A Comparative Study of Shock Wave Therapy and Medical Treatment in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis

Elahifar, Omid; Fathi, Mohsen; Dehghani Firooz Abadi, Parisa; Torkaman, Ali

doi:10.22034/ijos.2025.539558.1139

A Comparative Study of Shock Wave Therapy and Medical Treatment in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Omid Elahifar

Mohsen Fathi

Parisa Dehghani Firooz Abadi

Ali Torkaman

Iran University of Medical Sciences, Department of Orthopedics, Firoozgar Hospital

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijos.2025.539558.1139

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is a common problem presenting with heel pain and functional limitations. Given the contradictory results of previous studies on the effectiveness of medical and non-invasive treatments, this study was designed to compare the results of shockwave therapy and medical treatment on pain intensity, function, and treatment complications.
Materials and Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 80 patients with plantar fasciitis from an orthopaedic clinic were selected during a 2-years period and, after obtaining informed consent, were assigned to two groups of medical treatment and shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy was performed with the Dornier Epos Ultra device and medical treatment included plantar fascia traction, ice massage, and NSAID medication. Pain and function indices were assessed at 12 weeks and one year after treatment using the VAS and Roles and Maudsley scales. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 26.
Findings: The reduction in VAS score and improvement in function based on Roles and Maudsley in the shockwave therapy group was significantly greater than the medical treatment group (P<0.05). No significant difference was seen in the age and gender distribution of the two groups. The incidence of side effects in both groups was not statistically different, and all recorded side effects were transient.
Conclusion: Shockwave therapy has a stable and higher efficacy than medical treatment in controlling pain and functional improvement in plantar fasciitis and can be used as an effective and safety treatment.

Keywords

Plantar Fasciitis

Shock Wave Therapy

Treatment Outcome

heel

Subjects

Orthopedi

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