The Effect of Low Dose Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy (ESWT) on Plantar Fasciitis: A Trial Study in Queen Mary Hospital

Background/Purpose: To assess the efficacy of low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Methods: This was a prospective case series study that was performed at the Department of Orthopaedics, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. Twenty-one symptomatic feet in 16 patients with persistent symptoms of plantar fasciitis despite 3 months of conservative treatment were recruited in November 2008. All patients received five sessions of low energy ESWT and their corresponding 10-point visual analogue scale scores were recorded before and after each treatment sessions for each symptomatic foot. The patients were assessed for up to 6 months post-treatment. Results: The mean visual analogue scale scores reduction for pain on first step in the morning, daily activities, and heel compression test were 2.62 (44.3%), 3 (38.3%), and 1.6 (36.8%), respectively, post-treatment. The analgesic effect was maintained in 52.3% (n = 11) of the patients at 6 months post treatment. Conclusion: Low energy ESWT was shown to be an effective outpatient treatment option for patients with plantar fasciitis.