The impact of shock wave therapy on reducing pain in patients with heel spurs

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis, often accompanied by plantar fascia inflammation, is a very troublesome disorder. It causes intense heel and foot pain, disturbs gait, often causing limitation of physical activity. The aim of the work is to evaluate the impact of radial shock therapy on pain and physical activity in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis Material and methods: The study involved 27 patients -9 men and 18 women -with a diagnosed spur heel; the patient's average age was 56 ±9.5 SD years. To evaluate the effects of the therapy, two testes were used, the VAS analogue pain scale and the Laitinen pain questionnaire. Results:The analysis of the test results shows a statistically significant reduction in pain (p<0.001) and an increase in the subjects' ability to function as a result of shock wave therapy. Conclusions:The extracorporeal shock wave is an effective method of plantar fasciitis treatment in the studied group of patients. The performed treatments allowed achieving a lasting therapeutic effect and reduced the intensity and frequency of pain, which allowed reducing the use of painkillers and allowed for a return to full physical activity.