Abstract
[Purpose] In this study, we report the treatment results and frequency of radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT) for plantar inferioritis. [Participants and Methods] Twelve patients (3 men and 3 legs; 9 females, 10 legs; mean age 68.2 ± 11.4 years old) who were diagnosed as plantar inferioritis received rESWT to the affected part and stretching of the plantar fascia. [Results] The loading pain showed a tendency to decrease gradually every week except in one case. After 2 rESWT treatments, the load pain was significantly reduced. In each case, the load pain was reduced by approximately one half (average 41%), but the pain relief effect was not maintained, increasing slightly after one week. The load pain was reported as less than the average of 10 mm on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by 7 people (7 legs) after 5 treatments. The patients who finished treatment after 5 treatments of rESWT were 61% of the whole. [Conclusion]. Treatment of plantar inferioritis with rESWT was useful. The results suggest that 5 treatments is an indicative optimal treatment number.
