Riassunto dello studio

One hundred forty-seven patients with calcaneal spurs were randomized to receive acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis plus conventional physical therapy (n=49), shockwave therapy plus conventional physical therapy (n=49), or conventional physical therapy alone (n=49). The primary outcome of interest was calcaneal spur length. Secondary outcomes included spur width, pain intensity (VAS), pain pressure threshold, and foot function (FAAM-ADL subscale). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 3 weeks of treatment, and again after a 4-week follow-up period with no intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the group receiving acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis showed significantly greater improvements across all outcomes compared to the other two groups. This method appears to be a promising, non-invasive treatment for improving pain and function in patients with calcaneal spurs.