Analgesic effect and efficacy rate of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis: a retrospective study.

[Purpose] This study aimed to measure the analgesic effects and efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy, for which no consensus has been reached regarding optimal treatment parameters. [Participants and Methods] The study included 40 feet of 40 patients with plantar fasciitis. The visual analogue scale was used to determine the immediate and cumulative effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy as well as the efficacy rate. Efficacy was calculated as a percentage visual analogue scale change of ≥20 mm and visual analogue scale improvement of ≥60%. [Results] Immediate and continued efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy was observed and recorded. Efficacy rates based on a percentage visual analogue scale change of ≥20 mm and visual analogue scale improvement of ≥60% were both 57.5%. [Conclusion] Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy has immediate and cumulative analgesic effects on plantar fasciitis. However, cumulative results of interventions with various treatment parameters are required to determine the optimal treatment parameter settings for diffuse pressure wave therapy for plantar fasciitis.
Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest.
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