI disability (p = .081), and FFI activity limitation subscale (p = .226) scores. ESWT and DN combination therapy in plantar fasciitis was seen to be superior in the pain scores. Further studies with larger patients’ groups and longer term results of this combination are needed for a better comparison.     

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.     

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).     

冲击波联合富血小板血浆治疗跖筋膜炎的临床研究

目的探讨发散式体外冲击波疗法(extracorporeal shock wave therapy,ESWT)与富血小板血浆(platelet rich plasma,PRP)联合治疗慢性跖筋膜炎的临床疗效。方法前瞻性单中心随机对照研究,选取2017年1月至2018年12月因足跟痛于重庆大学附属三峡医院就诊并诊断为慢性跖筋膜炎的患者60例,其中男性19例,女性41例;年龄20~68岁,平均(44.56±10.68)岁。依照随机数字表法分为ESWT治疗组(E组)、PRP治疗组(P组)和ESWT-PRP联合治疗组(联合组),每组20例。比较三组患者治疗前及治疗结束后4、12、24周视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、改良足功能指数(revised footfunction index,FFI-R)。分别于治疗前及治疗结束后24周采用超声测量跖筋膜厚度。结果三组患者一般资料及治疗前VAS评分、FFI-R评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),治疗结束后VAS评分、FFI-R评分均较治疗前明显改善(P<0.05)。4周时联合组及E组优于P组(P<0.05),24周时联合组及P组优于E组(P<0.05)。治疗结束24周后三组患者跖筋膜厚度较治疗前均有明显改善(P<0.05),相关性分析发现VAS评分与跖筋膜厚度存在正相关性。所有患者均未出现严重不良反应。结论采用发散式ESWT与PRP联合方案治疗慢性跖筋膜炎安全、有效、起效快、并发症少、治疗效果维持时间长,值得临床研究与推广。     

Preliminary experience of a single session of low-energy extracorporeal shock wave treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a single session of ultrasound- and biofeedback-assisted extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients (22 heels) with symptomatic plantar fasciitis that did not respond to conservative treatment for at least 6 months were studied. Patients received a single session of low-energy, ultrasound- and patient feedback-guided ESWT. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to compare pain intensity before treatment and at followup (72 +/- 15 days after treatment). RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in overall pain (VAS 5.5 +/- 1.8 vs. 3.3 +/- 2.7, p = 0.001), maximum pain (7.7 +/- 2.1 vs. 4.0 +/- 3.9, p = 0.008) and pain at activities of daily living (5.3 +/- 2.1 vs. 2.5 +/- 2.6, p = 0.018). Night pain decreased to a lesser extent (2.4 +/- 2.5 vs. 1.3 +/- 2.1, p = 0.317). ESWT improved symptoms in 16 heels, of which six were completely symptom-free at followup 2.4 months after treatment. Six patients experienced no change. Fourteen patients with pain localized to the heel and all male patients benefited from ESWT. No difference was noted for age, body mass index, duration, and severity of symptoms or previous treatment. CONCLUSION: Low-energy ESWT proved to be an effective treatment option for the majority of patients with chronic plantar fasciitis that failed to respond to conservative treatment. Predictive parameters for successful outcome are male gender and an easily detectable pain center at the heel.     

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.     

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.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Outcomes of Laser Therapy,Ultrasound Therapy,and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

We determined and compared the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), therapeutic ultrasound (US) therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We performed a randomized, prospective, comparative clinical study. A total of 60 patients with a diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis were divided randomly into 3 treatment groups: group 1 underwent 15 sessions of LLLT (8 J/cm²; 830 nm); group 2 underwent 15 sessions of continuous US (1 mHz; 2 W/cm²); and group 3 underwent 3 sessions of ESWT (2000 shocks). All patients were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), heel tenderness index (HTI), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, Roles–Maudsley score, and MRI before and 1 month after treatment. The primary efficacy success criterion was the percentage of decrease in heel pain of >60% from baseline at 1 month after treatment for ≥2 of the 3 heel pain (VAS) measurements. Significant improvement was measured using the mean VAS, AOFAS scale, and HTI scores for all 3 groups. The thickness of the plantar fascia had decreased significantly on MRI in all 3 groups. The treatment success rate was 70.6% in the LLLT group, 65% in the ESWT group, and 23.5% in the US group. LLLT and ESWT proved significantly superior to US therapy using the primary efficacy criterion (p = .006 and p = .012, respectively), with no significant difference between the LLLT and ESWT groups (p > .05). The treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis with LLLT and ESWT resulted in similar outcomes and both were more successful than US therapy in pain improvement and functional outcomes.     

