Shock Wave Therapy Versus Low Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

Effect of Shock Wave Therapy Versus Low Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

Both shock wave therapy and low level laser therapy in plantar fasciitis are effective in improvement of such cases without any side effects but there are no previously published studies on the use of shock wave therapy versus low level laser therapy in plantar fasciitis and, hence, evidence of its acceptability and effectiveness compared with each other remains to be established.

Plantar fasciitis is a result of degenerative irritation of the plantar fascia origin at the medial calcaneal tuberosity of the heel as well as the surrounding perifascial structures, it is a common problem accounting for approximately one million patient visits per year, it is often an overuse injury. As a result tight gastrocnemius, soleus, and/or other posterior leg muscles have also been commonly found in patients with this condition.

Shock wave therapy is thought to provide long lasting analgesia and stimulate the healing process, Low level laser therapy has been used to relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis, also stretching of the shortened and contracted plantar flexors may positively influence an individual's functional activities of daily living and decrease the risk of injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ranges from 40-60 years old.
2. Both genders will be included.
3. Unilateral plantar fasciitis.
4. Duration of symptoms more than 4 weeks.
5. Positive Windlass test and negative Tinel and calcaneus squeeze tests.
6. Patients will be classified according to their BMI (18.5 - 24.9) kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Open wound, infection in plantar surface of foot.
2. History of foot surgery.
3. History of trauma or fracture in foot or ankle.
4. Neuropathic pain as diabetes mellitus.
5. Peripheral vascular disease.
6. Calcaneal stress fracture or show evidence of a foreign body or tumor of the affected heel.
7. Previously suffered a rupture or surgery of the plantar fascia. Existing or prior osteomyelitis of the involved calcaneus.