Comparison of the Efficacy of Shock Wave Therapy and Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Comparison of the Efficacy of Low Intensity ESWT and Low Intensity LASER Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis; Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and low-intensity laser therapy on pain, functionality, plantar fascia thickness and balance in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a pathology resulting from inflammation and/or degeneration of the plantar fascia of the sole of the foot. It affects about 10% of the population. It is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain in the community and there is tenderness to palpation on the medial aspect of the heel bone. Patients complain of pain particularly with the first step in the morning and after rest. Mechanical overload and overuse can cause inflammation of the fascia. Diagnosis is usually made by clinical assessment and no further investigations are required.

In this study, 90 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be enrolled and participants will be randomised into 3 groups. The 1st group will be taught ESWT and home exercises for 1 session per week for 3 weeks and will be asked to do it every day. The 2nd group will receive 3 sessions of low intensity LASER per week for 3 weeks and will be asked to do home exercises every day. The 3rd group will only be taught home exercises and asked to do participants every day for 3 weeks. Visual analogue scale, foot function index, plantar fascia thickness measurement with USG and balance parameters will be measured at the beginning of the study, at the end of the treatment and at week 12.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female patients between 18 and 65 years of age, diagnosed with "plantar fasciitis" by anamnesis and physical examination
• Complaint duration of at least 3 months
• Patients who agree to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Complaint lasting less than 3 months
• Injection in the heel area in the last 6 months
• Use of physiotherapy modalities for the heel in the last 6 months
• Bilateral complaint
• Pregnancy
• Malignancy
• Epilepsy
• History of cardiac pacemaker
• Anticoagulant use
• History of systemic inflammatory disease
• History of lower extremity fracture or surgery
• Existing open wound in the heel area
• Patient hypersensitivity
• Systemic infection in the patient
• Uncontrolled hypertension in the patient
• Patient inability to cooperate
• History of neuromuscular disease affecting balance parameters
• Unwillingness of the patient to participate in the study