Location modalities for focused extracorporeal shock wave application in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND: Focused extracorporeal shock waves (ESWT) has been used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis with heel spurs. The optimal location for administering treatment, however, has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether fluoroscopy-guided location of a heel spur or patient location of the maximal point of tenderness is more effective in administering ESWT. METHODS: In a prospective, examiner-blinded trial, 41 patients were randomized into two groups for treatment by ESWT: group 1, location of the heel spur for ESWT by fluoroscopy, and group 2, patient location for ESWT by maximal point of tenderness. Each group had three session of ESWT at 1-week intervals. The success rates between the two groups were assessed at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number of patients in the study, patient location for positioning the focus in ESWT in treatment of plantar fasciitis with a heel spur is recommended.     

Influence of local anesthesia and energy level on the clinical outcome of extracorporeal shock wave-treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of low energy extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) for chronic plantar fasciitis is discussed controversially. It is unclear whether the simultaneous application of local anesthesia (LA) interferes with clinical outcome. METHODS: 60 patients with a chronic plantar fasciitis were enrolled in a triple-arm (20 patients per group), prospective randomized and observer-blinded pilot trial. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either active ESWT without LA (;3 x 1 500 shocks, total energy flux density [EFD] per shock 0.09 mJ/mm(2) [Group A]), ESWT with LA (3 x 1 500 shocks, EFD 0.18 mJ/mm(2) per shock [Group B]) or ESWT with LA (3 x 1 500 shocks, EFD 0.09 mJ/mm(2) [Group C]). Main outcome measures were: pain during first stepps in the morning (measured on a 0-10 point visual analogue scale) and number of patients with > 50 % reduction of pain and no further therapy needed, measured at 6 weeks after the last ESWT. RESULTS: Group A improved in the VAS from 6.4 (SD: 1.7) to 2.2 (SD: 2.6) points, group B from 6.7 (SD: 1.5) to 4.1 (SD: 2.4) points, group C from 6.2 (SD: 1.6) to 3.8 (SD: 2.5) points. A reduction of pain of at least 50 % was achieved in 60 % of group A, in 36 % of group B and in 30 % of group C. Group A without LA showed a significantly higher improvement in the VAS and subjective evaluation than groups B (p = 0.007) and C (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: At 6 weeks success rates after low-energy ESWT with local anesthesia were significantly lower than after identical low-energy ESWT without local anesthesia. Higher energy levels could not balance the disadvantage of this effect. LA significantly influenced the clinical results after low energy ESWT in a negative way. Blinding patients by LA in ESWT studies must therefore be considered a systematic error in study design.     

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis: a 2-year follow-up

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronically painful proximal plantar fasciitis with a further conventional conservative treatment. Forty-seven patients (49 feet) with a previously unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment of at least 6 months were randomized to two groups. Heel cups had to be worn throughout the study. Group 1 (25 heels) was treated immediately with three sessions of ESWT (3000 shock waves/session of 0.2 mJ/mm2) at weekly intervals. The patients of group 2 (24 heels) continued nonsurgical treatment (iontophoresis with diclofenac and an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) 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 nonsurgical treatment (3 months) was seen in group 2. At 12 weeks after ESWT, the pain estimation on the visual analogue scale (VAS) for activities of daily living diminished significantly by 62.9% in group 1 and by 63.0% in group 2. The comfortable walking time had increased significantly in both groups. Two years after ESWT, pain during activities of daily living decreased by 94% in group 1 and by 90% in group 2 on the VAS and the comfortable walking time had increased significantly in both groups.     

