Riassunto dello studio

Forty-four patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized to receive 3 months of treatment with a silicone insole and 3 weeks of exercise therapy plus the addition of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or no additional treatment of ESWT. The primary outcome of interest was functional ability measured by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) sub-scores and total score. Secondary outcomes of interest included cadence and walking speed. Outcomes were assessed at 3 weeks and 3 months after the initiation of treatment. Study results demonstrated no significant group differences in all AOFAS sub-scores nor the AOFAS total score. A statistical significant difference in cadence was observed in the ESWT group showing an improvement in cadence while the control group reported a decrease in cadence at 3 months follow-up. No significant difference in walking speed was observed between the 2 groups.