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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-02-2005 | Original Article

Ultrasonographic evaluation at 6-month follow-up of plantar fasciitis after extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Authors: Dietrich S. Hammer, Frank Adam, Andreas Kreutz, Stefan Rupp, Dieter Kohn, Romain Seil

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 1/2005

Abstract

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the ultrasonographic appearance of chronically painful, proximal plantar fasciitis.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two patients with a unilateral proximal plantar fasciitis were prospectively enrolled after unsuccessful conservative treatment lasting 6 months. The contralateral plantar fascia was used as the control. ESWT (3×3000 shock waves/session of 0.2 mJ/mm²) was performed at weekly intervals. The thickness of the plantar fascia was measured ultrasonographically about 2 cm distal of the medial calcaneal tuberosity. Pain estimation on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the comfortable walking time were recorded. No local anaesthesia was applied. Follow-up was done at 6, 12 and 24 weeks.

Results

Before ESWT, the plantar fasciitis side was ultrasonographically significantly thicker than the control side (p<0.05), whereas 6 months after ESWT, the thickness of the fascia was no longer significantly different. The decrease in thickness of the plantar fasciitis side was significant (p<0.05). Pain during activities of daily living decreased by 79% according to the VAS, and the comfortable walking time increased, both significantly (p<0.01). In patients with little pain (VAS<30), the thickness of the plantar fasciitis side was significantly less (p<0.01) compared with patients who still suffered more pain (VAS>30).

Conclusion

After ESWT, the thickness of the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis decreased, pain and walking time improved (all significantly).

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Title: Ultrasonographic evaluation at 6-month follow-up of plantar fasciitis after extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Authors: Dietrich S. Hammer
Frank Adam
Andreas Kreutz
Stefan Rupp
Dieter Kohn
Romain Seil
Publication date: 01-02-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 1/2005
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-003-0591-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Ultrasonographic evaluation at 6-month follow-up of plantar fasciitis after extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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