Comparison of Effectiveness of Density and Number of Sessions of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients: A Double-Blind,Randomized-Controlled Study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of density and number of sessions extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, fatigue, disability, physical function, and quality of life in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Between September 2019 and December 2019, a total of 94 patients with the diagnosis of PF were included in the study. All patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 33) received a total of 7 sessions of high-energy flux density (H-ESWT) (0.26 mJ/mm² ) , group 2 (n = 31) received a total of 3 sessions of H-ESWT (0.26 mJ/mm²), group 3 (n = 30) received total of 7 sessions of low-energy flux density (<0.08 mJ/mm²) with 3 days interval. At baseline and 1 month after the treatment, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Form-36, Foot Function Index (FFI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Scale, and Six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) scores were compared among the groups. Of the patients, 69 were females and 25 were males with a mean age of 45.0 ± 8.43 (range, 25-67) years. There were no statistically significant differences in the age, sex, demographic characteristics, and baseline VAS, FFI, 6MWT, and FACIT scores between the groups (p > .05). However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the VAS, FACIT, and FFI scores in all groups after treatment compared to baseline, although only the 6MWT, and Short Form-36 subscale scores were statistically significantly higher (p < .05). There was also a statistically significant difference in the scale scores in Group 1 versus Group 2 and in Group 2 versus Group 3. Our study results suggest that H-ESWT for high number of sessions is more effective than LESWT for low number of sessions on pain, quality of life, physical function, fatigue, and disability in patients with PF.     

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus other therapeutic methods for chronic plantar fasciitis

BackgroundTo conduct a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of general ESWT with that of other therapies and to assess its effectiveness in chronic plantar fasciitis.MethodsA literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for information from the earliest date of data collection to March 2018. Studies comparing the benefits and risks of extracorporeal shock wave therapy with those of other therapies for chronic plantar fasciitis were included. Statistical heterogeneity was quantitatively evaluated by a X² test with the significance set as P < 0.10 or I² > 50%.ResultsThirteen trials consisting of 1,185 patients were included (637 patients were treated with ESWT; 548 patients, with OT). The results showed that patients treated with ESWT had increased success or improvement rates, an increased modified Roles & Maudsley (RM) score, a reduction of pain scales, reduced return to work time, and fewer complications than patients treated with other therapy methods (P < 0.1).ConclusionsCompared with patients who received other therapies for chronic plantar fasciitis, patients treated with ESWT responded better, had less complications and showed a clear difference in efficacy between ESWT and other therapy in chronic plantar fasciitis.Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of chronic plantar fasciitis before and after extracorporeal shock wave therapy

IntroductionThe objective of this study is to examine the relationships between treatment outcome and changes in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings after extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for chronic plantar fasciitis.MethodsThe subjects were 23 feet of 23 patients of refractory plantar fasciitis. The mean age was 53.7 years. The thickness of the plantar fascia (PF) and findings of a high-signal intensity area (HSIA) inside the PF, edema around the PF, and bone marrow edema (BME) of the calcaneus were investigated on MR images. The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used. Correlations between an improvement in symptoms and one in the MRI findings were analyzed.ResultsThe mean thickness of the PF was 4.4 ± 1.6 mm before ESWT and 4.6 ± 1.8 mm six months after ESWT. After ESWT, there was a decrease in the numbers of feet showing HSIA inside the PF from 15 to 6, in edema around the PF from 16 to 2, and in BME of the calcaneus from 11 to 4. Clinical outcomes improved with ESWT from 70.3 ± 5.5 to 88.6 ± 9.1 points (JSSF), 74.1 ± 25.3 to 28.5 ± 24.4 points (VAS), respectively. Improvements in symptoms according to the JSSF and VAS scores and improvement in edema around the PF on MR images showed a significant correlation.ConclusionsEdema around the PF improved significantly in association with an improvement in symptoms after ESWT.     

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis

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.     

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.     

