Radial or Focus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Epin Calcanei

Investigation of The Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients Diagnosed With Epin Calcanei: Comparison of Radial and Focus Applications

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of radial and focused ESWT treatment on pain, function, and size of the calcaneal spur in patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of epin calcanei.

Methods: A total of 112 patients aged between 18 and 95 years were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 received rESWT (2.4 bar 12 hz 2000 beats), and group 2 received fESWT (0.14 bar 14 hz 1000 beats) three times a week for three weeks. All patients were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-pain and Foot Function Index (FFI) before and after the treatment, at 4 weeks and 12 weeks. Epin size was measured radiographically in the patients before and after the treatment at the 12-week follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria;

• Presence of heel pain for at least four weeks,
• Receiving no medical treatment, injection, physical or surgical treatment for the last four weeks and
• Agreed to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of fracture or surgery,
• Polyneuropathy,
• Rheumatological diseases,
• Coagulation disorders,
• Tumor,
• Thrombosis,
• Soft tissue or bone infection,
• Pregnancy and lactation,
• Epilepsy,
• Presence of a pacemaker.