Effect of radial shock wave and ultrasound therapy combined with traditional physical therapy exercises on foot function and dorsiflexion range in plantar fasciitis: a prospective randomized clinical trial.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
OE Journal. 2023;11(13):4 Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci . 2023 May;27(9):3823-3832.What this means for my practice?
Overall, there was a significant improvement from baseline to 4 weeks within each group. The combination group (ultrasound + shock wave therapy + physical therapy) showed significantly better outcomes after 4 weeks when compared to shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy alone with physical therapy. The results of this trial were limited by the lack of blinding and lack of long-term follow-up. Future trials should consider the long-term implications of these interventions in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Study Summary
Sixty-nine patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were randomized to receive, in addition to physical therapy, ultrasound therapy (n=23), radial shock wave therapy (n=23), or a combination of the two (n=23). Outcomes of interest included the Foot Function Index (FFI) and active range of motion of the ankle in dorsiflexion after 4 weeks. All groups significantly improved from baseline to 4 weeks for both outcomes. There were no between-group differences when comparing radial shock wave therapy to ultrasound therapy, however, the combination group was significantly better than the ultrasound and shock wave therapy groups after 4 weeks.
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics
Or upgrade today and gain access to all OrthoEvidencecontent for as little as $1.99 per week.
Already have an account? Log in
Are you affiliated with one of our partner associations?
Click here to gain complimentary access as part your association member benefits!
0 of 4 monthly FREE articles unlocked
