Efficacy of radial shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis

Abstract

 We evaluated the effects of radial pressure wave (RPW) therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis with a limited range of ankle dorsiflexion. We studied 17 feet of 11 patients. RPW irradiation was performed every week for a total of 4 sessions. Pain during walking, bilateral ankle dorsiflexion angles, and the scores on a self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) were evaluated before the therapy and immediately and 4 weeks after completion of the therapy. The numerical rating scale (NRS) and ankle dorsiflexion angle improved significantly after the therapy, and the SAFE-Q scores for some parameters also improved significantly (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that RPW therapy is effective for the treatment of patients with plantar fasciitis with a limited range of ankle dorsiflexion.