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.

研究概要

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.