Mar 05 2009
Shockwave Therapy for Fasciitis
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a therapeutic option for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. A shockwave is a sound wave that create vibrations. The theory behind the utilization of ESWT is that the shockwaves create vibrations which cause controlled injury to the plantar fascia and surrounding tissue. This controlled injury stimulates the body’s natural repair process.
A retrospective study published in the March issue of the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery evaluated 225 patients with plantar fasciitis. The patients had plantar fasciitis for 6 months or more and failed at least 5 conservative therapies. Each patient underwent ESWT treatment by a single physician between 2002 and 2004.
A health questionnaire was used to survey the patients after the procedure. Success rates were 70.7% at 3 months and 77.2% at 12 months. The authors noted that the patient’s weight, a history of cortisone injections, the duration of symptoms and the thickness of the plantar fascia did not influence the outcome of the treatment. Three factors negatively affected the outcome. Older adults and individuals with diabetes or psychological issues had worse outcomes than those who did not.
Chuckpaiwong B, Berkson EM, Theodore GH. Extracorporeal shock wave for chronic proximal plantar fasciitis: 225 patients with results and outcome predictors. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2009 Mar-Apr;48(2):148-55. Epub 2009 Jan 9.
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