Repetitive low-energy shock wave application without local anesthesia is more efficient than repetitive low-energy shock wave application with local anesthesia in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether application of local anesthesia (LA) interferes with clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for chronic plantar fasciitis. Aims: To evaluate the effect of local anesthesia on the clinical outcome after repetitive low-energy ESWT for chronic plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Eighty-six patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to receive either low-energy ESWT without LA, given weekly for three weeks (Group I, n=45; 3 x 2000 pulses, total energy flux density per shock 0.09 mJ/mm2) or identical ESWT with LA (Group II, n=41). Primary outcome measure was: Reduction of pain from baseline to month 3 post-treatment in a pain numeric rating scale [0-10 points] during first steps in the morning, evaluated by an independent blinded observer. Calculations were based on intention-to-treat. RESULTS: No difference was found between the groups at baseline. At 3 months, the average pain score was 2.2+/-2.0 points for patients of Group I, and 4.1+/-1.5 points for patients of Group II. The mean between-group difference was 1.9 points (95% CI: [1.1-2.7 points]; P<.001). Significantly more patients of Group I achieved 50% reduction of pain compared to Group II (67% vs 29%, P<.001). CONCLUSION: ESWT as applied should be done without LA in patients suffering from chronic heel pain. LA applied prior treatment reduced the efficiency of low-energy ESWT.     

Prediction of clinical response to corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma injection in plantar fasciitis with MRI: A prospective,randomized, double-blinded study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and clinical data at baseline and six months following platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or corticosteroid (CS; cortivazol) injection in patients with plantar fasciitis, and to identify initial MRI criteria associated with a favorable clinical response to treatment.Material and methodsThe study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03857334). MRI examinations of 36 patients with plantar fasciitis lasting more than 3 months who were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided PRP (PRP group, 20 patients) or CS (CS group, 18 patients) injection were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed with respect to plantar fascia thickness, plantar fascia hyperintensity on T2-weighted STIR (HSTIR) images, calcaneal bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues. Clinical evaluation including visual analytic scale (VAS) assessment and MRI examinations were obtained before and 6 months after treatment. Good clinical response was defined as pain VAS decrease > 50% at 6 months. ROC curves with AUC measurements were used to determine cut-off points.ResultsIn the whole study population, an association was found between MRI features (deep soft tissue and calcaneal bone marrow HSTIR) and pain VAS scores for the first steps of the day (P = 0.028 and P = 0.007, respectively). No significant radioclinical associations on post-treatment MRI examinations were found in either group. Initial coronal thickness of plantar fascia was associated with a good clinical response in the CS group (P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis found that 7-mm or thicker plantar aponeurosis at initial MRI was predictive of good clinical response in patients with CS treatment (Youden index = 0.6). PRP infiltrations were effective regardless of fascia thickness (73% of patients with ≤ 7 mm aponeurosis and 67% for thicker ones).ConclusionInitial facia thickness (> 7 mm) is predictive of good clinical response six months after CS injection, whereas PRP injection shows effectiveness regardless of fascia thickness.     

Clinical Outcomes After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis in a Predominantly Active Duty Population

Chronic plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain, with conservative treatment providing relief for most patients. However, because of the common occurrence of this pathology, this leaves many patients dissatisfied. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to treat chronic plantar fasciitis (PF) in a largely active duty population. A review of 82 patients (115 heels) who had undergone ESWT for chronic PF was performed. Outcome data were obtained by patient telephone interviews. All ESWT was conducted at 24 kV for 2000 shocks. Of the 82 patients (115 heels), 76 (93%; 111 heels) agreed to participate. Their mean age was 42?±?10 years, with 41 males (54%) and 35 females (46%). The mean follow-up period was 42?±?22 months. Of the patients, 73.6% were active duty military personnel. The mean preoperative pain score of 7.8?±?2 had improved to 2.5?±?2 at the last follow-up visit (p?<.0001). Active duty patients reported a mean improvement in pain of 4.8?±?3 compared with 6.8?±?3 in non-active duty patients (p?=?.005). Of the 76 patients, 75 (98%) underwent 1 ESWT session, and 1 (2%) requiring 2 sessions. Overall, 74% of patients rated the outcome of their procedure as either good or excellent, with 87% stating that ESWT was successful. Ten patients (18%) left the military because of continued foot pain, with 76% able to return to running. For patients with chronic PF, these results support the use of ESWT to relieve pain in >85% of patients, with a preponderance for better pain relief in patients who are not active duty military personnel.